Treatment Planning for the Distal Shoe Space Maintainer

Abstract

Treatment planning for the distal shoe space maintainer has been discussed, focusing on those factors of occlusion which should be considered in the total management of space during the course of treatment from the primary dentition through the mixed dentition. The major points discussed were the following: 1. Factors affecting the need for a distal shoe appliance. 2. Advantages and disadvantages of the nonfunctional and the functional appliance designs. 3. Developmental factors of occlusion affecting the design and alteration of the distal shoe appliance and the indications for additional appliance therapy in the mixed dentition. Awareness of these factors should help the dentist develop a sound long-range treatment plan, establish better communication with parents at the beginning of treatment, and achieve a better result in his efforts to manage the proper development of occlusion for his young patient who has lost a second primary molar prior to the eruption of the first permanent molar.