At Fox Valley Orthodontic Laboratory, we craft custom space maintainers to help general dentists and orthodontists manage early tooth loss effectively. Our appliances preserve arch space, prevent malocclusion, and support proper eruption of permanent teeth, reducing the need for complex orthodontic intervention.
Space maintainers are critical for preventing adjacent teeth from shifting after primary tooth loss due to decay, trauma, or congenital absence. By maintaining gaps, these devices ensure optimal dental development and alignment in growing patients.
We specialize in both unilateral: band-and-loop and bilateral: Nance, TPA, and lower lingual holding arch solutions, as well as pediatric partials and flippers tailored to clinical needs. Each appliance is made with durable, biocompatible materials for comfort, longevity, and precision.
Types of Space Maintainers We Fabricate
Unilateral Space Maintainer:
Band & Loop Space Maintainer
The band and loop space maintainer is the most common unilateral appliance used to preserve space after losing a single primary molar. This fixed space maintainer consists of a stainless steel band cemented to the tooth adjacent to the missing one, with a wire loop extending across the edentulous space to prevent mesial drift of the distal tooth.
Simple and effective part of comprehensive treatment planning. The unilateral band & loop allows normal eruption of the permanent tooth while maintaining arch integrity. We fabricate band and loop space maintainers for both upper and lower arches, ensuring precise fit and optimal retention.
Key benefits include:
- Simple design that’s easy to place and monitor
- Minimal interference with oral hygiene
- Cost-effective solution for single tooth space maintenance
- Durable construction using high-grade stainless steel
Bilateral Space Maintainers:
Nance Appliance
The Nance appliance is a fixed bilateral space maintainer used on the maxillary arch. This appliance preserves arch width and length while preventing mesial migration of the upper first permanent molars, making it invaluable for orthodontists managing anchorage during active treatment and general dentists preserving leeway space.
Our Nance space maintainers feature:
- Bands on the maxillary first molars
- A palatal wire framework connecting both sides
- An acrylic button resting against the anterior palatal rugae
- Optional modifications including hooks for elastics or auxiliary springs
The Nance appliance effectively maintains bilateral space while allowing normal speech and oral function. Dentists and orthodontists rely on this appliance when multiple primary teeth are lost or when maximum anchorage is needed during orthodontic treatment.
Trans-Palatal Arch (TPA)
The trans-palatal arch (TPA) serves as both a space maintainer and an anchorage reinforcement appliance. Similar to the Nance but without the acrylic button, the TPA consists of a stainless steel wire which incorporates an adjustment loop connecting banded maxillary molars across the palate.
Orthodontists frequently use the TPA for:
- Maintaining transverse dimension
- Preventing molar rotation during space closure
- Stabilizing molars during orthodontic treatment
- Preserving arch width in growing patients
General dentists find the TPA useful for bilateral space maintenance when the anterior acrylic button of a Nance appliance might interfere with patient comfort or oral hygiene. The streamlined design makes it easier to clean while providing excellent stability.
Lower Lingual Holding Arch (LLHA)
The lower lingual holding arch is an essential space maintainer for the mandibular arch, helping preserve the naturally occurring leeway space during the transition from primary to permanent dentition. This bilateral appliance prevents mesial drift of the lower first permanent molars and maintains arch perimeter.
Pediatric Partials (Fixed)
Pediatric partials are fixed space maintainers designed to replace multiple missing primary teeth while preserving arch space and restoring function. These appliances are particularly valuable when general dentists and orthodontists need to manage extensive tooth loss in young patients due to severe decay, trauma, or congenital conditions.
Our fixed pediatric partials feature:
- Custom-fabricated frameworks using chrome-cobalt or stainless steel
- Tooth-colored acrylic or composite pontics for natural aesthetics
- Secure attachment via bands or bonded mesh pads
- Optimal occlusal contacts to maintain vertical dimension
Fixed pediatric partials help maintain proper spacing for permanent successors while restoring chewing function and supporting normal speech development. These space maintainers also provide psychological benefits by improving the child’s appearance and self-confidence during critical developmental years.
Pediatric Flippers (Removable)
Pediatric flippers offer a removable alternative for replacing missing primary teeth and maintaining space. These acrylic-based appliances are ideal when dentists need flexibility in treatment or when parents prefer a removable option for easier cleaning and adjustment.
Our pediatric flippers include:
- Lightweight acrylic base with excellent retention
- Natural-looking replacement teeth matched to existing dentition
- Stainless steel clasps for stability
- Easy adjustment capabilities as the child grows
Removable flippers serve as effective space maintainers while allowing orthodontists and general dentists to monitor eruption patterns and make modifications as needed. Parents appreciate the ability to remove the appliance for thorough cleaning, while children benefit from restored aesthetics and function.
These pediatric space maintainers are particularly useful in the anterior region where appearance is crucial, or in cases where fixed appliances might interfere with ongoing dental development. Flippers can be easily modified to accommodate erupting teeth, making them a versatile choice for managing transitional dentition.
Why Choose Fox Valley Orthodontic Laboratory?
Our commitment to quality space maintainers includes precision fabrication, fast turnaround times, and personalized service. Whether you need a simple band and loop, complex bilateral maintainer, or aesthetic pediatric partial, we deliver reliable appliances that support successful outcomes for your young patients.
