Space maintenance for early loss of a second deciduous molar using the novel W-type loop

Abstract

Background

To ensure healthy dental and occlusal development, various space maintainers are used to maintain gap spaces due to the early loss of deciduous teeth.

Case presentation

A W-shaped loop was used to maintain the gap between the extracted mandibular second deciduous molars bilaterally. Space maintenance using the W-shaped loop prevented mesial shift and inclination of the first permanent molars during eruption, and prevented the opposing teeth from overeruption by positioning the wire section parallel to the occlusal plane.

Conclusion

The newly developed W-shaped loop for space maintenance overcomes the disadvantages of distal shoe space maintainers.