Evaluation of Efficiency of Distal Shoe Space Maintainer: A Systematic Review

Aim: A space deficiency in the dental arch may result from the early loss of a second deciduous molar before the eruption of the first permanent molar. In this circumstance, the Distal Shoe Space Maintainer (DSSM) is recommended to prevent space loss. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of this device. Materials and Methods: PUBMED, Cochrane libraries, Google scholar, Ebsco, and Science Gov. were all thoroughly searched. The effectiveness of DSSM as measured by patient tolerance and gingival response to DSSM was our main outcome goal. Also, we evaluated each study’s quality and design. Results: Eleven publications that fit the criteria for inclusion were examined after duplicates were removed. These papers were eventually chosen and thoroughly examined. The studies provided insufficient details regarding the efficacy of space maintenance or gingival response to the DSSM. Conclusion: The main concern is to provide maximum benefit to the patient with minimum discomfort, maximum effectiveness, more cooperation and less chair-side time which can be achieved by the modified distal shoe appliance when compared with the conventional, as it was more stable and required less chair-side time. Though the appliances were designed keeping all the basic requirements in mind, it is firmly recommended to assess more patient-centered outcomes of DSSMs.