What Is a Unilateral Space Maintainer?

Unilateral space maintainers are fixed to one side of the mouth and bilateral space maintainers are fixed to both sides of the mouth. Fixed space maintainers can be unilateral or bilateral. Space maintainers also can be placed on the mandibular or maxillary arch.

What is a bilateral space maintainer?

Bilateral space maintainers are placed after teeth are lost on both sides of the mouth. Common types include the transpalatal arch, lingual arch, and Nance arch.

What are the different types of space maintainers?

There are four types of fixed space maintainers that a pediatric dentist can use to care for your child's teeth. These different types are crown and loop, distal shoe, lingual, and unilateral.