Pediatric Dentistry · single question
A 7-year-old patient has lost primary teeth L (lower left first molar) and K (lower left second molar). What is the BEST space maintainer?
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Correct answer: B. Band and loop
✓ B) Band and Loop is correct.
At age 7, if both L (primary first molar) and K (primary second molar) are lost but the first permanent molar has already erupted, a band and loop (or a modified bilateral maintainer) is used. A distal shoe is only indicated when the primary second molar is lost BEFORE eruption of the first permanent molar (to guide it into position). Since the patient is 7 and the first permanent molar (#19) is likely erupted, the distal shoe is unnecessary; a band and loop on #19 maintains the space.
At age 7, if both L (primary first molar) and K (primary second molar) are lost but the first permanent molar has already erupted, a band and loop (or a modified bilateral maintainer) is used. A distal shoe is only indicated when the primary second molar is lost BEFORE eruption of the first permanent molar (to guide it into position). Since the patient is 7 and the first permanent molar (#19) is likely erupted, the distal shoe is unnecessary; a band and loop on #19 maintains the space.
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