Anterior fixed Functional Space Maintainer- A Case Series
International Journal of Development Research
Anterior fixed Functional Space Maintainer- A Case Series
Received 19th February, 2025; Received in revised form 25th March, 2025; Accepted 19th April, 2025; Published online 25th May, 2025
Copyright©2025, Sk Alima. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Groper’s space maintainer is a fixed, functional space maintainer used in pediatric dentistry to preservearch length following prematureloss of primary anteriorteeth. Designed specifically for the esthetic and functional needs of young children, it consists of a band or crown on a posterior tooth connected to a wire framework that supports artificial anterior teeth. Unlike traditional space maintainers, Groper’s appliance restores not only the space but also provides esthetic replacement of missing incisors, improving speech, mastication, and self-esteem. It isparticularly useful in children where early tooth loss could affect psychological development or lead to undesirable oral habits. The appliance is cemented in place, requiring minimal maintenance and ensuring patient compliance. Groper’s space maintainer represents a solution for early anterior tooth loss, combining functionality, esthetics, and comfort in pediatric dental care.