title: The esthetic space maintainer.
abstract: This article describes why it is important to replace the maxillary primary incisors when they are prematurely lost in children. The consequences of not replacing these teeth in relation to speech, esthetics, and self-image considerations are provided. A step-by-step description is presented for the fabrication of an esthetic appliance, which can be easily made to replace missing maxillary primary incisors. In addition, information is presented on when and how to remove the esthetic appliance.
authors.affiliation: University of Illinois, College of Dentistry, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
authors.forename: F S
authors.initials: FS
authors.lastname: Margolis
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003779:Denture Design; D003830:Denture, Partial, Fixed; D006801:Humans; D007180:Incisor; D007576:Jaw, Edentulous, Partially / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D008437:Maxilla; D012649:Self Concept; D013027:Space Maintenance, Orthodontic / Q000295:instrumentation*; D013064:Speech Disorders / Q000517:prevention & control; D016388:Tooth Loss / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D014094:Tooth, Deciduous