Space management therapy is an imperative segment of pediatric orthodontics performed in growing children. This protocol includes preservation and utilization of arch space with space maintainer and space regainer appliances. The frequently used fixed space maintainers in Pediatric Dentistry are Band and Loop, Lingual Arch, Nance palatal arch and Transpalatal arch space maintainers. 1, 2
The lingual arch appliance has a long history of use with varied modifications evolving over time. This is a fixed type of space maintainer which can be used in either active or passive form.
It is known for its multifarious functions:
Space maintainer: It is unequivocally used as a fixed active or passive space maintainer in mixed dentition of growing children with early loss of one or more primary teeth in the lower arch unilaterally or bilaterally. It is an elusive appliance used to preserve arch length and thus its use is a widely accepted procedure in preventive and interceptive orthodontics. 1
Saviour of Leeway Space: It is very effective appliance to preserve ‘Leeway Space of Nance’ which further enunciate its role in arch preservation. Lingual arch has been used to maintain the arch length by preventing mesial migration of the molars and lingual collapse of incisors. 3
Management of mandibular crowding: Arch length deficiency as a result of early loss of primary teeth may lead to the development of crowding, impaction and irregularity of permanent dentition. It can be very efficiently used in treating mild to moderate crowding of mandibular arch. 3, 4
Stability of arch: It also controls the vertical eruption of permanent molars and incisors and thus stabilizes the arch. 1, 4
Preservation of ‘E’ space: It can also be used to maintain the ‘E’ space to preserve the space for succedaneous premolar. 5
