Space control in the primary and mixed dentitions.

Space control has been distinguished from space maintenance. The difference is not a semantic one. Space control calls upon the dentist to apply his knowledge of occlusal development to the patient's condition. It infers assessment and re-evaluation. Space maintenance, unfortunately, sometimes becomes a routine or mechanical placement of appliances. This article has reviewed some of the variables to be considered when effecting space control: the factors that dictate appliance selection and some of the more common appliances used for space control today. No formula has been recommended for the application of appliances. Rather, the dentist has been urged to review the variables and re-evaluate his decisions according to the dynamic development of the patient's dentition.