Traction of the lower second premolar by application of band-loop space maintainer in an autistic child

A band-loop space maintainer, with a hook attached at the tip of the loop, was used to induce eruption of the lower right second premolar that slanted toward the root of the neighboring permanent first molar in an 11-year-old autistic child with intellectual disability. The band-loop space maintainer, which was originally not widely used, was designed to make the second premolar upright by applying traction by using the orthodontic elastic that was set up on a hook. Furthermore, this device was made as small as possible, because the boy disliked changes in his environment. He was treated for approximately 1 year by using this space maintainer. This appliance was effective in promoting eruption and making his second premolar upright. However, the neighboring permanent first molar was not inclined or impacted by a counteractive force against the traction force.