Assessment of utilizing three-dimensional space maintainer as one of the promising technologies for digital transformation in pediatric dentistry

Abstract Objective Primary teeth frequently exfoliate physiologically before the permanent teeth beneath them erupt. Early primary tooth loss and proximal caries might lead following permanent teeth to migrate mesially and cause opposing teeth to crowd, impact, and supraerupt, which can hinder this process. Installing a space maintainer is the safest technique to preserve arch space after the primary tooth is gone. The goal of this study is to compare three-dimensional (3D) printed space maintainers with typical metal bands and loops space maintainers over a 6-month period. Materials and methods Twenty children, ages 4–8, who needed space maintenance for the loss of a primary first molar in at least two quadrants due to early loss, were included in the study. In one side the traditional band and loop space maintainers were placed, while digital, 3D ones were placed on the other side, the evaluation criteria were gingival health and retention of over 6 months. Results In terms of appliance retention, the band and loop space maintainer performed better than the 3D printed space maintainer, although the 3D printed space maintainer resulted in reduced gingival inflammation. Conclusion The conventional band and loop space maintainer is as good as the 3D space maintainer for use with young patients in terms of application.