Evaluation of 3D-printed Space Maintainers Versus Conventional Space Maintainer : a Randomized Clinical Trial

Clinical Evaluation of Digitally Fabricated 3D-printed Band and Loop Space Maintainers Versus Conventional Band and Loop Space Maintainer : a Randomized Clinical Trial

This study aims to compare the clinical evaluation and patients' satisfaction of space maintainers produced by digital workflow using the 3D-printing method (3D-SMs) versus conventional band and loop space maintainers (C-SMs) produced by traditional methods.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Lower first permanent molar in active state of eruption
• Patient and parent showing cooperation and compliance.
• Medically free children.
• According to space analysis available space is less than or equal to needed space
• Primary molar loss in the last 1 week due to caries, infection, and resorption (to eliminate possible space loss)
• Caries free, non-restored buccal surfaces of the mandibular second primary molars and deciduous canines.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Children with previous allergies to stainless steel.
• There was less than one year left for the permanent tooth to erupt (to prevent possible abutment toot loss)
• The patient's oral hygiene is not sufficient and has periodontal problems (to accurately assess the periodontal effects)