Children’s satisfaction and survival rate of fiber-reinforced space maintainer versus band and loop space maintainer in children with premature loss of maxillary primary first molar

Abstract

Background: Band and loop space maintainer (BLSM) are well tolerated and long-lasting appliances, but it comes with several drawbacks, including longer lab times, more frequent cement loss dislodgements, longer visits, and the inability to avoid the rotation or tilting of neighboring teeth. These limitations motivate the search for alternative appliance such as fiber-reinforced space maintainers. Aim of the study: Evaluation of children’s satisfaction and survival rate of fiber-reinforced space maintainer versus band and loop space maintainer in children with premature loss of maxillary primary 1st molar. Materials and Methods: Thirty patients, randomly divided into two groups (n=15). BLSM group: which included (15) patients who receive band and loop space maintainer. FRSM group: which included (15) patients who were received fiber-reinforced space maintainer. The patients were evaluated for satisfaction based on Likert -type scale and survival rate. Results: The FRSM group showed a higher satisfaction score than BLSM group. For survival rate the fiber-reinforced space maintainers showed a greater success rate than band and loop space maintainers. Conclusions: The FRSM can be used as an alternative to BLSM regarding clinical performance and patient’s satisfaction in children with premature loss of maxillary 1st primary molars.