Comparative evaluation of the clinical success of 3D-printed space maintainers and band-loop space maintainers.

BACKGROUND: Exploring the integration of 3D-printing technology in space maintainer (SM) manufacturing could offer innovative solutions and insights for enhancing SMs. AIM: To compare the clinical success, retention, and periodontal effect of traditional band-loop (TBL) SMs with 3D-printed SMs. DESIGN: Seventy children (mean age: 6.99 ± 1.18) were divided into two groups. Laser sintering (LS) group (n = 34): Patients were scanned with an intraoral scanner. SMs were produced with LS 3D-printing method from a titanium-based metal powder. T group (n = 36): Impressions were taken with alginate. SMs were produced by adjusting the bands and soldering the wires on the model. The retention and effects on oral hygiene of the SMs were evaluated at the sixth month. Preference for impression technique was assessed by a five-question survey. RESULTS: Thirty-eight percent of T SMs and 66% of LS SMs failed (p = .007). The mean survival time was significantly higher in the T group (p = .035). No difference was found between the initial and control full-mouth Gingival Index (GI) and Plaque Index (PI) values of the two groups. Both groups had increased GI/PI values in abutment teeth. Patients in the LS group interpreted their impression experience more positively. CONCLUSION: It is important to provide oral hygiene education before applying fixed SMs and utilize more digital workflow in paediatric dentistry.

Multidisciplinary approach to multiple dental anomalies in pediatric patients: a case report with 4-year follow-up.

The objective of this article is to report the clinical case and 4-year follow-up of a 5-year-old child with multiple dental anomalies, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and use of combined pediatric surgery and orthodontic approaches. A 5-year-old boy, accompanied by his mother, sought dental care for dental caries and tooth pain. Clinical and radiographic examinations revealed active caries, a supernumerary primary tooth in the region of the mandibular right second premolar, and severe ankylosis of the primary mandibular right second molar. The treatment plan involved extraction of the supernumerary tooth as well as sectioning and extraction of the ankylosed molar. When the patient was 6 years old, the permanent mandibular right first molar showed signs of an altered eruptive process, and orthodontic treatment was initiated. A unilateral band-and-loop space maintainer with coil springs designed to move the permanent first molar was placed on the primary first molar. A new panoramic radiograph, obtained when the patient was aged 7 years, suggested the presence of an odontoma in the apical region of the primary maxillary right canine. Surgical removal and histopathologic examination of the lesion confirmed that it was a developing odontoma. After surgery, due to occlusal anomalies that included transverse maxillary deficiency, deep overbite, and midline deviation, the patient underwent rapid maxillary expansion therapy with a Haas-type appliance. When the patient was 8 years old, orthodontic treatment continued with a removable palatal Hawley expander and a orthodontic mandibular lingual arch. Currently, at the age of 9 years, the child is still undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment after surgical exposure of the impacted permanent maxillary right canine and bonding of an orthodontic attachment to enable traction. A multidisciplinary approach to the management of dental anomalies promotes a favorable prognosis and ensures comprehensive treatment of young patients.

Arm design of band and loop space maintainer affects its longevity: a patient-specific finite element study.

Fixed space maintainers (FSMs) are commonly utilized in pediatric dentistry to prevent space loss following premature tooth extraction. Although previous studies have examined the survival rates and causes of FSM failure, the impact of arm design on failure has not been investigated. This study aimed to investigate the tensile and compressive stresses related to FSMs with different arm designs and evaluate the effect of arm designs on FSM failure. Cone beam computed tomography images of a child who experienced premature loss of a primary mandibular left second molar tooth were retrieved from our database, then processed and simulated using the Rhinoceros software. Finite element analysis was performed to evaluate the stresses on four distinct FSM arm designs under simulated chewing forces. The results showed that the straight-arm FSM design exhibited the highest von Mises principal stress, while FSMs with curved arms and surrounding primary mandibular left first molar in the mesial area demonstrated the lowest von Mises stress accumulation. Intense stress accumulation on the distal surface of tooth 74 was observed in the test models due to the transmitted forces by the FSM. The maximum principal stresses accumulated at the base of the alveolar socket of the mesial root of tooth 36, while the minimum principal stresses were identified at the mesio-marginal area of the alveolar crest. The arm design played a crucial role in enabling the appliance to effectively withstand the stresses accumulating on the Space maintainer (SM) and orthodontic band. Bending the SM arms to match the surrounding profile with curvature increased the stress absorption capacity by increasing the arm length.

Distal guide as a substitute for distal shoe space maintainer: a case series study.

Early loss of the primary second molar (DSM) before the eruption of the permanent first molar (PFM) may result in its mesial drift during the eruption. Traditionally, a distal shoe space maintainer is used in this situation to control the path of eruption and preserve the space. However, considering its disadvantages, an alternative appliance needs to be developed for guiding the unerupted PFM. The purpose of this article is to represent an innovative design for preserving space after the early loss of the DSM, describe the fabrication process, and present some data on the successful results of using the appliance in five cases.

Short-term efficacy of vacuum-formed maintainer for deciduous second molar space maintenance in the mixed dentition: A single-centre, randomized controlled clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of vacuum-formed and banded space maintainers for deciduous second molar space maintenance during the mixed dentition. SETTING AND SAMPLE POPULATION: The study sample comprised thirty children in the mixed dentition (age range, 5.9 to 9.8 years) with early loss of at least one deciduous second molar. METHODS: This was a parallel-group, randomized, active-controlled clinical trial. Patients were randomly allocated to space maintenance performed with vacuum-formed or banded space maintainers with a 1:1 allocation ratio. The main outcome was any change in mesiodistal width of the extraction space. Secondary outcomes included the lingual rolling or axial rotation of the permanent first molar adjacent to the extraction site and extrusion of the antagonist tooth. Dental casts were obtained before appliance installation (T0), after 3 months (T1) and after 6 months (T2). Digital dental casts were measured using Dolphin 3D software. Chi-square, t test or Mann-Whitney and ANOVA or Friedman test were used for intra- and intergroup comparisons (P < .05). RESULTS: Baseline characteristics were similar between groups except for chronological age. Statistically, but not clinically significant space loss (mean, 0.32 mm; SD, ± 0.39) occurred with the vacuum-formed space maintainer only at the first trimester (T0-T1). Lingual rolling and axial rotation of the first permanent molar were not significant, as well as extrusion of the antagonist tooth. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggested that both tested devices were effective in maintaining space after early extraction of the deciduous second molar over a period of 6 months.

3D Printed Band and Loop Space Maintainer: A Digital Game Changer in Preventive Orthodontics.

Premature loss of primary molars often leads to loss of arch circumference in the primary and mixed dentition. It can lead to malpositioning and even impaction of permanent tooth, if not prevented. Space maintainers in preventive orthodontics, are imperative in maintaining arch integrity. Band and loop space maintainers are indicated whenever there is premature loss of primary molar. The conventional band and loop space maintainer is most routinely fabricated, but poses certain limitations. Three-dimensional (3D) printing in digital dentistry is one of the major developments in dentistry. It replicates the dental cast in the most accurate forms. This allows for supreme precision and minimal human errors. Besides decreasing the laboratory procedures, it has the least chance of failure or breakage. The current case report discusses 3D printing technology for the fabrication of band and loop space maintainer, which can revolutionize preventive orthodontics for children.

Comparative Analysis of Space Maintenance Using Transpalatal Arch and Nance Button.

The aim of this manuscript analyses the efficacy of Transpalatal Arch (TPA) and Nance Button (NB) in maintaining space after the premature loss of upper primary molars. STUDY DESIGN: 54 subjects who needed space maintenance in the upper arch (23 in the TPA group and 31 in the NB group) and had radiographic follow-up until the appliance removal were enrolled in the study. The space loss was obtained from measurements carried out in initial and final radiographs. Type of dental loss and changes in molar relationship were also recorded. RESULTS: The mean of space loss in the TPA group was 1.336mm, while in the NB group was 0.695mm, with no statistically significant differences between the total space loss neither the type of dental loss within the NB or TPA group (p >0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The loss of space in the unilateral second primary molar is higher in the TPA group than in the NB group, with significant statistically differences (p<0.05). It is concluded that the loss of the leeway space using a TPA as a space maintainer is greater than using a NB.

Evaluation of Skeletal and Dental Effects of Lower Lingual Arches.

OBJECTIVE: A lower lingual arch is usually recommended as a holding device to maintain arch length and to prevent mesial migration of the mandibular first molars. Despite its widespread use, comparatively little is known about the effects of a lower lingual holding arch on preservation of lower arch dimensions and tooth position and the impact of the device on mandibular growth. The aim of this study is to evaluate the skeletal and dental effects of the lower lingual holding arch with regard to arch dimension, positions of mandibular molars and incisors, and usual mandibular growth. STUDY DESIGN: Thirty-four children (18 males and 16 females) who needed space maintainers were included in the present study. The patients were divided into two groups according to whether they were missing second primary molars on one or both sides. Group I comprised 16 children (8 males and 8 females, average age 8.8 ± 0.9 years) with a missing second primary molar on one side; Group II comprised 18 children (10 males and 8 females, average age 8 ± 0.7 years) with extractions on both sides. Lateral cephalograms, dental pantomograms, and study casts of the patients were taken at the beginning and the end of the study period. Average treatment time was 20.4 ± 4 months. RESULTS: Lower incisors moved forward and Incisor Mandibular Plane Angle (IMPA°) increased in both treatment groups. Statistically significant differences between the groups were found when comparing pre-treatment and post-treatment arch dimension and position of mandibular molars. Results were better for lingual arches with extraction on one side than with extraction on both sides Conclusions: A lingual arch seems to be an effective tool for maintaining arch length, and was not found to impair mandibular growth.

Relative positional change of a dental implant in the esthetic zone after 12 years: a case report.

Although the biological process of osseointegration is similar in adults and adolescents, implant placement is contraindicated in young patients until bone growth is complete. However, even in adults, significant craniofacial changes may occur over an individual's lifetime, as a result of discrete and continuous dental eruption, vertical soft tissue augmentation, or facial bone growth. After such changes, implants may be in infraocclusion. The present case report describes the long-term follow-up of a dental implant located in the esthetic zone. The implant, placed when the patient was 20 years old, demonstrated a relative positional change 12 years postinsertion. The possible reasons for the movement and the long-term clinical implications of this type of case are discussed.

Clinical Success of Fiber-reinforced Composite Resin as a Space Maintainer.

INTRODUCTION: The early loss of deciduous molars is a frequently encountered problem in dentistry. Various space maintainer designs were developed to prevent the loss of the space. The aim of this study was to evaluate long-term clinical performance and survival rates of fiber-reinforced composite resin (FRCR) as a space maintainer clinically. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was designed on 44 children who had early missed deciduous molars. Space maintainers were prepared on plaster models of patients and fixed directly to the adjacent teeth. Survival rate and whether it causes any damage to adjacent teeth were examined clinically and radio-graphically for 24 months or until failure. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used for the statistical analyses. RESULTS: Overall, 16.2% of space maintainers were dislodged and accepted to be failed at the end of 12 months. At the 24-month control, 52.2% success was stated with the FRCR space maintainer and because of permanent tooth eruption, 31.8% of space maintainer were taken out. The mean duration of space maintainers was measured to be 14.8 ± 3.48 months. There was no statistical significance between survival time and gender, tooth number, localization, and measured space (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: After all 24 months follow-up, as well as esthetic properties of FRCR space maintainer, their applicability in a single seance and strength against the forces are determined as the advantages of the technique. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The FRCR space maintainers can be thought of as alternatives to metal space maintainers.

Changes in periodontal and microbial parameters after the space maintainers application.

AIM: This study aims to evaluate the clinical and microbiological changes accompanying the inflammatory process of periodontal tissues during treatment with space maintainers (SMs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The children were separated into fixed (Group 1, n = 20) and removable (Group 2, n = 20) appliance groups. A full periodontal examination, including probing pocket depth (PPD), bleeding on probing (BOP), and plaque index (PI), was performed. Anaerobic microorganisms in the crevicular fluid were detected with the culture method. Clinical and microbial evaluations were performed before (T0) applications. as well as at three (T1), and 9 months intervals (T2) after the application of the fixed or removable appliances. RESULTS: The PI, PPD, and BOP scores at the testing sites of both groups increased significantly from before treatment (T0) to the 9 months' time frame (T2) (P < 0.05), The presence of anaerobic bacteria in the subgingival dental plaque increased from T0 (n = 13, 65%) to T1 (n = 16, 80%) in the fixed SM group, but not statistically significant. The same values were obtained in T1 and T2 (n = 16, 80%). CONCLUSION: Although, the results of this study demonstrate that the application of fixed or removable SM appliances in children induced an increase of clinical periodontal parameters, anaerobic microbiota consisting of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Tannerella forshia were not observed in any of the samples in short-term. Further long-term and comprehensive investigations are necessary.

A Proposed Method for Covering a Mini-Screw Head While Maintaining Space for Ligation.

The use of mini-screws, also known as temporary anchorage devices (TADs), to obtain absolute anchorage has become very popular in orthodontics. Nevertheless, potential complications, including traumatic soft tissue lesions, accompany their use. We propose a method to cover the mini-screw head to prevent traumatic soft tissue lesions and promote patient comfort, while maintaining some separation between the composite resin and the peri-implant tissue.

The Hawlix: a simple and aesthetic prosthetic- orthodontic retainer.

This report introduces the Hawlix, a hybrid thermoformed and cold-cured retainer. It was developed to overcome the limitations that modified Hawley retainers possess when used in patients with bounded saddles, attributable to dental trauma or hypodontia. The Hawlix can be used as an intermediate retainer while a patient is waiting to receive restorative treatment. Some of the advantages of the Hawlix over the modified Hawley retainer include: superior aesthetics, cost-effectiveness, ease of manufacture, adequate resistance to fracture, preservation of a residual ridge, and precise space maintenance.

Space loss following premature loss of primary second molars.

This study was designed to evaluate the amount of space loss (SL) caused by premature loss of primary second molars, determine whether the eruption status of permanent first molars is an important factor in the amount of SL, and evaluate the effectiveness of space maintainers (SMs) in SL prevention. SL associated with 100 prematurely extracted primary second molars was evaluated in 87 healthy patients. Teeth were divided into groups based on the use of SMs (36 with SM and 64 without SM). Bitewing and periapical radiographs taken before extraction and 6, 12, 24, 36, and 48 months after extraction were used to determine the amount of SL. Not every patient attended every recall appointment, so the sample size varied at different evaluation times. The most significant amount of SL occurred in the first 12 months after extraction. In patients who did not use an SM, at 6 months there was a mean SL of 2.12 mm (SD, 1.65 mm) and at 12 months there was a mean of 4.02 mm (SD, 1.65), with significantly more SL in the first 6 months (P < 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in the amount of SL found at 12 and 24 months (P > 0.05). When patients without an SM were grouped by the eruption status of the permanent first molar, there was significantly more SL in the groups with unerupted first molars than there was in the groups with erupted first molars at both 6 months (P < 0.001) and 12 months (P < 0.05). At both 6 and 12 months, the amount of SL in patients who had an SM (n = 13 and n = 14, respectively) was not significantly different from the amount of SL in those who did not have an SM (n = 33 and n = 23, respectively). SMs should be placed as soon as possible following tooth extraction to prevent undue SL. Placement of an SM a year or more after extraction has minimal benefit, since most SL takes place within the first year. SL does occur even when SMs are used.

Multi-disciplinary management of a patient with a post-traumatised incisor presenting concurrent replacement and inflammatory resorption: a case report.

This case report describes the multidisciplinary management of a young male who presented with a Class I incisor relationship and bi-maxillary dento-alveolar protrusion on a Class I skeletal base. The occlusion was complicated by an ankylosed and moderately infra-positioned upper left permanent central incisor, an anterior crossbite, crowding, a reduced overbite and centreline discrepancy. The incisor was traumatised and avulsed when the root was immature and the tooth was reimplanted with delay. On referral for orthodontic treatment at age 11 .5 years, the upper left central incisor was experiencing ankylosis-related (osseous replacement) resorption and external root resorption simultaneously. Aside from the orthodontic aims, it was important to address the disrupted alveolar development to facilitate later prosthodontic replacement of the upper left permanent central incisor by idealising the inter-coronal and inter-radicular spaces. Treatment consisted of fixed orthodontic appliances in conjunction with the extraction of all second premolars and the upper left permanent central incisor with episodic surgical curettage. An upper Hawlix retainer was provided immediately at debond and a cantilevered resin-retained bridge was placed four months later.

Follow-up problems with fixed appliances in pediatric dentistry.

Fixed appliances are commonly used in managing early orthodontic problems. Despite their widespread use, they have the potential to impinge on the soft tissues, interfere with the eruption of adjacent teeth and become dislodged or broken. These two case reports present the poor outcomes of fixed appliance treatments if the patient fails to attend follow-up appointments. A successful outcome of treatment with fixed appliances depends upon proper patient selection and the communication skills of the dentist to help patients/parents understand the importance of regular checkups.

Multiple Radiolucencies of the Jaws in a 6 Year Old.

Radiolucencies of the jaws are a common finding. Mostly, they are isolated findings associated with inflammatory processes and consistent with inflammatory periapical disease, such as periapical cysts and periapical granulomas. If associated with the crowns of unerupted teeth, they may represent dentigerous cysts. However, occasionally, larger lytic/radiolucent lesions are identified; even more infrequently, these radiographic findings may be multiple and concurrent. The purpose of this report is to present the case of a 6-year-old female patient with no known concomitant syndrome who presented with multiple intraoral swellings and to discuss the treatment of multiple, bilateral mandibular and maxillary radiolucencies.

[Evaluation of clinical efficiency of various space maintainers in premature loss of deciduous molars].

The paper presents the results of two years observation of clinical application of three variants of space maintainers in early primary molars loss. Sixty-five children aged 6-12 years were included in the study. The most common problems when using fixed space maintainers is a deformation of intermediate part seen in 58.3% of children when applying crown (ring) with bracer. Support elements debonding at stabilizing devise fixed directly to tooth enamel is registered in 49.6% of children. Cementation releasing of support elements is observed by the application of crown (ring) with bracer at 45.8% of children.

Agenesis of maxillary second premolar--diagnosis and clinical management.

Controlling the eruption and development of dentitions is fundamental for a good oral health. The early diagnosis and adequate treatment of occasional developmental disorders are essential to achieve occlusal, functional and esthetic harmony. Abnormality is the term used for classification of alterations and is the most common developmental anomaly in humans. Even though several factors causing tooth malformations have been identified, many are still partially understood, thus requiring a more thorough study. Anyway, the available knowledge provides bases to attempt the early diagnosis of tooth abnormalities, to allow the adoption of preventive and effective therapeutic approaches.

Transposition of maxillary canine to central incisor site: aetiology, treatment options and case report.

Dental transposition is relatively infrequent anomaly of the developing dentition. This article focuses on canine transposition and explores the aetiology, diagnosis and treatment of this challenging anomaly. Specifically, the management of a case of canine transposition involving an unerupted maxillary central incisor is described.