RESUMEN
Objective@#To study the effect of a space stabilizing device on the capacity for osteogenesis in the bone-grafted area. @*Methods@#Patients with anterior teeth defects as well as labial alveolar ridge defects were randomly divided into two groups: the experimental group was treated using a space stabilization device after guided bone regeneration whereas the control group received regular guided bone regeneration. The CBCT data was analyzed prior to, immediately and 6 months after procedure to compare the osteogenesis with or without the device.@*Results@#Seventeen bone-grafted sites were examined(7 in the experimental group and 10 in the control group). At 2 mm and 4 mm below the alveolar ridge, the horizontal bone resorption rate in the experimental group was significantly lower than the corresponding level in the control group(P=0.001). The horizontal bone resorption rate at 2 mm below the alveolar ridge of each group was significantly higher than that at 4 mm below the alveolar ridge in corresponding groups(P=0.003). @*Conclusion@#The space stabilizing device used in this study has a positive clinical impact on preserving space stability and minimizing bone resorption.