Functional Space Maintainer with Bilateral Early Loss of Primary Maxillary First Molars: NAFC.

The primary dentition plays a very important role not only in the child's growth and development but also in the guidance and eruption of permanent teeth. Premature loss of a deciduous tooth or a group of teeth will lead to a wide range of implications in the permanent dentition. The best way to avoid these problems is to preserve the primary teeth in the arch until their normal time of exfoliation. However, in cases where extraction of teeth is unavoidable due to extensive caries, the safest option to maintain arch space is by placing a space maintainer. The present case report is about a 4-year-old male patient with bilaterally decayed, nonrestorable primary maxillary first molars. After examination and radiographic investigations, it was decided to extract teeth 54 and 64. Since the permanent successors were still in Nolla's stage 4, a space maintainer was planned to prevent any migration and space loss. To encourage a positive outcome, it was decided to carry out prosthetic intervention using a Nance appliance with functional components. After the replacement of the missing teeth, a marked improvement in function, along with space maintenance, was seen. How to cite this article: Gupta A, Mohapatra A, Dutta B, et al. Functional Space Maintainer with Bilateral Early Loss of Primary Maxillary First Molars: NAFC. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2024;17(5):612-615.

From Decay to Delight: A Case Report on Esthetic Rehabilitation in Early Childhood Caries.

Early childhood caries (ECC) continues to be a major global dental health concern for young children. This case report examines a young patient's transformation from decay to delight via comprehensive esthetic treatment. ECC in a four-year-old child resulted in significant dental caries and poor esthetics. In addition to space maintenance and orthodontic examination, essential treatments included dental extractions, stainless steel crowns, and composite restorations. The result showed that the child's smile and self-esteem had been successfully restored, as well as their oral health and function. This case emphasizes the value of early intervention, multidisciplinary teamwork, and individualized treatment plans in the management of early childhood caries and the restoration of pediatric patients' oral health.

Biogenic Tooth-Integrated Fixed Functional Space Maintainer for Pediatric Use: A Novel Approach.

Preschoolers frequently experience traumatic dental injuries, particularly during their two to four years of life. The majority of these injuries result in tooth avulsion because of the alveolar bone resiliency around the primary teeth. This study explains an instance of damage sustained during play that resulted in an early knockout of the primary incisor. Hence, a biogenic tooth-integrated space maintainer was created using the natural crown of the traumatized tooth, and the child was asked to come for a regular follow-up. This treatment may be viewed as a great alternative for natural aesthetic rehabilitation as it promotes speech development, improves oral cleanliness, restores aesthetics and masticatory function, and inhibits the development of aberrant tongue habits and malocclusions.

Comparative Evaluation of Survival Rate Gingival Health and Patient's Acceptance of Conventional Band and Loop and Prefabricated Band and Loop in Primary Teeth: An In Vivo Study.

Aim: To compare and evaluate the survival rate, gingival health, and patient acceptance of traditional band and loop (B&L) and company-made B&L space maintainers in deciduous teeth-an in vivo study. Materials and methods: A total of 50 patients between 4 and 9 years of age-group, having loss of deciduous first molar in any of the arches, were included in the present study, which was divided into two groups. Group I consisted of the conventional B&L group, and group II consisted of the prefabricated B&L group. Results: The two groups showed no statistical significance in the 1st month, 3rd month, and 6th month in cement loss, failure of soldering, distortion of B&L fracture. The survival rate for the conventional group was 92%, whereas for prefabricated group was 100% at 6 months of follow-up. Company-made B&L showed significantly better gingival health (p = 0.004) at 6 months of follow-up and a better patient's acceptance rate. Conclusion: Prefabricated B&L appliances are newly developed space maintainers that are superior to conventional B&L appliances as they have a higher success rate and are more rational in design. How to cite this article: Dutta S, Gupta S, Tripathi P, et al. Comparative Evaluation of Survival Rate Gingival Health and Patient's Acceptance of Conventional Band and Loop and Prefabricated Band and Loop in Primary Teeth: An In Vivo Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2024;17(S-1):S73-S77.

Clinical Evaluation of Different Designs of Fixed Space Maintainer: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Purpose: Evaluation of survival rates for three space maintainers (SMs) of different designs compared to the standard one. Materials and methods: A total of 52 extraction sites in children aged 4-7 years with prematurely lost primary molars were selected for this study. The whole sample was divided into four groups of 13 each. In group I, Band and Loop (B&L); group II, single-sided Band and Loop (Ss B&L); group III, Direct Bonded Wire (DBW); and group IV, Tube and Loop (T&L). Children were recalled at 3, 6, 9, 12, and 15 months. Cumulative survival rates of SMs were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method with a logrank test. Results: Although there was a nonsignificant difference in the number of failed cases among all groups, the overall survival rate for group I was 69.2%, group II was 53.8%, group III was 38.5%, and group IV was 30.8% at the end of the study. The failure types for B&L were solder breakage (75% of the total failure rate) and cement dissolution (25%); for Ss B&L, they were solder breakage with lost loop (50%), soft tissue impingement (33%), and dislodgment (17%); for DBW, they were composite-wire interface debonding (75%) and enamel-composite interface debonding (25%); and finally, for T&L, they were lost T&L (56%), soft tissue impingement (22%), and total loss (22%). Conclusion: Banded SMs survived for a longer time than bonded ones, with superior performance for B&L compared to Ss B&L. In addition, bonded SMs required strict isolation conditions. DBW could be used in the maxilla rather than the mandible and was preferable for older children. How to cite this article: Hemdan ME, H El Kalla IHH, El Agamy RA. Clinical Evaluation of Different Designs of Fixed Space Maintainer: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2024;17(4):442-450.

Assessment of Knowledge and Utilization of Prefabricated Band and Loop Space Maintainers in Primary Dentition Among Dentists: A Cross-Sectional Questionnaire Study.

INTRODUCTION: Preserving primary dentition is essential for maintaining optimal oral health and development in children. Premature loss of primary teeth due to caries, infection, crowding, or trauma can necessitate orthodontic intervention and lead to various complications. Space maintainers are critical for preserving arch space until the eruption of permanent teeth, thereby preventing issues such as ectopic eruption, crowding, and malocclusion. Despite their advantages, prefabricated space maintainers (PSMs) are underutilized. This study aims to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of Indian dentists regarding PSMs in primary teeth. METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted among 100 dental practitioners in Chennai. A 10-item self-administered questionnaire, developed based on a comprehensive literature review and expert consultations, assessed demographics, knowledge of PSM indications and techniques, current practices, perceived barriers, and preferences for continuing education. The questionnaire's reliability was confirmed with a Cronbach's alpha value of 0.85. Descriptive statistics, including frequencies and percentages, were used to summarize the participants' demographic characteristics, knowledge levels, and current practices related to PSMs. RESULTS: Of the 100 respondents, 86 (86%) were males and 14 (14%) were females. Only 19 (19%) reported using PSMs, while 36 (36%) used conventional space maintainers. A significant proportion (42 (42%)) of the respondents held a master's degree in dental surgery, yet only 11 (11%) had participated in Continuing Dental Education (CDE) programs on space maintainers. The perceived benefit of PSMs being a single appointment procedure was acknowledged by 82 (82%) of the respondents, whereas 76 (76%) participants identified cost as a major drawback. Notably, 45 (45%) practitioners did not consider PSMs necessary. CONCLUSION: This survey highlights notable obstacles in the adoption of PSMs among Indian dentists, emphasizing the need for focused educational initiatives. Improving knowledge and practices related to PSMs can enhance pediatric dental care and oral health outcomes in India.

Parents' Knowledge and Awareness About the Importance of Primary Teeth and Space Maintainers in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Primary teeth are important for eating, speaking, and esthetics, as well as for guiding the eruption and maintaining the space for the permanent teeth. The best space maintainers (SM) for permanent dentition are the natural primary teeth. The aim of this study was to assess parents' knowledge and awareness of the importance of primary teeth and SM in Saudi Arabia. METHOD: This cross-sectional study invited parents who were living in Saudi Arabia via different social media platforms to complete a validated questionnaire. The data collected included demographic characteristics, questions about parents' knowledge of their children's oral hygiene, and the importance of primary teeth, as well as questions about knowledge of SM. RESULTS: A total of 392 participants completed the questionnaire. Dental problems and pain were the most common reasons for visiting the pediatric dentist (n=260; 66.3%). With respect to the age at which the first primary tooth erupted, more than half of the parents (n=270; 68.9%) knew the correct age. Only 43.3% (n=168) of the parents had received any information about SM and only 39.5% (n=155) of them knew their purpose. CONCLUSION: Most parents agree that treating primary teeth is important for their children's oral health and development. However, most are unaware of an SM's purpose. We recommend that dentists discuss SM's importance with parents actively after extracting their child's teeth. This will help increase parents' awareness and understanding of SM and encourage them to be more informed about this dental treatment option.

Assessment of space changes in the lower dental arch after the premature unit loss of a primary molar: A randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Premature loss of primary teeth presents a significant challenge in oral health, with conflicting views on using space maintainers. AIM: To assess mandibular arch space changes associated with premature lower primary molar (PM) loss with or without a space maintainer. DESIGN: A randomized clinical trial with children (6-9 years old) with premature loss of a lower PM divided into two groups: control group (CG), without a space maintainer, and intervention group (IG), with a space maintainer. Dental casts were measured at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. Linear distance; intercanine width and length; and arch width, length, and perimeter were measured. ANOVA and t-test were applied (p = .05). RESULTS: Twenty-six patients (mean: 7.3 years; standard deviation [SD]: 0.92) were included: 14 in CG and 12 in IG. CG had a greater space loss (-0.9 mm; SD: 0.45) than IG (-0.4 mm; SD: 0.61) at 3 months (p < .05). No difference between the groups was observed after 6 months (p = .610). CG decreases space at 6 months, especially with the first permanent molars without intercuspation (-2 mm; SD: 0.71; p = .007). CONCLUSION: Premature lower PM loss resulted in reduced arch space loss after 6 months, regardless of a space maintainer use. CG showed more loss of space when the first permanent molars lacked intercuspal relationship.

Stress induced on permanent mandible first molar and space maintainer under normal masticatory forces: a finite element study.

Background: The band and loop space maintainer is used to maintain the missing space of deciduous molars which are lost early. When the second deciduous molar is lost prematurely, the stress on the first permanent molar during different degrees of development may vary when it is the abutment. The design and use of the space maintainer may also lead to damage of the loop. The purpose of this article is to use the finite element method to study the stress on the first permanent molar and the loop with or without occlusal contact, with the first permanent molar of four different degrees of development serving as the abutment. We aimed to guide the clinical design and use of the space maintainer. Methods: We developed finite element models of the mandibular first permanent molar and the band and loop space maintainer, and simulated alveolar bone, periodontal ligament (PDL), enamel and dentin. The four developmental stages were 1/2 (I), 2/3 (II), 3/4 (III) and full development (IV). Ansys Workbench was used to analyze the effects of root development and occlusal contact between the loop and the opposite jaw on abutment teeth and the loop. Abutment teeth were statically loaded vertically and obliquely with a force of 70 N. The loop was statically loaded vertically with a force of 14 N. The stress on all structures and the displacement trends of the loop were calculated. Results: The stress on enamel, dentin, PDL and alveolar bone were similar, and the concentration was consistent. But if there was occlusal contact, the loop produced maximum displacement at the near middle edge of contact with the anterior teeth. When the loop was in occlusal contact with the opposing occlusal tooth, the peak value of the equivalent stress on the space maintainer under vertical load was: group I > group IV > group III > group II, and the maximum principal stress peak change was: group I > group III > group II > group IV. The change of the equivalent stress peak value of the loop under oblique load was: group I > group III > group IV > group II, and the maximum principal stress peak change was: group III > group I > group II > group IV. When the loop was not in occlusal contact with the opposing occlusal tooth, the peak value of the equivalent stress on the space maintainer under vertical load was: group IV > group I > group II > group III, and the maximum principal stress peak change was: group IV > group I > group II > group III. The change of the equivalent stress peak value of the space maintainer under oblique load was: group I > group IV > group II > group III, and the maximum principal stress peak change was: group I > group IV > group II > group III. Conclusions: Our results suggested that whenever possible, choosing the teeth with nearly complete root development as the abutment of the space maintainer is advisable. The design and use of the band and loop space maintainer should avoid occlusal contact with the occlusal teeth to prevent deformation of the loop.

A Leap Beyond Traditional Methods: A Case Report on the Horizontal Loop Distal Shoe.

This case report presents the successful management of a four-year-old male patient with pain in the lower right back tooth region. Clinical and radiographic examinations revealed the necessity for extraction of tooth 85 due to persistent infection and bone resorption, necessitating space maintenance. A modified distal shoe space maintainer, incorporating horizontal loops for enhanced adjustability, was utilized postextraction. The appliance was fabricated, cemented, and monitored through follow-up visits. At the 24-month recall, the permanent mandibular first molar (tooth 46) was clinically visible, indicating successful space maintenance. Incorporating horizontal loops into the distal shoe space maintainer represents an innovative approach in pediatric dentistry, offering clinicians a versatile tool for managing space loss and promoting optimal eruptive patterns.

Chairside digital design and manufacturing method for children's band and loop space maintainers.

OBJECTIVES: This study proposes a chairside digital design and manufacturing method for band and loop space maintainers and preliminarily validates its clinical feasibility. METHODS: Clinical cases of 10 children requiring space maintenance caused by premature loss of primary teeth were collected. Intraoral scan data of the affected children were also collected to establish digital models of the missing teeth. Using a pediatric band and loop space maintainer design software developed by our research team, a rapid personalized design of band and loop structures was achieved, and a digital model of an integrated band and loop space maintainer was ultimately generated. A chairside space maintainer was manufactured through metal computer numerical control machining for the experimental group, whereas metal 3D printing in the dental laboratory was used for the control group. A model fitting assessment was conducted for the space maintainers of both groups, and senior pediatric dental experts were invited to evaluate the clinical feasibility of the space maintainers with regard to fit and stability using the visual analogue scale scoring system. Statistical analysis was also performed. RESULTS: The time spent in designing and manufacturing the 10 space maintainers of the experimental group was all less than 1 h. Statistical analysis of expert ratings showed that the experimental group outperformed the control group with regard to fit and stability. Both types of space maintainers met clinical requirements. CONCLUSIONS: The chairside digital design and manufacturing method for pediatric band and loop space maintainers proposed in this study can achieve same-day fitting of space maintainers at the first appointment, demonstrating good clinical feasibility and significant potential for clinical application.

Success rates and failures of fixed and removable space maintainers after the premature loss of primary molars.

OBJECTIVE: The evidence base for the use of space maintainers is relatively sparce despite being used for decades after the premature loss of primary molars. This study aims to increase the dental evidence base via investigating retrospectively the success rates of prefabricated fixed and removable space maintainers inserted from 2019 to 2021 and followed up until February 2023 at a specialized university clinic and to identify reasons for any reported minor and major failure. The authors hypothesized that there is no significant difference in failure rates between fixed and removable space maintainers inserted after the premature loss of a single primary molar per quadrant. METHOD AND MATERIALS: Patients' digital records were searched yielding 645 space maintainers. After the application of inclusion criteria, 157 (67%) fixed prefabricated space maintainers in 112 children and 77 (33%) removable space maintainers in 61 children were analyzed for an average of 18.4 ± 9.5 months. RESULTS: Kaplan-Meier survival analysis with Mantel-Cox statistics showed an overall cumulative survival time of 31.6 months (SE = 1.15, 95% CI = 29.4 to 33.9). Major failure occurred significantly more in removable maintainers (n = 40/67, 59.7%), mostly due to loss of the appliance, compared to fixed space maintainers (n = 27/67, 40.3%; P < .001). The present study indicates that space maintainers were mainly placed in young children with high caries experience, where treatment was mostly possible using advanced behavior management. CONCLUSIONS: Fixed space maintainers had a significantly lower failure rate than their removable counterpart. However, both require continual repairs, preservation, or even replacement till the eruption of the permanent tooth.

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.

Longevity of Aesthetic Fixed Space Maintainers in the Anterior Area of the Pediatric Dental Patient.

Space maintenance for children at very early ages in primary molars or posterior sectors is widely used and the scientific evidence is clear as to its indications. In the anterior sectors there are doubts as to whether there is a loss of space and its use is usually accompanied by aesthetic, phonatory requirements or the completion of certain habits. In this type of aesthetic anterior maintainer, there are many medium and long-term complications that can occur. PURPOSE: To evaluate the factors determining possible complications capable of reducing the longevity of aesthetic fixed space maintainers placed due to premature loss of temporary upper anterior teeth. METHODS: Data were collected on 100 patients of 1-5 years of age requiring fixed space maintainer placement in the upper anterior area due to caries or traumatisms. RESULTS: Complications were recorded in the form of resin tooth fracture (in 41% of the cases), welding fracture (16%), detachments (28%), gingivitis (26%) and root resorptions (8%). Space maintainer placement in younger children (12-24 months of age) was associated with a significantly greater incidence of root resorptions (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Within the limits of the present study, it is concluded that fixed space maintainers would be a good treatment option in patients with prematurely missing anterior teeth, though the use of temporary first molars as abutments could imply a greater risk of failure, with a lesser incidence of root resorptions. Periodic checks and adequate measures of hygiene are essential.

Dental arch spatial changes after premature loss of first primary molars: a systematic review and meta-analysis of split-mouth studies.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate spatial changes in dental arches resulting from premature loss of first primary molars and assess the necessity of a space maintainer. METHODS: We searched the electronic databases PubMed, Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials, and EMBASE. Split-mouth studies involving unilateral premature loss of a primary first molar were included. Quality assessment of selected studies made use of the ROBINS-I tool. Mean space differences were calculated for the D + E and D spaces, arch width, arch length, arch perimeter. RESULTS: Of the 329 studies considered, 11 split-mouth studies were selected, including 246 cases in the maxilla and 217 in the mandible from 477 individuals aged 5-10 years. Over the medium-term follow-up period (6-24 months), space loss was 0.65 mm in the maxillary D + E (MD 0.65, 95% CI 0.15-1.16, P = 0.01), 1.24 mm in the mandibular D + E (MD 1.24, 95% CI 0.60-1.89, P < 0.01), and 1.47 mm in the mandibular D (MD 1.47, 95% CI 0.66-2.28, P < 0.01). There was no significant change in arch width, length, or arch perimeter between the initial and follow-up examinations (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: After premature loss of first primary molars, space can be lost, but the amount of loss would not affect arch width, length, or arch perimeter over the 6-24 months follow-up period.

Fully digital workflow for the fabrication of a tooth-colored space maintainer for a young patient.

OBJECTIVES: Preventive orthodontic therapy with a band and loop is recommended to reduce the prevalence and severity of malocclusion on premature loss of a primary molar. However, when young patients are less cooperative and have a severe gag reflex, using traditional impression methods may be challenging. The use of a conventional metal space maintainer (SM) requires manual laboratory procedures and does not provide optimal esthetics. Moreover, gingival submergence of the wire and gingivitis caused by metal structures may occur. This clinical report describes a complete digital workflow for the fabrication of a zirconia SM to overcome these limitations. CLINICAL CONSIDERATIONS: An 8-year-old boy with a band and loop SM for a missing primary mandibular right second molar presented with plaque accumulation around the band, soft tissue impingement by the loop, and loss of cement. A reverse band and loop SM had been proposed for the restoration of the primary mandibular right first molar. After conservative tooth preparation, a digital impression procedure was performed. A customized band and loop SM was designed using a computer-aided design software and milled out of the zirconia block. After sintering, the SM was luted with adhesive resin cement. CONCLUSIONS: Using an intraoral scanner, computer-aided design, and computer-aided manufacturing technology, the limitations of traditional impression procedures were overcome, and a zirconia SM with mechanical, biological, and esthetic advantages was fabricated. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Advancements in dental materials and digital technologies allow for the efficient fabrication of a tooth-colored SM with an improved patient satisfaction and reduced human error.

Three-dimensional Printed Esthetic Innovative Space Maintainer for Children with ADHD: Short Communication.

This current clinical technique describes the case report regarding single-visit fabrication, three-dimensional (3D) printing, and delivery of space maintainers in two children with severe attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. How to cite this article: Rathi N, Tirupathi, Sawarkar S. Three-dimensional Printed Esthetic Innovative Space Maintainer for Children with ADHD: Short Communication. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2023;16(6):908-910.

Banded Helical Space Regainer-an Innovative Approach for Management of Space Loss: A Case Report.

The transitory phase of the mixed dentition to a permanent one is seldom accurate, the hurdles being space loss, tooth size arch length discrepancy, early exfoliation of primary teeth, or premature eruption of permanent teeth. Space regainers are appliances used to regain and maintain space, so as to guide the unerupted tooth into the proper position in the arch. It not only maintains function and preserves arch length, but also maintains esthetics, prevents the development of deleterious oral habits, and eliminates any potential psychological damage a child could face. This case report aims to describe an effective, easy-to-fabricated, and innovatively designed space regainer that showed excellent patient compliance and was superior to the present space regainer designs/appliances. How to cite this article: Tatiya N, Kesri R, Pattanshetti K, et al. Banded Helical Space Regainer-an Innovative Approach for Management of Space Loss: A Case Report. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2023;16(6):868-870.

Three-dimensional Printing Technology: Patient-friendly and Time-saving Approach for Space Management in an Autistic Child in COVID-19 Times.

Aim and objective: The present case report comprehensively illustrates the use of a novel digital three-dimensional (3D) printed band and loop space maintainer [computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM)] for the guidance of eruption with their distinctive attribute of reduced chairside time in a home-schooled autistic child. Background: Three-dimensional (3D) printing is a promising and emerging technology in the arena of dentistry based on CAD/CAM. It has led to the production of customized 3D objects or patient-specific prostheses with accurate results achieved in a time-saving manner. 3D printing has been employed in several latitudes of dentistry; however, the applications are few in the field of pediatric dentistry. Case description: The paper describes the space management of an autistic child for the missing mandibular left primary second molar through the novel technique of 3D printed band and loop space maintainer. Clinical significance: The novel technique has definite advantages, including high precision, accuracy, fast production, and reduced patient exposure to dentists and vice versa, which has been the need of the hour since the advent of the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Conclusion: Three-dimensional (3D) printing minimizes dental aerosol-generated exposure by decreasing chairside procedural time and minimizing procedural sitting. The cost-benefit analysis, as applied to the Indian scenario, has also been computed, which makes it equally acceptable. Moreover, 3D printing reduces material waste production, offering a greener and environmentally friendly option in the coming years. The future of pediatric dentistry will evolve with signs of progress in the latest materials and technologies. How to cite this article: Yangdol P, Kalra N, Tyagi R, et al. Three-dimensional Printing Technology: Patient-friendly and Time-saving Approach for Space Management in an Autistic Child in COVID-19 Times. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2023;16(S-3):S321-S326.

Determination of proper band size for stainless steel crowns of primary second molars: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Fixed space maintainers are often used following primary tooth loss. In this process, selection of a proper band size for stainless steel crowns (SSCs) is often performed by trial and error, which increases the chairside time and risk of contamination of the tried bands with saliva, blood, and gingival crevicular fluid, necessitating their subsequent sterilization. This study is aimed at determining the proper size of prefabricated bands for all SSCs of primary second molars. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, seven examiners, including three orthodontists and four pediatric dentists attempted to select the proper band size for 24 primary second molar SSCs (3M). They selected the proper band size for each size of SSC six times in three sessions. The significance of all selected choices was carried out using the test of proportions. RESULTS: The most commonly selected bands for EU2, EU3, EU4, EU5, EU6, and EU7 SSCs were sizes 31+, 32+, 34, 35+, 37, and 38, respectively, and the proper bands for EL2, EL3, EL4, EL5, EL6, and EL7 SSCs were sizes 30, 31+, 32+, 33+, 35 and 36+, respectively. The difference in the frequency ratio of different choices for all sizes of SSCs was significant (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The current study determined the proper band size for all SSCs of primary maxillary and mandibular second molars. This information can help dental clinicians in selecting the proper band size for SSCs without trial and error.