Evaluation of Band-Loop Space Maintainers Produced With Three-Dimensional Printer and Conventional Technique

Clinical success

The clinical success rate of appliances in terms of survival time by checking both space maintainers for these failure criteria: Dissolution of the bonding cement, loop distortion/breakage, separation/breakage from solder area ( for soldered conventional band and loop space maintainer).

Evaluation of periodontal tissue changes around both space maintainers according to the periodontal pocket depth measuring

The pocket depth will be measured by probing the six sides of the teeth (mesio-buccal, mesio-lingual, disto-buccal, disto-lingual, mid-buccal, mid-lingual).

Evaluation of periodontal tissue changes around both space maintainers according to Plaque index values

Plaque index, that is running in a scale from 0 to 3 where 0 means no plaque,1 film of plaque adhering to free gingival margin,2 moderate accumulation of soft deposits on the tooth and gingival margin, and 3 means abundance of soft debris.

Evaluation of periodontal tissue changes around both space maintainers according to the gingival index values

In order to evaluate the effects of both space maintainers on periodontal tissues, gingival index values will be recorded at baseline, 6th, 12th and 18th months. Gingival index, scores from 0 to 3 where 0 no inflammation, 1slight redness no bleeding on probing, 2 redness and bleeding on probing, and 3 severe inflammation with edema and ulceration to spontaneous bleeding.

Measuring space maintaining efficiency

With the help of a digital caliper, the contact points of the teeth adjacent to the extraction space will be measured and the effective protection of the space will be monitored. First measurement will be done right before the space maintainers' placement. The caliper measurement will be repeated at the 6th, 12th and 18th months.

Comparing the two impression methods in terms of patient satisfaction.

Two different impression methods will be used for the two techniques in the impression phase required for the production of the space maintainers. For the appliance to be produced with a three-dimensional printer, digital impressions will be taken with 3Shape intraoral scanner. For the conventional space maintainer production, impressions will be taken with traditional impression spoons using alginate material. With the help of a Likert scale from 1 to 5(with the help of smiley faces), the satisfaction levels of the children about the impression phases will be measured right after the impression process finished.