Oral Health and Dental Management

Abstract

Evaluation of Posterior Fixed Functional Space Maintainers Made of Fiber Reinforced Composite

Yassa Mina Kamal, Khattab Nagwa Mohammed

Aim of the study: Evaluation of posterior fixed functional space maintainers made of fiber reinforced composite in terms of clinical performance, patient satisfaction and effect on oral health. Methods: (I) In vitro study: Mean flexural strength values were determined for composite resin bars reinforced with one and two fiber bundles compared to unreinforced composite bars. (II) In vivo study: A randomized controlled split mouth clinical trial was carried out to evaluate fixed functional fiber reinforced composite space maintainer compared to band and loop space maintainer in fifteen children with premature bilateral loss of the first primary molar. Results: There was a statistically significant difference in flexural strength between the fiber-reinforced composite groups and the composite resin control group. Mean flexural strength for composite specimens reinforced with two fiber bundles was much higher than the normal occlusal forces. Combination of clinical performance and effect on oral health, the overall clinical success rate of fiber reinforced composite space maintainers was 93.3% while it was 80% for the band and loop. Parents and patients reported higher satisfaction with fiber reinforced composite space maintainers. Conclusion: Fiber reinforced composite space maintainers can be recommended as superior alternative to band and loop space maintainers in terms of clinical performance, effect on oral health and patients' satisfaction.