Fiber Reinforced Composite Space Maintainers Versus Band and Loop Space Maintainers – A Systematic Review

Abstract

BACKGROUND Premature loss of primary teeth requires orthodontic intervention to prevent the occurrence of malocclusions in the future. The most preferred way to maintain this space is by using space maintainers. Band and loop maintainers are the most commonly used fixed space maintainers. Despite being the most effective, it has several disadvantages. Hence, the objective of this review was to compare the efficiency between fiber reinforced composite (FRC) space maintainer and the conventional band & loop space maintainer. METHODS A systematic review was performed. Electronic and hand search retrieved 260 records, 246 were screened. The intervention and outcomes were assessed in the study included for systematic review. RESULTS Seven studies were included in this systematic review. These studies compared the fiber reinforced composite and the conventional band & loop and provided results about their clinical efficacy and patient satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS Despite being one of the gold standard appliances for space maintenance, the conventional band and loop space maintainers have multiple disadvantages. The major disadvantages included failure of the appliance due to cement loss and bending of the wire. Out of the 7 articles included in this study, 6 of the articles concluded that the FRC space maintainers are as effective as the conventional band and loop. FRC space maintainers proved to be time effective, more aesthetic, has better patient acceptance and is easier to fabricate. Hence, fiber reinforced composite space maintainers can be used as a more aesthetic and effective alternative to the conventional band and loop space maintainers if proper technique and protocol is followed. KEY WORDS Space Maintainers, Band and Loop Space Maintainer, Fiber Reinforced Space Maintainer, Interceptive Orthodontics, Orthodontics