Technological Advancement in Space Management-Prefabricated Space Maintainers: A Case Series

Abstract

Premature loss of primary teeth in children may lead to space loss in the arch, which leads to the collapse of vertical and horizontal occlusal relationships in primary and permanent dentitions. The ideal method to preserve the space in the arch in such a scenario is to use a space maintainer appliance. Conventionally, band and loop space maintainers are the most commonly used space maintainers. However, these are associated with certain drawbacks, such as multiple appointments and extended time for fabrication. A novel invention in the form of prefabricated bands and loops has been made to offset these disadvantages. Placement of prefabricated bands and loops decreases the chairside time and omits multiple visits, hence aiding in better behavior management for the child. The present case series discusses five cases of prefabricated band and loop placement in pediatric patients.

How to cite this article: Goswami M, Johar S, Khokhar A, et al. Technological Advancement in Space Management-Prefabricated Space Maintainers: A Case Series. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2024;17(2):191-197.

Keywords: Band and loop; Case report; Prefabricated band and loop; Space maintainers.

Fig. 1:

Band and loop space maintainer; band: it is the part that is adapted onto the abutment tooth; it is made up of 0.005 inch thick stainless steel wire; the band is placed 0.5 mm subgingivally and occlusally; it is 1 mm below the marginal ridges; crib: it is that part of the space maintainer that spans the edentulous ridge; the crib follows the contour of the edentulous ridge and is placed 1 mm above it; loop: this part encircles the abutment tooth; it is 0.032 inches in diameter; the loop should be placed above the contact area

Figs 2A to I:

(A and B) Armamentarium; (C) Assessing the mesiodistal diameter of the tooth; (D) Assessing the mesiodistal diameter of the band; (E) Checking the fit of the band; (F) Adjusting loop size; (G) Attaching the loop to the band; (H) Checking the fit of band and loop; (I) Adjusted band and loop for final placement

Figs 3A to H:

(A) Intraoral preoperative maxillary occlusal view; (B) Intraoral preoperative mandibular occlusal view; (C) Intraoral frontal view; (D) Radiograph showing nonrestorable carious teeth with respect to 74 with furcal involvement; (E) Maxillary occlusal view after mouth preparation; (F) Mandibular occlusal view after mouth preparation; (G) Band and loop cementation with respect to 75; (H) Radiograph showing band and loop with respect to 75

Figs 4A to H:

(A) Intraoral preoperative maxillary occlusal view; (B) Intraoral preoperative mandibular occlusal view; (C) Intraoral frontal view; (D) Radiograph showing nonrestorable carious teeth with respect to 84 with furcal involvement; (E) Maxillary occlusal view after mouth preparation; (F) Mandibular occlusal view after mouth preparation; (G) Band and loop cementation with respect to 85; (H) Radiograph showing band and loop with respect to 85

Figs 5A to H:

(A) Intraoral preoperative maxillary occlusal view; (B) Intraoral preoperative mandibular occlusal view; (C) Intraoral frontal view; (D) Radiograph showing nonrestorable carious teeth with respect to 74 with furcal involvement; (E) Maxillary occlusal view after mouth preparation; (F) Mandibular occlusal view after mouth preparation; (G) Band and loop cementation with respect to 75; (H) Radiograph showing band loop with respect to 75

Figs 6A to H:

(A) Intraoral preoperative maxillary occlusal view; (B) Intraoral preoperative mandibular occlusal view; (C) Intraoral frontal view; (D) Radiograph showing nonrestorable carious teeth with respect to 84 with furcal involvement; (E) Maxillary occlusal view after mouth preparation; (F) Mandibular occlusal view after mouth preparation; (G) Band and loop cementation with respect to 85; (H) Radiograph showing band and loop with respect to 85

Figs 7A to H:

(A) Intraoral preoperative maxillary occlusal view; (B) Intraoral preoperative mandibular occlusal view; (C) Intraoral frontal view; (D) Radiograph showing nonrestorable carious teeth with respect to 84 with furcal involvement; (E) Maxillary occlusal view after mouth preparation; (F) Mandibular occlusal view after mouth preparation; (G) Band and loop cementation with respect to 85; (H) Radiograph showing band loop with respect to 85