Fiber-reinforced composites as a fixed space maintainer in case of primary tooth loss

Restorative dentistry is continually changing, with ground-breaking treatments developing based on new materials, techniques, and technologies. Composite materials are a leading example, and the introduction of fiber reinforcement has further increased the possible uses of composites in restorative dentistry. Maintaining arch length during primary, mixed, and early permanent dentition is essential for the development of occlusion. In an effort to prevent future problems, appliances may be placed to retain space resulting from early loss of teeth. In case of primary teeth loss, fixed space maintainers are being used, but these are time consuming to fabricate, and incorporated wires may lead to soft tissue trauma. This clinical case uses fiber-reinforced composite as a space maintainer, thus reducing the time required to complete treatment. In spite of best efforts of practicing dentists, there still remains a large percentage of the population who do not present for treatment, except with pain or other condition. Unfortunately some of those individuals are children, who are not in a position to make the difficult decision to visit the dentist independently. Often by the time they are examined, there is no chance of saving the involved tooth, necessitating extraction and space maintenance. To prevent closure of space and arch length deficiency, appliances may be placed to retain space. Different appliances may be used for space maintenance, such as the removable and fixed space maintainers, but they are difficult and time consuming to construct. Also, the attention span of a child patient is insufficient for this treatment protocol. Considering these difficulties, the clinician could choose the option of a space maintainer, which is less time consuming to fabricate, and for which patient acceptance is optimal.