The Use of 3D-Printed Space Maintainers: Clinical Outcomes and Parental Satisfaction

Space maintainers (SMs) have traditionally been the treatment of choice for preventing space loss following the premature loss of primary teeth. The advent of digital dentistry has revolutionized dental care with the introduction of 3D-printed space maintainers. A systematic literature review was conducted to synthesize the existing evidence on the use of 3D-printed SMs, their clinical outcomes, and parental satisfaction. The literature review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. A predefined search strategy led to the selection of 12 studies published between 2019 and 2025. The data were analyzed narratively. An enhanced patient experience during impression-taking through a digital workflow was a significant factor contributing to patient satisfaction. The survival and failure rates of 3D-printed SMs were dependent on the material properties used in the intervention. Resin-based SMs were more prone to failure due to decementation, whereas metal-based SMs were more mechanically durable. Regarding clinical outcomes, gingival health consistently improved; however, this improvement did not persist beyond six months. No other clinical outcomes, such as Plaque Index (PI), dimensional stability, or soft tissue trauma, were reported. Evidence regarding parental satisfaction was scarce, although overall satisfaction was enhanced, mainly due to the digital impression workflow. This research gap may be attributed to the nascent stage of these interventions; however, long-term validation and efficacy studies are warranted to fully realize the potential of these technologies.