LAUSR

AIM The aim of this in vitro study is to comparatively evaluate the band fit of the metallic band-loop space maintainers fabricated by conventional and 3D printing technology for clinical applications. DESIGN Sixteen digital intraoral impressions were selected and resin models were printed with 3D printer. Forty band-loop space maintainers were fabricated (n=20 for conventional group and n=20 for digital group). To evaluate the band fit of conventional and CAD/CAM fabricated space maintainers, cement space was visualized with low viscosity condensation silicone material on resin models. Digital evaluation was done by dual scan method superimposing two scans of resin models covered with or without a silicone layer on the abutment tooth. The mean quadratic deviation (Root Mean Square, RMS) was calculated. RMS values between the groups were evaluated with Student-t test. Statistical significance was set as p <0.05. RESULTS No statistical significance was found between the conventional and digital groups (p=0.56). CONCLUSIONS Within the limitations of this study, the band fit of conventional and CAD/CAM-fabricated space maintainers had no difference. There is a need for studies about CAD/CAM-fabricated appliances regarding other aspects such as fracture strength and patient comfort.