Load distribution in fixed space maintainers: a strain-gauge analysis

Pediatr Dent. 2013 Jan-Feb;35(1):E19-22.

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the biomechanics of space maintainers supported by primary and permanent teeth.

Methods: Photoelastic models of permanent and primary teeth with a single missing tooth space were cast, and band-and-loop, direct-bonded, and fiber-reinforced space maintainers were fabricated. Linear strain-gauges were bonded next to the teeth and in the middle of the missing tooth space. Strain gauge signals were quantified during 50 N and 100 N static axial load applications on the molar, maintainer, and anterior support at 10 KHz using a data acquisition device and associated computer software.

Results: Regardless of the tooth being restored, strains around the molar teeth and the maintainer region were comparable between the groups under molar and maintainer loading (P>.05). Under 100 N loading on the anterior support, the highest strains were observed in the direct-bonded group (P<.01). Direct-bonded design led to higher strains than the band-and-loop design under 100 N maintainer loading, whereas the strain output of other designs were comparable.

Conclusion: Load distribution of band-and-loop, direct-bonded, and fiber-reinforced space maintainers seem comparable, although direct-bonded maintainers could lead to higher strain concentrations in the buccal side due to bending moments.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Bicuspid / physiology
  • Biomechanical Phenomena
  • Composite Resins / chemistry
  • Cuspid / physiology
  • Dental Alloys / chemistry
  • Dental Bonding
  • Dental Materials / chemistry
  • Humans
  • Methacrylates / chemistry
  • Models, Dental
  • Molar / physiology
  • Orthodontic Appliance Design*
  • Orthodontic Appliances*
  • Orthodontic Brackets
  • Orthodontic Wires
  • Polyethylene / chemistry
  • Space Maintenance, Orthodontic / instrumentation*
  • Stainless Steel / chemistry
  • Stress, Mechanical
  • Tooth / physiology*
  • Tooth, Deciduous / physiology*

Substances

  • Composite Resins
  • Dental Alloys
  • Dental Materials
  • Methacrylates
  • futurabond NR
  • Stainless Steel
  • Polyethylene