3-D Printed space maintainers - A review

Abstract

Although the idea of a digital workflow is not new in dentistry, it has just recently started to be applied in pediatric dentistry. Fabrication of space maintainer is a time-consuming procedure that needs constant communication with the laboratory to be receive and provide patients the best outcomes. These devices maintain space created by premature tooth loss so that the erupting permanent teeth will not experience any kind of malocclusion As a result of clinician's natural curiosity 3-D printed space maintainer have been developed. The advanced CAD/CAM technology used for fabricating digital space maintainers improves patient experience and compliance. The current paper provides an insight on available conventional space maintainers and various aspects of technologically advanced digitainers.