Evaluation of Survival of 3 Different Fixed Space Maintainers

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to provide a comparative evaluation of the survival times and failure rates of different types of fixed space maintainers (SMs). Methods: A total of 30 4- to 10-year-olds were selected for the study. Children were divided into 3 groups, according to type of SM, namely: band and loop (B&L), direct bonded (DB), and fiber-reinforced composite (FRC). Patients were recalled once every 3 months for clinical evaluation for 1 year or until failure. The survival times of SMs were estimated by means of the Kaplan-Meier method, and confounding factors were investigated using Cox regression analysis. Results: Mean survival time was highest for B&L SMs (11.20 months), followed by DB SMs (9.20 months) and FRC SMs (6.70 months). There were statistically significant differences noted between types of SMs (log rank=11.99; P=.002). The Cox proportional hazards model revealed that age, sex, dental arch, and side of the jaw were not significantly correlated with "success of SMs" (P < 05). Conclusions: Band and loop fixed space maintainers showed superior performance in terms of both survival time and success rates versus direct bonded and fiber-reinforced composite space maintainers.