Evaluation of a novel fixed-space maintainer made of light-cured acrylic resin: an in vitro study

This in vitro study evaluated a fixed-space maintainer made of light-cure acrylic resin (LCAR) by assessing its flexural and shear bond strength using different bonding systems to enamel. Forty-five extracted primary teeth were divided into three groups (n=15), each using a different adhesive system (Transbond XT, Tetric Flow, and Fuji Ortho LC). Transbond XT showed the highest bond strength, followed by Tetric Flow, and then Fuji Ortho LC. ANOVA revealed significant differences between groups. ARI scores showed no significant differences in debond sites. The mean flexural strength of LCAR was 82.83 ± 5.2. The study suggests LCAR possesses superior mechanical properties and could be a viable alternative to existing space maintainers, but further in vivo and in vitro studies are needed.

Yasser R. Souror, Tayseer Maaly, Mohammed Sameer Khawandanah