Enhancing Precision and Comfort in Paediatric Dentistry with Intraoral Scanners and 3D Printers: A Case Report

Abstract

Maintaining primary dentition is crucial for a child's development, influencing speech, chewing, appearance, and guiding permanent teeth. Premature loss of primary teeth can lead to space loss, crowding, and impaction of permanent teeth. Traditionally, fixed space maintainers (SMs) like band and loop types are used to preserve arch length, but these methods are time-consuming and prone to human error due to extensive coordination with dental laboratories. This paper examines the use of 3D printing in pediatric dentistry for creating space maintainers, featuring a case report of a 9-year-old girl. After a tooth extraction, a digital impression of her dental arch was taken using an intraoral scanner, and a 3D model was printed. This model was used to fabricate a band and loop space maintainer, which was then fitted and cemented in the patient's mouth. The integration of 3D printing in SM fabrication reduces chair-side and laboratory time, minimizes human error, and enhances patient comfort by avoiding alginate impressions. Additionally, 3D-printed SMs, produced as a single unit, are less prone to breakage and failure, resulting in more precise and durable appliances. In conclusion, 3D printing technology significantly advances pediatric dentistry by providing a precise, efficient, and patient-friendly alternative to traditional methods, paving the way for improved dental care solutions.