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

To evaluate a fixed-space maintainer made of light-cure acrylic resin (LCAR) for its flexural and shear bond strength using different bonding systems to the enamel. 45 extracted primary teeth were selected. They were randomly divided into three equal groups (n = 15) along with the type of adhesive system (Tetric Flow, Transbond XT, and Fuji Ortho LC) used for bonding (LCAR) to the tooth surface. Surfaces were treated; LCAR was attached to the treated surfaces using a split Teflon mold. For flexural strength testing, ten bars of LCAR were made using another Teflon-split mold. Shear bond strength and mean flexural strength values were evaluated by a universal testing machine. The highest values of bond strength were recorded for Transbond XT, followed by Tetric Flow, while the lowest values were for Fuji Ortho LC. Various groups had a significant difference as investigated by ANOVA. ARI scores showed no significant difference in debond sites. Mean value and standard deviation of flexural strength for LCAR were 82.83  ± 5.2. LCAR has superior mechanical properties and could be an alternative to currently-in-use space maintainer though in vivo and in vitro trials are needed to progress the ultimate design of LCAR.