title: Load distribution in fixed space maintainers: a strain-gauge analysis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to compare the biomechanics of space maintainers supported by primary and permanent teeth.
  
  
  METHODS
  Photoelastic models of permanent and primary teeth with a single missing tooth space were cast, and band-and-loop, direct-bonded, and fiber-reinforced space maintainers were fabricated. Linear strain-gauges were bonded next to the teeth and in the middle of the missing tooth space. Strain gauge signals were quantified during 50 N and 100 N static axial load applications on the molar, maintainer, and anterior support at 10 KHz using a data acquisition device and associated computer software.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Regardless of the tooth being restored, strains around the molar teeth and the maintainer region were comparable between the groups under molar and maintainer loading (P>.05). Under 100 N loading on the anterior support, the highest strains were observed in the direct-bonded group (P<.01). Direct-bonded design led to higher strains than the band-and-loop design under 100 N maintainer loading, whereas the strain output of other designs were comparable.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Load distribution of band-and-loop, direct-bonded, and fiber-reinforced space maintainers seem comparable, although direct-bonded maintainers could lead to higher strain concentrations in the buccal side due to bending moments.
authors: Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Ordu University, Ordu, Turkey. nihalpedo@yahoo.com
authors: Nihal Beldüz
authors: NB
authors: Kara
authors: Seçil
authors: S
authors: Çehreli
authors: Elçin
authors: E
authors: Sağırkaya
authors: Durdu
authors: D
authors: Karasoy
mesh_terms: D001641:Bicuspid / Q000502:physiology; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D003188:Composite Resins / Q000737:chemistry; D003481:Cuspid / Q000502:physiology; D003722:Dental Alloys / Q000737:chemistry; D001840:Dental Bonding; D003764:Dental Materials / Q000737:chemistry; D006801:Humans; D008689:Methacrylates / Q000737:chemistry; D003765:Models, Dental; D008963:Molar / Q000502:physiology; D016382:Orthodontic Appliance Design; D009967:Orthodontic Appliances; D016910:Orthodontic Brackets; D009969:Orthodontic Wires; D020959:Polyethylene / Q000737:chemistry; D013027:Space Maintenance, Orthodontic / Q000295:instrumentation*; D013193:Stainless Steel / Q000737:chemistry; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D014070:Tooth / Q000502:physiology*; D014094:Tooth, Deciduous / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D003188:Composite Resins; D003722:Dental Alloys; D003764:Dental Materials; D008689:Methacrylates; C512545:futurabond NR; D013193:Stainless Steel; D020959:Polyethylene