Comparison of the longevity of prefabricated and conventional band and loops in children's primary teeth

BACKGROUND: Prefabricated band and loops require only one appointment, are quickly placed in a session, and do not require laboratory work; thus, they need less time and cost. The aim of this study was to evaluate the survival rate of prefabricated band and loops in space maintenance of primary teeth and compare them with conventional band and loops. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective clinical trial study 4–9-year-old patients, who met the requirements of the present study, were divided into two groups. The first group conventional band and loops and the second group prefabricated band and loops were placed. The patients were evaluated for cement dissolving. Failure of soldering (SF), breakdown, and deformation of each component of the band and loops, survival rate, and gingival health at the 1(st), 3(rd), 6(th), and 9(th)-month Wilcoxon test, Fisher's exact test, Mann–Whitney test, Friedman test, and Kaplan–Meier test. Was used The level of statistical significance was set at P ≤ 0.05. RESULTS: The two groups were not significantly different at the 1(st), 3(rd), 6(th), and 9(th)-month recalls in cement solution, SF, breakdown, and deformation of each component of the band and loops. The survival rate of the conventional and prefabricated band and loops was 92% in the 9 months, and no significant difference was witnessed in survival rates between the two groups. The prevalence of gingivitis in prefabricated band and loops and conventional band and loops in the 9(th) month was statistically insignificant (P = 0.03). CONCLUSION: There is a similar success rate for the conventional and prefabricated band and loops.