Stress induced on permanent mandible first molar and space maintainer under normal masticatory forces: a finite element study

The band and loop space maintainer is used to maintain the missing space of deciduous molars which are lost early. When the second deciduous molar is lost prematurely, the stress on the first permanent molar during different degrees of development may vary when it is the abutment. The design and use of the space maintainer may also lead to damage of the loop. The purpose of this article is to use the finite element method to study the stress on the first permanent molar and the loop with or without occlusal contact, with the first permanent molar of four different degrees of development serving as the abutment. We aimed to guide the clinical design and use of the space maintainer.