Comparative finite element analysis of material–cement combinations in a fixed pediatric space maintainer

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the biomechanical behavior of fixed space maintainers fabricated from different materials and bonded with various dental cements using three-dimensional finite element analysis (FEA). A three-dimensional finite element model representing premature loss of the mandibular second primary molar was constructed. The mandibular permanent first molar served as the abutment tooth, while the loop extended mesially toward the adjacent mandibular first primary molar. Space maintainers fabricated from composite resin, PEEK, titanium, and stainless steel were evaluated in ten material–cement combinations using glass ionomer cement (GIC), resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC), and resin cement. Resin cement was paired only with composite resin and PEEK, whereas titanium and stainless-steel maintainers were evaluated with GIC and RMGIC. A 150 N multi-point occlusal load was applied to simulate physiological masticatory forces, and stress distribution was evaluated using von Mises criteria. The results demonstrated that material stiffness and cement type markedly influenced stress distribution patterns. PEEK and composite maintainers with lower elastic moduli exhibited higher cement-layer stress values. Among comparable cement conditions, RMGIC was associated with lower peak cement-layer stress values than GIC. Within the limitations of this computational model, material–cement compatibility influenced stress distribution within the fixed space maintainer system. These findings provide biomechanical insight into the behavior of different material–cement combinations; however, further in vitro and long-term clinical studies are required before definitive clinical recommendations can be made.

The authors' abstract, as published at the source. BMC Oral Health, 2026 · DOI ↗