Glass Fiber-Reinforced Composite Resin Versus Band-and-Loop Space Maintainers in Children: A Split-Mouth Clinical Study

Inclusion Criteria: * Children aged 5-8 years. Bilateral premature loss of comparable primary molars indicated for extraction or recently extracted. No measurable space loss at the extraction sites. Presence of suitable mesial and distal abutment teeth adjacent to the edentulous space. Buccal surfaces of abutment teeth free of dental caries. Class I occlusion or normal primary molar relationship. Presence of succedaneous permanent teeth with no more than one-half of root formation. Root resorption of the abutment teeth involving less than one-third of the root length. Presence of the bony crypt over the succedaneous tooth germ. Written informed consent obtained from a parent or legal guardian. Exclusion Criteria: * Existing space loss at the extraction site. Pathological lesions involving the jaws or teeth. Malocclusion or abnormal oral musculature. Systemic diseases or medical conditions affecting dental treatment. Abutment teeth with dental caries or inadequate structure for appliance placement. Root resorption of abutment teeth exceeding one-third of the root length. Advanced development or absence of the permanent successor. Inability to attend scheduled follow-up visits or lack of parental consent.