Abstract:Objective To compare the mechanical properties and the clinical application of the glass fiber–reinforced composite resin (GFRCR) space maintainer with the band-and-loop space maintainer. Methods The maximum shear resistance of GFRCR space maintainer and traditional band-and-loop space maintainer was tested by universal material testing machine. 43 children with premature loss of bilateral mandibular deciduous second molars were included into this study. GFRCR space maintainers were used on one side and traditional band-and-loop space maintainers were adopted on the other side of the same participant. Clinical operation time, subjective comfort levels of patients were assessed. The success rate was further estimated 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after wearing retainers. Results There was no significant difference in maximum shear strength between these two space retainers (P?>?0.05); Clinical operation time was less and patient subjective comfort was better in GFRCR group than that of band-and-loop group (P?0.05). The success rate of the GFRCR group was lower 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after wearing these two retainers, but only the difference 12 months later was statistically significant (P?0.05). Conclusion The mechanical strength was comparable between these two space retainers. Application of GFRCR space retainer can shorten the clinical operation time and improve patient subjective comfort. And its short-term success rate is comparable to band-and-loop space maintainer.