Abstract: Objective: To investigate the clinical feasibility and preliminary outcomes of fabricating resin space maintainers (including integrated restoration-maintenance designs) using a chairside digital workflow and 3D printing technology for managing premature loss of primary teeth in children. Methods: Twelve children aged 6-8 years with premature loss of a single primary molar were enrolled. Space maintainers were fabricated via a chairside digital workflow (intraoral scan, CAD design, 3D print, post-process), enabling same-day try-in, adjustment, and cementation. Chairside operating time, patient comfort, appliance fit, and parental satisfaction were recorded. A 6-month follow-up assessed appliance retention, integrity, and space maintenance effectiveness. Results: Twelve resin space maintainers (8 simple, 4 integrated type) were successfully delivered on the same day. The average chairside time (scan to cementation) was approximately (53.6±3.9) min. High levels of patient comfort, and 100% parental satisfaction were reported. At the 6-month follow-up, the overall success rate of 6 months was 91.7% (11/12). Space was effectively maintained, and outcomes for integrated restorations were satisfactory. Conclusion: The chairside digital workflow utilizing 3D printing for resin space maintainers offers an efficient, precise, comfortable, and aesthetic approach for managing premature primary tooth loss in children, demonstrating high clinical feasibility. The integrated restoration-maintenance design effectively addresses cases involving defective abutment teeth, simplifies treatment procedures, and holds significant promise for clinical application.

Key words: space maintainer, 3D printing, chairside digital workflow, integrated restoration-maintenance, premature tooth loss