Clinical Research Directory

Evaluation of Palatal Rugae-Based Identification After Maxillary Expansion Using Local Morphological Patch Analysis

This study investigates the reliability of palatal rugae-based identification following maxillary expansion procedures, including Miniscrew-Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion (MARPE) and Surgically Assisted Rapid Maxillary Expansion (SARME). Because maxillary expansion alters the morphology of the palatal vault and the spatial relationship of the palatal rugae, conventional global alignment of the anterior palate may not provide stable post-treatment identification. The study evaluates a novel three-dimensional analysis approach based on separately segmented and independently aligned palatal ruga patches, with emphasis on preserving local morphological characteristics rather than global palatal configuration. Within-subject deviations before and after treatment will be compared with between-subject deviations to determine whether individual-specific ruga morphology remains distinguishable after expansion. Machine learning-based classification models using four independently aligned ruga patches will be developed to differentiate genuine matches from impostor comparisons. The primary analysis focuses on surgical expansion groups (MARPE and SARME) to assess whether pre-expansion scans can still be matched to post-expansion scans of the same individual. Secondary analyses will compare the performance of the ruga patch model with conventional anterior palate alignment and will simulate a mixed forensic database containing both treated and untreated individuals. The findings may provide evidence for the forensic applicability of palatal rugae identification after orthopedic and surgically assisted maxillary expansion procedures.

Time and Cost-implications of Intraoral Scans Vs Alginate Impressions

BACKGROUND: Alginate impressions have long been a staple in orthodontics, but with recent technological advancements, digital impressions via intraoral scans are gaining increasing popularity. While much research has focused on patient preference and the accuracy of these techniques, there is a notable gap in the literature regarding chair side time and associated costs. Existing studies on chair side time comparisons between alginate impressions and intraoral scanning yield inconsistent results, underscoring the need for further investigation. This study aimed to evaluate the chair side time and cost implications of intraoral scanning and alginate impressions. OBJECTIVES: The primary objective is to compare the chair side time taken for alginate impressions and intraoral scanning of orthodontic patients aged 9 years and over in an orthodontic department at a district general hospital. The secondary objective is to evaluate the costs associated with alginate impressions and intraoral scanning of orthodontic patients described above. DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: A prospective, single-centre, parallel-arm randomised controlled trial (1:1 allocation) to be undertaken in a district general hospital. Sixty-eight orthodontic patients aged nine and above, requiring study models, will be recruited during new patient appointments at the Orthodontic Department at Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham. Patients will be randomly assigned to either the intraoral scan or alginate impression group, with chair side time recorded for each procedure, including retakes. The IOS group will use the 3Shape TRIOS scanner, while the alginate group will follow standard procedures. The costs of each technique will be calculated following the procedure. Ethical approval was obtained from a Health Research Authority Research Ethics Committee. OUTCOMES: N/A CONCLUSIONS: N/A