Clinical Research Directory

3D Printed Occlusal Splints for Intraoperative Use

A 3D printed intraoperative occlusal splint is a custom-made biocompatible resin guide that allows surgeons properly align a patient's upper and lower dentition during surgery. This alignment further places maxilla and mandible into proper position. An occlusal splint contains outlines maxillary and mandibular dentition allowing the teeth to lock into place with correct alignment. At Johns Hopkins, traditionally hand-made and industry-made 3D printed splints have been used safely. However, prior studies have demonstrated the ability of in-house 3D prints to save time and money compared to industry. In-house models are similarly produced with FDA-clear, biocompatible resin for 3D printing, and maintain equivalent safety for patients compared to industry-made models.

Facial Aesthetic Analysis Model Based on Clinical Cohort Phenotype to Explore 45° Facial Profile.

Facial aesthetics has always been a complex and subjective concept. The overall facial harmony, along with lip protrusion, which is often a focus for orthodontists, requires evaluation from multiple perspectives. The viewing angle also influences the assessment of facial aesthetics, particularly the judgment of lip protrusion. This study aims to explore the differences in facial fixation patterns and aesthetic evaluations among different populations at specific viewing angles by using digital models to simulate various perspectives.

Evaluation of Surgical Outcomes of Patients Treated With the Surgery First Approach and Aligners

The purpose of this prospective study is to compare treatment outcomes and the quality of life of skeletal Class III patients treated with conventional fixed appliances and aligners undergoing Surgery-first approach. Data will be collected through validated questionnaires: OQLQ (Orthognathic Quality of Life Questionnaire), OHIP-14 (Oral Health Impact Profile), SF-36 (Medical Outcomes Study 36 - Item Short-Form Health Survey) and IOTN (Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need).

Comparison of Customized and Standard Facemasks for Early Treatment of Class III Malocclusion

The aim of the study is to compare a customized facemask for the treatment of Class III malocclusion in the prepubertal growing patient (patients between the ages of 5 and 12 years) versus a standard commercial facemask. Specifically, preference, pain, difficulty in sleeping, time of use, and possible complications for the two types of facemasks will be analyzed. This is a single-center, national, controlled, superiority, randomized, crossover, open-label study. Each patient will be treated with both the customized facemask and the standard commercial facemask. Each patient will wear one type of facemask for 2 months and the other type of facemask for the next 2 months. After 2 weeks and at the end of therapy with each of the facemask types, the patient, with the possible help of the parents, will have to answer a questionnaire about pain and difficulty sleeping and report any complications. In addition, after completing both phases (fourth month), the patient should indicate a preference for one of the two types of mask with which to complete therapy for an additional 6 months.