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.

Comparison of the Effectiveness of Three Teaching Methods in Oral Hygiene in Adolescent Orthodontic Patients

Orthodontic appliances have been shown to interfere with oral hygiene maneuvers by providing many additional sites for formation and retention of biofilm. Its accumulation is responsible for undesirable effects such as decays and periodontal pathologies. These lower the benefit / risk ratio of orthodontic treatments. In addition, their management is not negligible at the macroeconomic level. As such, it is more than necessary for the orthodontist to teach oral hygiene methods adapted to each of his patients fitted to limit the risk of appearance of biofilm.

The Effect of Intraoral Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation in Orthodontics Pain

The goal of this clinical trial is to determine whether an intraoral Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) device can reduce pain during orthodontic alignment and leveling in adolescents and adults. The study aims to compare the effectiveness of the TENS device in reducing pain on one side of the mouth, where the device is used, to the other side, where a non-functioning (placebo) device is applied. The primary questions this study aims to answer are: Does the TENS device effectively reduce pain during orthodontic treatment compared to the placebo? How do patients pain levels differ between the treated and untreated sides of the mouth? Participants will: Have an orthodontic appliance placed on their teeth. Experience the TENS device being applied to one side of their mouth for 2.5 minutes immediately after the appliance placement (brackets and wires). Report their pain levels at various intervals after the procedure (immediately, 2 hours, 6 hours, 12 hours, 24 hours, 48 hours, and 72 hours). This study includes up to 150 participants who are undergoing routine orthodontic treatment. The findings will help researchers understand whether the TENS device can effectively reduce discomfort during orthodontic procedures, potentially leading to better patient care and comfort.