Clinical Research Directory

Effect of Clear Aligner Attachment Size on Extrusion of Maxillary Lateral Incisors

Orthodontic treatment has been revolutionized by clear aligner therapy, offering patients a more esthetic and comfortable alternative to traditional braces. In 1999, Align Technology introduced Invisalign. As Invisalign has increased in popularity and demand over the past two decades, clinical trials have shed light on the efficacy of Invisalign treatment. there have been changes in the Invisalign protocol such as introduction of SmartForce features in 2008, such as optimized attachments as well as the implementation of SmartTrack aligner material in 2011. Compared to conventional fixed orthodontic appliances, Invisalign cannot be adjusted on a visit-to visit basis. If ideal tooth movement has not been achieved after completion of the first sequence of aligners, additional trays, known as refinement trays, are required.

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.

Comparison of a 3-step Bonding System (Transbond™ XT) and a 2-step System (GC Ortho Connect™) on Demineralization Around Maxillary Orthodontic Brackets

White spot lesions (WSLs) are one of the most common adverse effects of fixed orthodontic treatments, affecting up to 97% of patients treated with labial appliances. These early enamel demineralizations, caused by microleakage between enamel and adhesive, can appear as early as the fourth week of treatment. They not only pose aesthetic concerns but also increase the risk of bracket failure. This randomized split-mouth clinical trial compares two bonding systems : the traditional three-step system (Transbond™ XT) and the simplified two-step system (GC Ortho Connect™) to assess their impact on enamel demineralization around orthodontic brackets. The degree of demineralization will be measured using the Enamel Decalcification Index (EDI) based on intraoral photographs and confirmed with a fluorescence camera (C50 Acteon). The aim of the study is to determine whether the simplified bonding protocol can reduce clinical time and saliva contamination risk without increasing enamel demineralization, thus offering a potentially more efficient and conservative approach for orthodontic bonding procedures.

Comparison of MI Paste Plus and Resin Infiltration in White Spot Lesions Following Orthodontic Treatment

Dental cavities are among the most frequent diseases that affect teeth, particularly in patients who are treated with braces due to the difficulty in maintaining good oral hygiene in the presence of the mouth appliances. The white spot lesion (WSL) is the first clinical sign of cavities that presents itself as a milky-white opacity when located on the front face of the tooth. The aim to manage these early lesions focuses on promoting natural remineralization and preventing further demineralization. Various materials have been introduced for management of WSLs including MI paste and MI paste combined with fluoride (MI paste plus). Recently, a new material called resin infiltration has been found to treat these lesions with high esthetic results and great performance. According to the few numbers of in-vivo studies investigating the effectiveness of remineralization products, the aim of the current study is to clinically compare the outcome of the resin-infiltration and etching + MI paste plus to stop and improve the appearance of the WSL on front teeth in patients after treatment with braces.

Microbial Adherence, Surface Roughness, Effectiveness and Impact on Patients Between Conventional and 3D Printed Twin Block Appliances

The Twin Block appliance is a removable orthodontic appliance that is used to help correct a backward positioned lower jaw in growing children. This appliance works by guiding the lower jaw forward to a specific position over a certain period of time. After completing the treatment, patients often experience improvements in their appearance, such as an improved bite, a more balanced facial profile and improved lip posture. The investigators' interest is to compare two types of Twin Block appliances; traditional (conventional) and 3D-printed, by examining several factors, including the amount of bacteria that stick to them, the surface roughness, and the overall effectiveness of each type. Surface roughness refers to the texture of the appliance's surface, which could influence how much bacteria can accumulate. Rougher surfaces may trap more bacteria, potentially leading to oral health issues such as bad breath, tooth decay, and gum problems. The study will also assess the effectiveness of both the conventional and 3D-printed Twin Block appliances, focusing on factors like how well they perform in improving jaw position and achieving the desired treatment outcomes. Additionally, the investigators want to assess how these appliances affect the quality of life related to oral health. Participants will answer questions about their experience to help understand how the type of appliance impacts their daily lives, comfort, and overall well-being during the course of treatment.

Chios Mastic Toothpaste and Halitosis and Oral Hygiene in Orthodontic Patients

The aim of this trial was to investigate the effect of mastic toothpaste on halitosis using as proxy the levels of the Volatile Sulfur Compounds (VSCs), and the effect on plaque and gingival indices in adolescents undergoing orthodontic treatment with fixed conventional labial appliances.

Evaluation of The Stability of Orthodontic Treatment After First Premolar Extraction Using Combined Retention Protocol

The aim of this study is to compare between the stability of anterior and posterior segments in both arches using bonded lingual retainers versus a combined protocol of retention (bonded lingual retainer and vacuum formed retainers). The effect of different treatment changes achieved on the post-treatment stability will be studied in both groups. Hypothesis: No difference between BR and BR+VFR regarding the stability of anterior segment alignment and posterior segment alignment and interdigitation