Clinical Research Directory

Effect of Individually Trained Oral Prophylaxis (iTOP) on Gingival Health in Orthodontic Patients

This randomized controlled clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of individualized oral hygiene education using the Individually Trained Oral Prophylaxis (iTOP) method compared with conventional oral hygiene instruction using model demonstration and video-based education in orthodontic patients diagnosed with gingivitis. Sixty orthodontic patients underwent professional mechanical plaque removal and received oral hygiene instruction using calibrated interdental brushes. Participants were randomly assigned to either the iTOP training group or the conventional education group. Clinical outcomes including Approximal Plaque Index (API), Gingival Index (GI), and Full Mouth Bleeding Score (FMBS) were assessed at baseline and after three months to determine the effectiveness of the educational interventions on plaque control and gingival health.

Gingival Recessions in Orthodontically Treated and Untreated Adult Patients

To identify the predisposing parameters for gingival recessions in adult patients seeking orthodontic treatment. The ultimate aim is to provide a clinical guideline to estimate the risk of developing post-orthodontic gingival recessions.

Salivary Flow, pH, and Buffering Capacity in Fixed and Clear Aligner Orthodontic Treatment

Study Design: A randomized controlled trial with two parallel arms and an allocation ratio of 1:1. Setting: The study will be conducted in the orthodontic department of Riyadh Elm University hospitals in Riyadh City, Saudi Arabia. Participants: Patients undergoing fixed or clear aligner orthodontic treatment referred to REU dental hospital will be randomly allocated to either the clear aligner group or the fixed orthodontic appliance group. Intervention: Prior to orthodontic treatment, all patients will receive phase I periodontal therapy and oral hygiene instructions. Fixed orthodontic appliances will be bonded using metallic brackets with a 0.022-inch slot and 0.014-inch NiTi archwires. Clear aligner patients will receive Invisalign® treatment. Outcomes and Saliva Collection: Salivary samples will be collected using the spitting method at baseline (T0) and follow-up time points according to the study protocol. Salivary flow rate, pH, and buffering capacity will be assessed as described in the proposal. Randomization and Blinding: Randomization will be performed using a random number generator with allocation concealment via opaque envelopes. The investigators involved in outcome assessment and data analysis will be blinded. Ethical Considerations: The study will be submitted to the Institutional Review Board at Riyadh Elm University and conducted in accordance with IRB policies.

A Split-Mouth Clinical Trial Evaluating the Bond Failure Rate of a New Etch-Free Orthodontic Adhesive

This randomized, split-mouth clinical trial will evaluate a new orthodontic adhesive that eliminates the need for acid etching before bracket bonding. Conventional orthodontic bonding requires etching enamel with phosphoric acid, which can weaken the outer enamel layer and increase the risk of white spot lesions and enamel damage. The etch-free adhesive under investigation is designed to simplify the bonding procedure while preserving enamel integrity. Twenty orthodontic patients starting treatment with braces will participate. For each patient, one side of the mouth (left or right) will be randomly assigned to receive the etch-free adhesive, while the opposite side will receive the conventional adhesive with acid etching. This intra-patient design allows a direct comparison under identical oral conditions. Participants will be followed for 12 months. Bracket failures, bonding time, ease of adhesive removal, enamel surface condition after debonding, and the presence of white spot lesions will be recorded. If effective, the etch-free adhesive may reduce enamel damage without compromising bond strength, providing a safer and more efficient bonding option for orthodontic patients.

Impact of Increased Body Mass Index on Adolescent Fixed Orthodontic Treatment. A Prospective Longitudinal Study

The goal of this prospective observational study is to assess the influence of increased body mass index (BMI) on various oral health and orthodontic-related parameters in adolescents undergoing orthodontic therapy (OT) with braces. These parameters include gum inflammation, tooth decalcifications/discolorations, tooth alignment of lower incisors, and various inflammatory and microbiological parameters in the collected saliva and gum fluid of the patients. The primary purpose is to assess if an increased BMI is a risk factor for oral inflammation in adolescents undergoing OT. The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. Do patients with an increased BMI undergoing OT demonstrate increased microbial counts in the saliva compared to patients with normal BMI? 2. Do patients with increased BMI undergoing OT demonstrate increased gum inflammation, tooth discolorations, and higher levels of inflammatory markers in the saliva and gum fluid samples compared to patients with normal BMI? This study will include 2 study groups (patients with increased BMI-test group, and normal weight patients-control group). The participants will be asked to complete a study questionnaire, which will collect information regarding their demographics, their family socioeconomic and educational status, dietary habits, and oral health-related quality of life. The participants will also receive an oral examination (evaluation of their gum health), and they will have their intraoral photos taken, as well as an impression of their lower teeth (to create dental models). A saliva sample will be obtained by asking patients to passively "drool" in a tube, and a gingival fluid sample will be collected from the gums of the lower anterior teeth using thin paper strips. All these study procedures will be conducted at baseline (T1: before bonding of braces), and at an approximately 6-month follow-up visit (T2). Comparisons of these outcomes will be conducted between the two groups and across timepoints.

Comparison of Periodontal Health, Bonding Time and Failure Between Direct and Indirect Fixed Retainer Placement Among Orthodontic Patients

The placement technique of retainers in both maxillary and mandibular arches can influence the time taken for bonding the retainer in the mouth of a patient which can in turn affect the patient´s response to the procedure. The different placement techniques can influence the stability of the retainer wire on teeth and the maintenance of periodontal health during the retention period. Therefore, it is essential to know which technique is better suited for placement and its influence on periodontal health so that in the future it helps clinicians save their time during placement of retainers while benefiting the patients. To our knowledge, this will be the first study both locally and internationally that will include an assessment of periodontal health, time duration of placement and stability of fixed retainer in the maxillary arch as well. Three months period is sufficient for assessment of periodontal health and failure of retainer, long term studies can be at a risk of attrition bias. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study are: * The primary objective of this study is to compare the failure of fixed retainers, along with periodontal health and bonding time, which are bonded either through direct method or indirect method on patients undergoing orthodontic debonding through a modified split-mouth technique using mean values for plaque index, gingival index, calculus index follow up appointments over a period of three months. * The secondary objective of the study is to assess the amount of time taken during placement of retainers via both direct and indirect bonding of fixed retainers

Exploration of the Utility of Dental-dedicated MRI for Dentistry

This description observational research is comparative in design, that is comparing existing standard clinical dental images, not obtained in this study, to test (i.e., ddMRI) images. The standard clinical dental images consist of radiographs, such as bitewings, periapical, panoramic, cone-beam CT, and medical CT, as well medical MRIs of the temporomandibular joints (TMJ).The conceptualization of research questions, study designing, and interpretation of imaging data has and will involve content expertise in all ddMRI research.

Effectiveness of Auxiliary Segmental Lingual Appliances in Leveling the Curve of Wilson at Second Molars

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of auxiliary segmental lingual appliances in leveling the Curve of Wilson at the second molars in patients undergoing labial fixed orthodontic treatment. Patients exhibiting an excessive (deep) Curve of Wilson at the second molar bilaterally (meaning lingually inclined mandibular second molar) will be recruited.. Using a split-mouth design, one side will receive the intervention (auxiliary segmental lingual appliances), while the other side will serve as the control. The variables measured include the Curve of Wilson at the second and first molars, and the distance from the mesiolingual and distolingual cusps of the second molar to the occlusal plane of the first molar. Measurements will be taken on digital impressions at baseline (T0), after leveling with a stainless steel labial archwire (T1), and three months after applying the auxiliary segmental lingual appliances. The effectiveness will be assessed by comparing the two groups.