Clinical Research Directory

Timing, Trajectories and Prediction in Severe Dental Crowding: The Create SPACE (cSPACE)

Dental crowding is the most common malocclusion affecting up to 45% of the population and represents one of the leading reasons for seeking orthodontic treatment. Severe crowding may have a negatively impact on oral health related quality of life particularly psychosocial well-being and self-perceived dental appearance. In cases of severe crowding, extraction of four permanent teeth may be required to create sufficient space for proper alignment. Several treatment strategies are currently used, but there is a lack of scientific evidence regarding the optimal timing of tooth extraction and orthodontic treatment to achieve the best outcomes. The trial compare 1) late first premolar extraction with fixed orthodontic treatment, (2) early first premolar extraction with planned fixed orthodontic treatment, and (3) early first premolar extraction followed by observation, with fixed treatment provided only if indicated. The study will evaluate treatment need, occlusal outcomes, spontaneous dental development, patient-reported outcomes, adverse effects, treatment efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.

Augmented Reality Dentistry

This study aims to evaluate the accuracy of augmented reality (AR)-assisted dental procedures. Patient-specific anatomical data will be acquired using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and intraoral scanning and integrated to create a three-dimensional virtual model for treatment planning. Different dental procedures, including tooth extractions, dental implant placement, and orthodontic procedures, will be virtually planned before treatment. During the clinical procedure, the planned anatomical and procedural information will be visualized through an AR system, providing real-time guidance to the operator. The accuracy of AR-assisted treatment will be assessed by comparing the preoperative virtual plan with the postoperative clinical outcome, evaluating deviations between planned and achieved results.

Effects of Three Orthodontic Archwire Protocols on Root and Bone Changes

This randomized controlled clinical trial compares the effects of three orthodontic archwire protocols used during the alignment phase on anterior tooth roots and the supporting alveolar bone. Participants were randomly allocated to one of three parallel groups according to the experimental archwire used. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images were obtained before treatment initiation and after completion of the follow-up period. The primary outcome is volumetric root resorption, while secondary outcomes include changes in Buccal alveolar bone height and thickness. Recruitment and follow-up have been completed, and the study is currently in the data verification and statistical analysis phase. The findings are expected to help clinicians choose archwire protocols that reduce undesirable biological side effects during orthodontic treatment.

3-D Evaluation of Alveolar Bone Changes and Root Resorption After Traction of Buccally Displaced Maxillary Canines

This clinical study used CBCT images to investigate the alveolar bone changes and root resorption in unilateral buccally displaced maxillary canines and adjacent teeth before and after orthodontic traction of unilateral BDMCs. The CBCT images will also be used to compare these changes to the normal contralateral side. The study outcome is to compare the 3-D changes in the alveolar bone and dental roots between the 2 interventional techniques (segmentalT-loop and piggyback NiTi traction) methods.