Clinical Research Directory

Self-ligating vs Conventional Brackets and Labial Bone Thickness During Crowding Correction in Adults

This randomized clinical trial compares two types of orthodontic brackets, self-ligating and conventional, in adults aged 18 to 25 with moderate crowding of the lower front teeth (4 to 8 mm). The main question is whether the type of bracket affects the thickness of the thin bone covering the front surface of the lower incisor roots (labial alveolar bone) during the leveling and alignment phase of treatment. Some clinicians claim that self-ligating brackets with light-force copper-nickel-titanium wires let the bone adapt and follow the teeth, while others report bone thinning with both systems. Twenty participants will be randomly assigned to self-ligating or conventional brackets. Bone thickness will be measured on cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans taken before treatment and at the end of leveling and alignment. The study will also compare the speed of alignment, changes in tooth inclination (torque and tip), pain, root resorption, and periodontal health between the two groups.

Diode Laser Versus LED for Maxillary Canine Retraction in Orthodontic Patients

This study aims to compare the effects of diode laser and light-emitting diode (LED) photobiomodulation on maxillary canine retraction during fixed orthodontic treatment. Participants requiring bilateral maxillary first premolar extraction will receive both interventions using a split-mouth design. One maxillary canine will receive diode laser photobiomodulation, while the contralateral maxillary canine will receive LED photobiomodulation. Maxillary canine movement will be evaluated at 4, 8, 12, and 16 weeks during retraction to compare the amount and rate of tooth movement between the two interventions. Pain associated with orthodontic tooth movement will also be assessed. Pulp oxygen saturation (SpO₂) of the maxillary canines will be measured to evaluate changes in pulpal oxygenation during orthodontic canine retraction. SpO₂ will be assessed at baseline and at predefined follow-up time points, including 20 minutes, 24 hours, 7 days, and 4 weeks. Changes in SpO₂ will be compared between the diode laser and LED sides. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) will be used to evaluate changes in maxillary canine root length and alveolar bone dimensions before and after canine retraction. The study is expected to determine whether diode laser and LED photobiomodulation differ in their effects on orthodontic canine retraction, pulpal oxygenation, pain, and associated dental and alveolar bone changes.

Clinical Comparison of Clear Aligners and Fixed Appliances in Dental Anterior Open Bite

Dental anterior open bite is a challenging orthodontic condition with a high risk of relapse in adults. This randomized controlled clinical trial aims to compare the effectiveness and post-treatment stability of in-house clear aligners versus fixed orthodontic appliances in treating adult patients aged 18-30 years with dental anterior open bite (0 to -4 mm). A total of 46 eligible participants will be randomly allocated into two equal groups (23 treated with clear aligners and 23 with fixed appliances). Treatment outcomes, vertical dentoalveolar changes, and skeletal changes will be evaluated using digital intraoral scans, virtual model superimposition, and lateral cephalometric analysis. Following active treatment, an 8-month retention phase (bonded lingual retainer combined with a vacuum-formed retainer) and an 8-month post-retention follow-up phase will be implemented to comprehensively evaluate treatment stability and relapse tendency over a total observation period of 16 months.