Clinical Research Directory

Patient-Reported Outcomes for Different Orthodontic Thermoplastics Used in Clear Aligners

Clear aligner therapy is an esthetic orthodontic treatment modality that uses removable thermoplastic trays to correct dental alignment. Different thermoplastic materials, including thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG), may differ in flexibility and mechanical behavior. These material differences may influence patient-reported outcomes such as pain, mucosal ulceration, tooth sensitivity, tooth mobility, and material-related allergic symptoms. This randomized, double-blind, parallel-group clinical trial will compare patient-reported outcomes in patients treated with clear aligners fabricated from TPU versus PETG. Participants requiring non-extraction clear aligner therapy for mild to moderate crowding will be randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio to receive aligners fabricated from either PETG or TPU. Outcomes will be recorded at five predefined time points after aligner assignment and wear: T0 before aligner wear, T1 immediately after aligner insertion/wear, T2 at day 1, T3 at day 3, and T4 at day 7.

Effect of Early Versus Late Premolar Extraction on Orthodontic Tooth Movement

The goal of this randomized controlled trial is to evaluate whether the timing of premolar extraction affects the rate of orthodontic space closure during en-masse anterior retraction. The study will also assess gingival cleft formation, mesial movement of the upper first molars, ease and duration of premolar extraction, and patient-reported pain and anxiety. The main question it aims to answer is: Does early versus late premolar extraction affect the rate of orthodontic space closure? Researchers will compare two groups of patients. In the early extraction group the maxillary first premolars will be extracted before or within one week of start of fixed orthodontic treatment. In the late extraction group, the premolars will be extracted after alignment and immediately before the start of space closure. Participants will: * Receive fixed orthodontic treatment and bilateral extraction of the maxillary first premolars. * Be randomly assigned to either the early-extraction or late-extraction group. * Undergo orthodontic alignment followed by en-masse anterior retraction. * Have dental impressions/digital models obtained at the start of retraction and at 3 and 6 months to measure orthodontic tooth movement and space closure. * Be assessed for gingival clefts and mesial movement of the upper first molars. * Have the ease and duration of their premolar extraction recorded and report their pain and anxiety associated with the extraction procedure.

Risk Factors Favourable to Promote Intra- and Postsurgical Complications Accompanying Microscrew Insertion for Distalisation of Maxillary Dentition

Evidence for the undeniable role of microscrews in anchorage control, as well as their other advantages, such as ease of insertion and removal techniques, have led to their routine use in orthodontics. Treatment with microscrews, despite its obvious advantages, is associated with the risk of complications, the etiology of which is multifactorial. Identifying (and subsequently controlling) as many of them as possible through research constitutes an ongoing challenge for scientists. This pursuit defined the purpose of the present study: to determine whether a type of TISAD insertion technique - self-drilling or self-tapping - as well as the patient's sex and maxillary quadrant constitute predisposing factors for the occurrence of certain complications.

A Novel Bi-dimensional Archwire for Miniscrew-supported En-masse Retraction

This study aims to provide a preliminary clinical evaluation of a novel bi-dimensional archwire used during miniscrew-supported en-masse retraction of the maxillary anterior teeth. Adult patients with Class II Division 1 malocclusion requiring extraction of the maxillary first premolars will be screened at the Department of Orthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Damascus University. Eligible participants will receive fixed orthodontic treatment followed by en-masse retraction using a custom-made laser-welded bi-dimensional stainless-steel archwire consisting of a 0.019 × 0.025-inch anterior segment and 0.016 × 0.022-inch posterior segments. Retraction will be supported by orthodontic miniscrews and nickel-titanium closed-coil springs. The main outcome will be the monthly rate of maxillary anterior retraction assessed on three-dimensional digital dental models. A secondary outcome will be the change in maxillary incisor torque assessed on lateral cephalometric radiographs. This pilot study is intended to generate preliminary clinical data regarding the feasibility and performance of this novel archwire design.

Comparison Between Mandibular Advancement With Aligners and Twin Block in Class II Malocclusion in Growing Patients

To analyze mandibular advancement between the traditional Twin Block and the Angel Aligner A6 mandibular advancement clear aligners using cephalometric analysis in growing patients and a repeatable and reproducible digital measurement technique.