The Impact of a 3D Imaging Tool on Reducing Gum Recession During Orthodontic Treatment With Aligners

University of Liege40 enrolled

Overview

This study investigates whether using 3D imaging technology (Cone Beam Computed Tomography or CBCT) for orthodontic treatment planning with aligners can reduce the risk of gingival recession in adult patients seeking dental arch expansion. Many aligner treatments involve expanding the dental arches to address issues like crowding and "black corridors," but this can sometimes lead to gum recession. The research compares two groups of patients: one group will have their treatment planned using CBCT, which allows for detailed 3D visualization of the teeth and bone structure, while the other group will follow a conventional 2D treatment plan. The goal is to see if the 3D tool helps prevent gum recession and other periodontal problems like bone thinning, as well as to assess the impact on other factors like upper airway dimensions. The study is a randomized controlled trial with 40 participants. It will track changes in gum health, bone structure, and airway volume over the course of treatment. The researchers aim to find out if the advanced imaging tool provides significant benefits compared to traditional planning methods.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

DOUBLE

Enrollment

Conditions

Orthodontic Gingival Recession

Interventions

3D CBCT-Guided Orthodontic Treatment with AlignersDEVICE

This intervention involves orthodontic treatment with clear aligners, where the treatment planning is guided by Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT). The CBCT data is integrated into the digital planning software to allow 3D visualization of teeth and surrounding bone structures. This enables precise planning of tooth movements within the bony envelope, aiming to reduce the risk of gingival recession and other periodontal complications associated with arch expansion.

conventional orthodontic treatment planningDEVICE

Orthodontic treatment planning is traditionally based on two-dimensional radiographs (cephalometric and panoramic), which do not provide information about the three-dimensional position of teeth and their roots within the alveolar bone.

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * more than 18years old * requesting an orthodontic treatment with aligners * dental class I or slight class II or III * presence of black corridors Exclusion Criteria: * agenesis or extraction except for the 3rd molars * need of extraction for the orthodontic treatment-need for orthognathic surgery * generalized unilateral, bilateral, or anterior crossbite * active periodontal disease * presence of severe recession (≥2mm) * furcation involvement * absence of keratinized tissues * smoker \> 10c/day-auto-immune disease or immunocompromised patients * uncontrolled diabetes * use of steroids or biphosphonates-local or systemic infection (medical treatment needed prior to entrance to the study) * pregnancy * alcoholism or chronically drug abuse

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Change in total gingival recession severity score (S1 - S0)

The primary endpoint is defined as the difference between the sum of gingival recession severity scores at baseline (S0) and post-treatment (S1). The total score ranges from 0 to 64.