3D-Printed Versus Laboratory-Fabricated Hyrax Expanders (NCT05743127) | Clinical Trial Compass
RecruitingNot Applicable
3D-Printed Versus Laboratory-Fabricated Hyrax Expanders
United States42 participantsStarted 2023-02-15
Plain-language summary
Maxillary expanders are orthodontic appliances that are commonly used to expand the upper jaw. The purpose of this study will be to compare the effects produced by two different maxillary expanders in children 8-13 years old. The first type of expander is made by hand in an orthodontic laboratory, and the second type of expander is designed on a computer and printed using 3D printers. Both expanders are already used in the MUSC Orthodontics Clinic. The purpose of this study is to see if the 3D printed expander is as effective as the traditional expander made by hand in the laboratory, with more comfort to the patient. Patients participating in the study will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: group A will be treated with a laboratory-made maxillary expander, and group B with a 3D-Printed maxillary expander. Information will be collected on the participants' standard clinical follow-up visits including photos, x-rays, and dental photo scans over the course of 6 months to see how the expander is working. In addition, as part of the research study, the participant will be asked to complete online questionnaires with assistance from parents or guardians about his/her quality of life and perception of possible pain and discomfort at different time points. The potential benefits of this study include the use of 3D technology to improve the quality of the orthodontic treatment, with more comfort to the patient.
Who can participate
Age range
8 Years – 13 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Maxillary anterior and/or posterior transverse deficiency with or without crossbite
* Age of 8-13 years
* Children whose parents/guardians are willing to consent to the child participating in the study
* Children ages 12-13 who are willing to assent to participating in the study
* Children who are orthodontic patients at the Medical University of South Carolina Department of Orthodontics or University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine
* Subjects and parents/guardians who have access to an electronic device with internet connection
Exclusion Criteria:
* Patients with previous or ongoing orthodontic treatment
* Patients whose parents have a strong preference as to which expander is used
* Patients with a history of temporomandibular disorders
* Presence of congenitally missing teeth
* Traumatic loss of maxillary incisors
* Patients with craniofacial syndromes, or cleft lip and/or palate
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Dimension of the Anterior Midpalatal Suture Opening