Comparison of Different Debonding Techniques of Clear Aligner Attachments (NCT07259642) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedNot Applicable
Comparison of Different Debonding Techniques of Clear Aligner Attachments
Turkey (Türkiye)32 participantsStarted 2024-04-01
Plain-language summary
The goal of this clinical trial is to compare two different methods for removing clear aligner attachments from tooth surfaces and to evaluate the pain levels and removal times associated with each method. The main questions this study aims to answer are:
* Does the use of an adhesive removal plier result in less pain compared to using a tungsten carbide bur?
* Is there a difference in the time required to remove attachments between the two methods?
In this split-mouth, randomized clinical trial, participants who have completed clear aligner treatment will undergo two different attachment removal techniques:
* Plier method: Attachments will be removed using adhesive removal pliers, followed by finishing with a tungsten carbide bur.
* Bur method: Attachments will be removed entirely using a tungsten carbide bur. Pain levels will be assessed using an 11-point Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) after each segment is treated, and the time required for each removal will be recorded. The amount of adhesive remaining on the enamel surface will also be evaluated.
This study aims to determine which debonding technique provides a faster and more comfortable experience for patients at the end of aligner treatment.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 44 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:
* Patients aged 18 to 44 years with permanent dentition
* No history of taking medication in the last 24 hours (e.g., painkillers, corticosteroids, and antiflu drugs)
* Patients with no missing teeth except for third molars
* Patients who underwent clear aligner treatment (Invisalign®) without an extraction protocol by one of the co-authors of the present study
* Patients who completed aligner treatment and reached the attachment removal stage
* Patients with at least 4 attachments in each quadrant of the mouth and a total of at least 16 attachments
* Patients in good general and oral health with no periodontal disease
Exclusion Criteria:
* Patients with endodontic treatment, large restorations, and buccal restorations
* Patients with a history of previous orthodontic treatment
* The presence of systemic diseases that may cause dentin and enamel hypersensitivity
* Patients who underwent surgical treatment and displayed signs of gingival recession
* Patients who received teeth whitening in the last 8 weeks.
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
Pain level during attachment removal
Timeframe: Immediately after debonding each segment