Not Yet RecruitingNot Applicable

Accuracy and Periodontal Outcomes of Three Interproximal Enamel Reduction Techniques During Clear Aligner Therapy

Saudi Arabia75 participantsStarted 2026-03

Plain-language summary

This randomized controlled clinical trial will compare three commonly used interproximal enamel reduction (IPR) techniques during clear aligner therapy in adult patients. IPR is a routine orthodontic procedure in which a small amount of enamel is removed between teeth to create space and help achieve the planned alignment. Seventy-five adults (18 years and older) indicated for receiving clear aligner treatment with IPR prescribed in their digital treatment plan will be enrolled at the orthodontic clinics of Riyadh Elm University (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia) and randomized in a 1:1:1 ratio to one of three IPR techniques: manual abrasive strips (manual arm), motor-driven oscillating strips (motor-driven arm), or abrasive discs (abrasive arm). IPR will be performed by the same trained operator according to the assigned technique. The primary outcome is IPR accuracy, defined as the difference between the amount of IPR planned digitally and the amount performed clinically, measured using intraoral scans taken before and immediately after IPR. Secondary outcomes are short-term periodontal outcomes, assessed on IPR teeth only using plaque and gingival bleeding indices at baseline and at a 6-week follow-up visit. The data analyst will be blinded to group allocation

Who can participate

Age range

18 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: * Age 18 years or older with full permanent dentition. * Undergoing clear aligner therapy (Invisalign) with a ClinCheck treatment plan that includes interproximal enamel reduction (IPR). * Periodontally healthy at baseline (per clinic screening). Exclusion Criteria: * Orthodontic treatment plan including extractions. * Proximal restorations or caries on any tooth surface targeted for IPR. * Current smoking. * Diabetes mellitus or other systemic diseases known to affect periodontal status.

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

Accuracy of interproximal enamel reduction (IPR) (planned vs performed, mm)

Timeframe: Baseline (pre-IPR intraoral scan) to immediately after IPR (post-IPR intraoral scan), same visit

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07377825

SponsorRiyadh Elm University

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2026-09

Contact for this trial

abdulwahab alamri

+966533363689 abdulwahab.alamri2024@student.riyadh.edu.sa

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Dental Crowding,Interproximal Enamel Reduction trials