CompletedNot Applicable

Comparison of Alignment Efficiency, Arch Dimensional Changes, and Passive Extraction Space Closure Between Self-Ligating and Conventional Brackets

Pakistan70 participantsStarted 2024-02-01

Plain-language summary

Purpose: This study aims to compare two types of orthodontic braces - self-ligating brackets (SLBs) and conventional brackets (CBs) - to see which one aligns teeth faster, affects the width of the dental arch, and closes spaces after premolar extractions more efficiently. Who Can Join: Ages 13-30 years Moderate to severe dental crowding Skeletal Class I or mild to moderate Class II malocclusions Good oral hygiene Requiring extraction of premolars What Participants Will Do: Participants are randomly assigned to either the SLB group or the CB group. Braces are bonded to the teeth following standard orthodontic procedures. Dental impressions and measurements will be taken at baseline, 3, 6, and 9 months. No extra devices (like power chains) will be used for space closure during the study. What is Being Measured: Alignment of teeth using Little's Irregularity Index Intercanine and intermolar widths (arch dimensions) Passive closure of extraction spaces Why This Study is Being Done: The study investigates whether SLBs provide any clinical advantage over conventional braces in terms of faster alignment, arch width changes, and efficient space closure in extraction cases. This could help orthodontists make evidence-based decisions when choosing braces. Study Duration: Total observation period: 9 months Monthly follow-ups for adjustments and measurements

Who can participate

Age range

13 Years – 30 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 13-30 years, any gender Moderate (4-8 mm) or severe (\>8 mm) dental crowding Skeletal Class I (ANB 0-20) or mild-to-moderate Class II (ANB 3-50) Normal or vertical growth pattern (FMA 22-280) Good oral hygiene (plaque index ≤1) Require extraction-based orthodontic treatment Exclusion Criteria Previous orthodontic treatment Asymmetric extractions Systemic diseases or medications affecting bone metabolism Cleft lip/palate or other craniofacial anomalies Congenital absence of teeth (except third molars) Low-angle (hypodivergent) growth pattern Inability to comply with treatment/follow-up

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

Dental alignment assessed by Little's Irregularity Index

Timeframe: Baseline (T₀) to 9 months (T₃), assessed at 3-month intervals

Intermolar width

Timeframe: Baseline (T₀) to 9 months (T₃), assessed at 3-month intervals

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07503314

SponsorSaidu College of Dentistry

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2025-06-25

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Dental Crowding trials