Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional

Biological response to directly 3D-printed orthodontic retainers

Official title: Evaluation of Biological Reaction of Direct Three Dimensional Printed Retainers

Run by Al-Azhar University · NCT07098325 · Data updated 2026-11-12

We will test whether 0.5 mm versus 1.0 mm thick directly 3D-printed retainers change bacterial growth and color in people who have just finished fixed braces.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
SexAll
Enrollment26 (estimated)
SponsorAl-Azhar University
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Asyut)
StatusRecruiting
StartedOctober 1, 2025
Main results expectedApril 1, 2027
Study endsJune 1, 2027
Registry record updatedAugust 1, 2025
Trial IDNCT07098325 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are people who have finished fixed orthodontic therapy, have good oral hygiene, do not smoke, and can follow written instructions.

Probably not a fit

Patients on medications that affect saliva, those with periodontitis or intrinsic tooth discoloration, or uncooperative individuals may not receive benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This interventional study will fit patients who completed fixed orthodontic treatment with directly 3D-printed clear retainers manufactured at two thicknesses (0.5 mm and 1.0 mm). Participants with good oral hygiene and no habits like smoking will be followed over time to measure bacterial colonization and color stability of the retainers. Primary outcomes are quantitative bacterial growth and objective color change; a secondary outcome is determining the optimal thickness for biological performance in clear aligner fabrication. Patients taking medications that affect saliva, with periodontitis, intrinsic tooth discoloration, or who cannot follow instructions will be excluded.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this could identify a retainer thickness that reduces bacterial buildup and staining, improving hygiene and retainer longevity.

How similar studies have gone: Directly 3D-printed retainers are a recent innovation and studies specifically comparing thickness for bacterial growth and color are limited, so this approach is relatively novel.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* -Finished fixed orthodontic therapy and seeking for retention as a part of their original treatment plan.
* Good oral hygiene.
* No habits (e.g., smoking)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Medication affecting saliva.

  * intrinsic tooth discoloration.
  * Uncooperative patients.
  * Patient with periodontitis.
  * Learning difficulties and inability to read written instructions.

Where it's running

  • Faculty of Dental Medicine , Al-Azhar University
    Asyut, Egypt
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.