Comparing two types of palatal expanders for children

Hyrax Vs. Invisalign Palatal Expander Clinical Study

Not applicable Interventional Align Technology, Inc. · NCT06662279

This study is testing whether a new type of palatal expander called Invisalign works better and is more comfortable for kids aged 6 to 11 than the traditional Hyrax expander.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment36 (estimated)
Ages6 Years to 11 Years
SexAll
SponsorAlign Technology, Inc. Industry-sponsored
Locations4 sites (Laguna Hills, California and 3 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06662279 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to compare the effectiveness and patient experience of the Invisalign Palatal Expander against the traditional Hyrax expander in children aged 6 to 11 years who require maxillary expansion. Participants will be assessed based on their dental needs and the compatibility of their dentition with the devices. The study will involve the use of both removable and banded palatal expanders to determine which method yields better expansion results and overall satisfaction. The findings could help inform orthodontic practices regarding the best options for treating malocclusions and narrow maxillary arches in young patients.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are children aged 6 to 11 years who require maxillary expansion and have the appropriate dental conditions.

Not a fit: Patients with palatal exostosis, cleft palate, or those whose dentition is not compatible with the devices will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into the most effective and comfortable palatal expansion methods for children, improving orthodontic treatment outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While there may be existing studies on palatal expanders, this specific comparison between Invisalign and Hyrax expanders is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Subject ages 6-11 years old
* Subject must need maxillary expansion
* Subjects must have erupted dentition in the area of the primary molars or permanent premolars and the first permanent molar

Exclusion Criteria:

* Subjects with palatal exostosis/surface aberration/ cleft palate
* Subject's dentition not compatible with device or allergy to device materials
* Subject with active caries, periodontal disease, TMD

Where this trial is running

Laguna Hills, California and 3 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions MalocclusionsNarrow MaxillaNarrow Maxillary ArchCrowding
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.