Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 9 to 11

Effect of upper jaw expansion on lower jaw growth in children

Official title: Study the Effect of Upper Expansion Appliances on Lower Jaw Forward Projection/Growth

Run by University of Alberta · NCT03286569 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study tests if using a special device to widen the upper jaw can help young children with a backward lower jaw grow it forward better.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages9 Years to 11 Years
SexAll
Enrollment60 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity of Alberta
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Edmonton, Alberta)
StatusRecruiting
StartedApril 1, 2019
Main results expectedFebruary 1, 2027
Study endsFebruary 1, 2027
Registry record updatedJanuary 7, 2026
Trial IDNCT03286569 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are young children aged 9-11 with Class II skeletal malocclusion due to lower jaw backward projection.

Probably not a fit

Patients currently undergoing other orthodontic treatments or those with growth problems will not 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 study investigates the impact of upper jaw expansion appliances on the forward growth of the lower jaw in young children aged 9-11 with a backward positioned lower jaw. A total of 60 participants will be recruited to receive either an active or non-active Wilson type upper arch expansion appliance. The effectiveness of the treatment will be assessed using Cone Beam computed tomography before and after a 9-month treatment period. Following the study, participants will continue with routine orthodontic care.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could improve jaw alignment and overall dental health in children with excessive overbite.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that upper jaw expansion can lead to positive outcomes in lower jaw growth, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Class II skeletal due to lower jaw backward projection
2. Class II malocclusion
3. Early mixed dentition (all first permanent molars erupted, as well as all erupting upper and lower permanent incisors)

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Other orthodontic treatment provided
2. Growth problems (craniofacial syndromes, etc.)

Where it's running

  • University of Alberta
    Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
    Recruiting

Study contacts

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.