Examining the impact of different force levels on canine tooth movement in orthodontics

A Randomized Clinical Trial Comparing the Effect of Force Magnitude on the Rate of Canine Retraction and Gingival Crevicular Fluid Proteome Profile

Not applicable Interventional UConn Health · NCT06668194

This study tests if using lighter or heavier forces during orthodontic treatment helps move canine teeth more effectively in teenagers aged 11 to 16.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages11 Years to 16 Years
SexAll
SponsorUConn Health Academic / other
Locations1 site (Farmington, Connecticut)
Trial IDNCT06668194 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates how varying force levels during orthodontic canine retraction affect tooth movement and the composition of gingival crevicular fluid. Participants aged 11 to 16 will undergo a split-mouth design where one side receives light force (150g) and the other heavy force (400g) using NiTi coil springs. Data will be collected through dental molds, x-rays, and gingival fluid samples at the start of treatment and during follow-up visits. The goal is to determine if there is a significant difference in canine movement rates between the two force levels.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy adolescents aged 11 to 16 requiring upper first premolar extractions due to tooth crowding.

Not a fit: Patients with non-extraction treatment plans or those outside the age range of 11 to 16 may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could optimize orthodontic treatment protocols, leading to more effective and comfortable tooth movement for patients.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown varying success with different force levels in orthodontics, but this specific approach is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Healthy patient, non-smoker
* Age: 11 - 16 years of age, inclusive.
* A full complement of dentition (central incisor to 1st molar) in the four quadrants, except second molars
* Patients requiring at least upper bilaterally maxillary 1st premolar extraction as a treatment plan (Class I bimaxillary protrusion/ crowding or Class II maxillary dentoalveolar protrusion/ crowding)
* At least 5 mm of space left between canine and 2nd premolar to be closed at the time of canine retraction
* At least six months after the extraction of first premolars and in a 0.019 x 0.025-inch stainless steel archwire in the maxilla
* The ability to read and understand English and to provide informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients under 11 years of age and over the age of 16.
* Non-extraction treatment plan
* Extraction of maxillary tooth other than first premolars bilaterally.
* Evidence of poor oral hygiene
* Evidence of previous root resorption
* Missing or impacted tooth in any of the quadrant except 3rd molars.
* Medical issues that affect tooth movement
* Inability to provide oral and written consent to participate.
* Patient on medications that may alter bone metabolisms like bisphosphonates, oral contraceptives, or PTH (parathyroid hormone)
* Chronic illness or syndromic patients.
* Pregnant women, prisoners, and decisional impaired

Where this trial is running

Farmington, Connecticut

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 Tooth CrowdingOrthodontic space closureCanine retractionGingival crevicular fluidProteomics
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.