Intruding upper front teeth using a utility arch plus small bone perforations

Evaluation of Dentoalveolar Changes Following Maxillary Incisor Intrusion Using Utility Arch Assisted With Micro-osteoperforations in Deep Bite Cases: A Randomized Clinical Trial

This study will test whether tiny bone perforations (micro‑osteoperforations) combined with a utility arch help move upper front teeth down in people aged 15–25 with a deep overbite.

Quick facts

• Phase: Not applicable
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 18 (estimated)
• Ages: 15 Years to 25 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Al-Azhar University (Academic / other)
• Locations: 1 site (Cairo, Nasr City)
• Trial ID: NCT07566676 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

Participants aged 15–25 with an overbite of 4 mm or more will receive maxillary incisor intrusion using a utility arch, with micro‑osteoperforations (MOPs) made through the gingiva into the cortical bone to stimulate remodeling. The MOPs are intended to increase local cytokine activity and bone resorption to speed tooth movement. Clinical and radiographic measurements will track dentoalveolar changes, intrusion amount, and signs of root resorption over the treatment period. Outcomes will compare tooth movement and root health following intrusion with the MOP‑assisted protocol.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are 15–25 years old with permanent dentition (excluding third molars), an overbite ≥4 mm, no prior orthodontic treatment, and good oral and periodontal health.

Not a fit: Patients with skeletal jaw discrepancies, missing or anomalous maxillary anterior teeth, existing root resorption, impacted canines, endodontically treated upper incisors, systemic conditions affecting tooth movement, or poor periodontal health are unlikely to benefit.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could shorten upper‑incisor intrusion time and help limit unwanted root resorption.

How similar studies have performed: Micro‑osteoperforations are a relatively new technique and several clinical studies report modest acceleration of orthodontic tooth movement, though results on root resorption and long‑term benefit have been mixed.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Patients age between 15-25 years.
2. Patients with overbite ≥ 4 mm.
3. All permanent teeth erupted (excluding 3rd molars).
4. No previous orthodontic treatment.
5. Patients with good oral hygiene and good periodontal health.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Skeletal discrepancies.
2. Missing maxillary anterior teeth or any kind of tooth/root shape anomaly.
3. Patients with root resorption or impacted canines.
4. Previous history of orthodontic treatment.
5. Systemic disease interferes with orthodontic tooth movement.
6. History of trauma affecting the maxillary incisors.
7. Poor oral hygiene or periodontally compromised patient.
8. Endodontically treated upper anterior teeth.

Where this trial is running

Cairo, Nasr City

• Faculty of Dental Medicine (Boys), Al-Azhar University — Cairo, Nasr City, Egypt (Recruiting)

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Taha S.S Hossameldin, MSc Candidate

Conditions Deep Bite Malocclusion; Intrusion of Tooth; Orthodontic Tooth Movement; Root Resorption