Using 3D dental imaging to lower gum recession during aligner treatment

The Impact of a 3D Imaging Visualization Tool for Orthodontic Treatment With Aligners in Reducing Periodontal Recession Occurrence

NA · University of Liege · NCT07513792

This test tries to see if planning aligner treatment with 3D CBCT imaging instead of 2D images can reduce gum recession for adults undergoing dental arch expansion.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Liege (other)
Locations1 site (Liège, Liege)
Trial IDNCT07513792 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This is a randomized controlled trial of 40 adult patients who need aligner treatment with dental arch expansion and have 'black corridors.' Participants are randomly assigned to treatment planning with 3D cone-beam CT (CBCT) versus conventional 2D planning, and both groups receive aligners. Researchers will track changes in gingival recession, periodontal bone thickness, and upper airway volume over the course of treatment. The trial aims to determine whether 3D visualization of teeth and supporting bone reduces periodontal complications compared with standard planning.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults (18+) seeking orthodontic aligner treatment for arch expansion with Class I or mild Class II/III malocclusions and visible black corridors who do not have active periodontal disease or severe recession.

Not a fit: Patients who require extractions or orthognathic surgery, have active periodontal disease, severe recession, heavy smoking, uncontrolled systemic conditions, or other exclusion criteria are unlikely to benefit from this protocol.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, using CBCT for aligner planning could reduce gum recession and preserve supporting bone during arch expansion, improving long-term oral health.

How similar studies have performed: CBCT is commonly used in orthodontics for better anatomical visualization, but direct evidence that CBCT-guided planning reduces gingival recession during arch expansion is limited.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* more than 18years old
* requesting an orthodontic treatment with aligners
* dental class I or slight class II or III
* presence of black corridors

Exclusion Criteria:

* agenesis or extraction except for the 3rd molars
* need of extraction for the orthodontic treatment-need for orthognathic surgery
* generalized unilateral, bilateral, or anterior crossbite
* active periodontal disease
* presence of severe recession (≥2mm)
* furcation involvement
* absence of keratinized tissues
* smoker \> 10c/day-auto-immune disease or immunocompromised patients
* uncontrolled diabetes
* use of steroids or biphosphonates-local or systemic infection (medical treatment needed prior to entrance to the study)
* pregnancy
* alcoholism or chronically drug abuse

Where this trial is running

Liège, Liege

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Orthodontic, Gingival Recession, Cone-Beam Computed Tomography

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.