Using 3D dental imaging to lower gum recession during aligner treatment
Official title: The Impact of a 3D Imaging Visualization Tool for Orthodontic Treatment With Aligners in Reducing Periodontal Recession Occurrence
Run by University of Liege · NCT07513792 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Liege Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Liège, Liege) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 4, 2025 |
| Main results expected | May 1, 2027 |
| Study ends | June 1, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | April 7, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07513792 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably 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.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: 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.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
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University of Liege
Liège, Liege, Belgium Recruiting
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.