Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 12 to 16

Using air-polishing with erythritol to prevent gum inflammation and white spots during orthodontic treatment

Official title: Air-polishing With Erythritol on Prevalence of White Spot Lesions and Gingivitis During Orthodontic Treatment With Fixed Appliances: a Randomized Clinical Trial of 2-years Duration

Run by University of Geneva, Switzerland · NCT05989750 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing if using an air-polishing device with erythritol can help prevent gum inflammation and white spots in young people getting braces, compared to a regular cleaning method.

More White Spot Lesion trials

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages12 Years to 16 Years
SexAll
Enrollment60 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity of Geneva, Switzerland
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Geneva, Canton of Geneva)
StatusRecruiting
StartedSeptember 11, 2023
Main results expectedSeptember 11, 2027
Study endsSeptember 1, 2028
Registry record updatedMay 5, 2026
Trial IDNCT05989750 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates for this study are adolescents aged 12 to 16 who are about to begin fixed orthodontic treatment.

Probably not a fit

Patients with significant concomitant diseases, previous orthodontic treatment, or high plaque levels may 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 clinical trial evaluates the effectiveness of an air-polishing device using erythritol powder compared to the conventional ultrasonic scaler in preventing white spot lesions (WSLs) and gingivitis in young patients undergoing multi-bracketed fixed orthodontic treatment. The study involves 60 participants aged 12 to 16, who will be randomly assigned to receive either air-polishing or ultrasonic treatment during their orthodontic appointments over a period of two years. Clinical examinations and sample collections will occur at regular intervals to assess the prevalence of WSLs and gingivitis, as well as the antimicrobial efficacy against periodontal pathogens. The primary aim is to determine if air-polishing can serve as a viable monotherapy for these conditions.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce the incidence of white spot lesions and gingivitis in orthodontic patients, improving oral health outcomes.

How similar studies have gone: While the use of air-polishing in periodontal therapy has shown promise, this specific application during orthodontic treatment is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Subjects about to undergo fixed orthodontic treatment will be invited to participate.
* Age between 12 and 16 years only participants
* Informed written consent obtained by the parents

Exclusion Criteria:

* Clinically significant concomitant disease states (e.g., renal failure, hepatic dysfunction, cardiovascular disease, etc.),
* Known or suspected non-compliance, drug or alcohol abuse
* Inability to follow the procedures of the investigation, e.g. due to language problems, psychological disorders, dementia, etc. of the subject
* Participation in another investigation with an investigational drug or another MD within the 30 days preceding and during the present investigation
* Previous enrolment into the current investigation
* Enrolment of the PI, his/her family members, employees and other dependent persons
* History of fixed orthodontic treatment
* Defects on enamel on labial surfaces of the teeth
* Untreated cavitated lesions
* Plaque levels \>25%
* Periodontitis
* Multiple missing teeth
* Cleft lip and/or palate or other craniofacial anomalies or syndromes
* Patients taking any regular medication
* Patients with asthmatic problems

Where it's running

  • University of Geneva, University Clinics of Dental Medicine
    Geneva, Canton of Geneva, Switzerland
    Recruiting

Similar studies

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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.