Using electronic reminders to improve orthodontic treatment compliance

The Effectiveness of Electronic Reminders in Improving Intra-oral Elastic Compliance in Orthodontic Patients: A Randomised Clinical Trial

Not applicable Interventional Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust · NCT03144323

This study tests if daily reminders sent through a mobile app can help teenagers remember to use their orthodontic elastics more consistently for better teeth alignment.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment128 (estimated)
Ages10 Years to 20 Years
SexAll
SponsorGuy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust Academic / other
Locations2 sites (London and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT03144323 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effectiveness of daily electronic reminders sent via a mobile application to enhance compliance among orthodontic patients using intraoral elastics. The focus is on adolescent patients who often struggle with consistent use of these elastics, which are crucial for successful treatment outcomes. By utilizing a calendar app for reminders, the study aims to determine if this method can lead to improved adherence and, consequently, better alignment of teeth. The impact of these reminders on treatment duration and effectiveness will also be assessed.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adolescents undergoing orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances and Class II intraoral elastics.

Not a fit: Patients who have planned orthognathic surgery or craniofacial disorders may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve treatment outcomes for orthodontic patients by enhancing their compliance with elastic wear.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that electronic reminders can improve adherence in various medical fields, suggesting potential success for this approach in orthodontics.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Full fixed appliances with intraoral class II elastics full-time
* Wearing class II elastics for between 6 weeks \& 3 months
* Have smartphone with calendar-type app

Exclusion Criteria:

* Orthognathic surgery planned
* Craniofacial disorders

Where this trial is running

London and 1 other locations

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 MalocclusionCompliance, PatientIntraoral elastics
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.