Appointment intervals and orthodontic tooth movement.
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A randomized clinical trial investigating the effect of appointment intervals on orthodontic tooth alignment.
IRAS ID
255727
Contact name
Martyn Cobourne
Contact email
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 10 months, 1 days
Research summary
Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry concerned primarily with the correction of dental crowding or tooth malalignment. The first phase of fixed appliance orthodontic treatment is concerned with tooth alignment and relies upon a rapid and predictable response of the appliance system to the forces applied by the aligning archwire. \nThe appropriate length of time between orthodontic appointments, generally called the ‘appointment interval’, has been the subject of debate for many years. Doctors all have their own preferences, based either on what they were taught in their orthodontic specialty programs or on community norms. Little evidence has been presented in the orthodontic literature to support these biases. The appointment interval may influence tooth alignment rates and treatment time along with other variables, such as periodontal status. Accelerating orthodontic tooth movement can significantly reduce treatment duration and the risk of side-effects.\nWe propose to investigate the total time required to achieve tooth alignment in a randomised clinical trial of two groups with two different appointment intervals. These subjects will be undertaking routine fixed appliance orthodontic treatment within the Department of Orthodontics at King’s College London Dental Institute.\nSaliva samples and fluid from around the base of lower front teeth (using periopaper strips) will be taken from patients before braces placement and at each adjustment appointment, when they come to tighten their braces, up to the end of alignment of teeth. \n
REC name
North of Scotland Research Ethics Committee 1
REC reference
19/NS/0099
Date of REC Opinion
18 Jun 2019
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion