Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder

Researchers are evaluating a fully digital, facially guided approach to full-mouth rehabilitation for adults with bite difficulties, smile dissatisfaction, and missing mandibular molars. This study focuses on patients with malocclusion and partial or complete tooth loss who need esthetic and functional dental restoration. The goal is to assess how integrated digital planning combining intraoral, facial, and CBCT scans can improve the precision and outcomes of dental rehabilitation. The treatment uses advanced digital planning to create a 3D virtual patient model that guides esthetic design, occlusion, and implant placement. Participants receive conservative anterior rehabilitation with lithium disilicate veneers, zirconia crowns, guided implant placement for missing molars, and temporary anchorage device-assisted intrusion of extruded molars. This fully digital workflow aims for precise restoration positioning, functional occlusion, and esthetic results. During the study, participants will undergo scans, treatments, and follow-up visits as part of the digital workflow. Researchers will measure implant stability 12 months after treatment to evaluate the success of the rehabilitation. Participants are expected to comply with treatment and follow-up protocols, and will be monitored for functional and esthetic outcomes using integrated digital data throughout the study period.

Researchers are studying how bite force and bone turnover markers change during the retention phase after orthodontic treatment in patients with different vertical facial growth patterns. The study compares patients with vertical (hyperdivergent) and horizontal (hypodivergent) craniofacial growth to understand relapse and bone remodeling processes over a 12-month retention period. This prospective clinical trial aims to provide insights into maintaining teeth alignment using retention appliances after fixed orthodontic treatment. The trial includes two groups of patients who have completed fixed orthodontic treatment and are ready for retainer delivery. Group 1 consists of patients with vertical growth patterns (FMA 26° or more), while Group 2 includes those with horizontal growth patterns (FMA 24° or less). Both groups will receive a Begg's retainer formed conventionally and delivered within 24 hours of debonding. Changes in bite force will be measured using a bite force device, and bone turnover markers CTX (bone resorption) and BALP (bone formation) will be assessed using ELISA at baseline and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after retainer delivery. Participants will undergo bite force measurements and biomarker testing at five timepoints during the 12 months retention phase: at retainer delivery, then after 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. Data on bone turnover markers and bite force changes will be collected and compared between the two groups. The study includes monitoring of functional occlusion, oral hygiene, and retainer compliance. The total participation time spans 12 months, during which researchers will assess both clinical and biochemical indicators of bone remodeling and bite function after orthodontic treatment.

Researchers are studying changes in the shape of the palate in growing children with different vertical facial growth patterns who have a posterior cross-bite. The study focuses on patients with mixed dentition, skeletal Class I relationship, and who are in the prepubertal stage. The goal is to understand how rapid palatal expander treatment affects the palate morphology among hyperdivergent, hypodivergent, and normodivergent facial types. The treatment involves using a rapid palatal expander device for about 6 months. Patients will be grouped based on their facial divergence patterns. Digital dental casts will be recorded before and after the treatment using an intraoral scanner. Researchers will perform linear measurements and a comprehensive study of the palate shape using a set of 240 landmarks and semi-landmarks. Geometric Morphometric Analysis (GMA) will compare the palate shape changes among the different groups. Participants will undergo clinical evaluations and have pre-treatment and post-treatment digital records including oral scans and photographs. The primary outcome is to measure morphological changes of the palate after 6 months. Secondary outcomes include detailed shape analysis of the palatal vault among the different facial types. The study requires good quality records and informed consent from participants, with total participation lasting around 6 months.

Researchers are studying children aged 10 to 14 years who have a retrognathic mandible, a condition where the lower jaw is positioned backward. The trial aims to evaluate how functional appliance therapy using the Twin Block device affects 3D craniodentofacial features and reported sleep-related breathing disorders. This research also includes assessing the impact of the therapy on upper airway dimensions and sleep problems, which are important for overall child growth and development. Participants will receive the Twin Block functional appliance proposed after diagnostics, which they will wear for about one year. Three-dimensional facial scans will be taken before treatment, including at rest and with the mandible moved forward using the Fraenkel maneuver, as well as after the treatment ends. Caregivers will complete the Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire (PSQ) before and after treatment to evaluate perceived changes in sleep-related breathing issues. Additionally, lateral cephalogram X-rays will be taken from enrollment to the end of treatment to support the assessment. During the study, children will undergo detailed facial scans and X-rays to monitor changes in their facial structure and airway. Caregivers will provide input through questionnaires to assess sleep breathing problems. Researchers will compare initial scans and predicted treatment outcomes with actual results to evaluate therapy effectiveness. The total participation period is approximately one year, during which the team will closely observe facial growth, airway changes, and sleep-related symptoms to understand the therapy's influence.

Dentin hypersensitivity (DH) causes sharp, short pain from exposed dentin triggered by chemicals, temperature, or touch. It commonly affects older adults and varies widely in prevalence. This research evaluates the effectiveness of Casein phosphopeptide paste (CPP-ACP) alone or combined with a diode laser called Lasotronix in treating DH, as limited studies have explored this combination. The study involves four groups: one receiving CPP-ACP paste application only, one receiving diode laser therapy only, a third receiving both CPP-ACP and laser treatments, and a control group with no treatment. Lasotronix uses a 635nm wavelength laser designed for safe and effective bio-stimulation and photo-disinfection, while CPP-ACP paste aims to reduce pain by managing dentin sensitivity. Participants aged 25 to 65 with at least one sensitive, vital tooth without decay or defective restoration will be involved. They will undergo treatment and follow-up to assess dentin hypersensitivity over three months. Researchers will monitor pain levels and treatment effects, ensuring safety and adherence to the study protocol throughout the trial period.

Researchers are investigating treatments for temporomandibular disorders (TMD), which are increasingly common and affect jaw function and cause pain. This study aims to evaluate whether combining manual therapy with vagus nerve stimulation, a nerve linked to pain and jaw function, offers better relief and improved quality of life than manual therapy alone. The study involves 20 participants diagnosed with myogenic TMD, focusing on pain, jaw movement, and distress. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups: one receiving manual therapy combined with vagus nerve stimulation and the other receiving only manual therapy. Both groups undergo four physiotherapy sessions, one per week over a month, and are trained to continue treatment exercises at home over two months. The manual therapy includes joint manipulation and soft tissue techniques for the jaw. Throughout the study, an independent evaluator will assess participants monthly using questionnaires to measure chronic pain, jaw function, physical symptoms, range of motion, and distress. The main outcomes are changes in health status and chronic pain after two months. This double-blind, randomized study ensures unbiased results by keeping evaluators unaware of group assignments. Participant involvement spans two months of treatment and assessments.

Researchers are evaluating the Erchonia4 EVRL device to determine its effectiveness in providing temporary relief for chronic jaw pain caused by temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. This clinical study focuses on nociceptive musculoskeletal pain arising from TMJ and aims to measure changes in pain levels and jaw function. The study compares the Erchonia4 EVRL, a handheld device with red and violet laser diodes, to a placebo device that looks identical but emits no therapeutic light. Treatments involve positioning the device 3 to 4 inches from the skin over the TMJ area, applying laser therapy for 16 minutes total, with 8 minutes on each side. Participants are randomly assigned to receive either the active device or placebo in a triple-blind design. Participants will undergo assessments of pain using a visual analog scale (VAS) and mouth opening measurements before and immediately after treatment. The primary outcome is the number of participants achieving a 30% or greater reduction in pain rating. The study includes adults aged 22 to 75 with ongoing jaw pain lasting at least three months. Safety and effectiveness will be monitored throughout the trial, which runs until December 2027.

Researchers are evaluating the SureSmile clear aligner medical device in a multicenter clinical study. The study's main goal is to confirm the safety and assess the accuracy of different tooth movements when using these aligners. Additionally, the study compares three different trimline designs: Scalloped, Straight, and Straight Extended, to see how they perform during treatment for dental malocclusion. Participants will receive SureSmile clear aligners customized to fit their mouths, with each group using a different trimline design. The three groups include scalloped trimline, straight trimline, and straight extended trimline (2 mm). All other treatment protocols and materials remain the same across groups. Treatment typically lasts between 6 and 18 months, depending on the predetermined plan. During the study, participants' tooth movement accuracy will be measured at the start and end of aligner treatment. Comfort and pain levels will be recorded every 8 weeks throughout treatment and during a refinement period lasting about 8 to 12 weeks. The study also monitors any adverse events or device issues from the start until around 18 months later, when retainers are delivered. This careful follow-up helps assess safety and treatment outcomes.

Researchers are investigating a new orthodontic adhesive that does not require acid etching before bonding brackets. This study involves 20 patients aged 14 to 35 years undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment. The goal is to compare the new etch-free adhesive with the conventional acid-etch adhesive to see if it can reduce enamel damage and white spot lesions while maintaining bond strength. The trial uses a split-mouth design where one side of each patient's mouth receives the etch-free adhesive and the other side the conventional adhesive with phosphoric acid etching. Bonding times will be measured, and brackets will be placed following manufacturer instructions. Patients will be followed for 12 months to assess bracket failures, enamel condition, adhesive remnants, and white spot lesion formation. Participants will attend monthly visits during the 12-month follow-up to record bracket failures and enamel condition through clinical and photographic assessments. Bonding time, adhesive removal ease, and patient discomfort will also be recorded. Data will be securely stored and analyzed to evaluate the performance and safety of the new adhesive compared to the standard method.

Researchers are evaluating LY4515100 to assess its safety and how well it works compared with a placebo for treating moderate-to-severe acute pain after surgical removal of impacted third molars. This phase 2, randomized, double-blind study focuses on pain relief following this common oral surgery. The trial involves participants aged 18 to 40 years who require extraction of multiple third molars with certain impactions confirmed by X-ray. Participants will receive a single oral dose of either LY4515100 or a placebo. After surgery, each participant will stay in a Clinical Research Unit for monitoring. The study includes measures of pain intensity, pain relief, time to use of rescue medication, and the drug's concentration in the body, all tracked up to one day after dosing. During the approximately six-week study, participants will undergo assessments of their pain levels and relief using numerical and categorical scales. Researchers will also monitor safety through clinical evaluations and laboratory tests. The trial collects data on how quickly pain decreases and participants’ overall impression of pain relief, aiming to understand the drug's effects and safety profile in this setting.