Molar-Specific Inflammatory Biomarkers in Adolescents Using Clear Aligners With and Without Attachments
University of Nebraska
Summary
Problem: Clear aligner therapy is widely used in orthodontics due to improved periodontal outcomes compared to fixed appliances. However, composite attachments are frequently bonded to molars to enhance biomechanics, potentially creating plaque-retentive areas that may increase localized inflammatory responses. Currently, no studies have directly compared periodontal inflammatory biomarker levels in molars treated with clear aligners with versus without attachments. This gap limits understanding of the biological impact of attachments on periodontal tissues.Hypothesis:First molars treated with clear aligners and composite attachments will demonstrate higher levels of inflammatory biomarkers in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) compared to molars treated with clear aligners without attachments. Biomarker levels are expected to be lower in the non-attachment group. Methods: This study will include 30 orthodontic patients divided into two groups (15 per group):1. Clear aligners with molar attachments 2. Clear aligners without molar attachments. GCF samples will be collected from first molars at a routine orthodontic appointment at the UNMC College of Dentistry Graduate Orthodontic Clinic. Primary biomarkers include IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and MMP-8 measured via ELISA. Clinical periodontal parameters (Plaque Index, Gingival Index, Bleeding on Probing, Probing Depth) will also be recorded.
Description
Detailed Study Protocol: This pilot clinical study will recruit subject currently undergoing orthodontic therapy in the graduate orthodontic residency program at the UNMC College of Dentistry. Each subject will be screened for recruitment into the study by review of records by study personnel to determine qualifications regarding inclusion and exclusion criteria. Once the subject has been screened, the subject (if over 18 years old) or the subjects' parent (if subject is between 14-18 years old) will be introduced to the study and invited to participate. The consent form will be reviewed, all…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 14–25 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * orthodontic patient at the UNMC College of dentistry * clear aligner therapy Exclusion Criteria: * pregnancy
Location
- University of Nebraska Medical Center College of DentistryLincoln, Nebraska