Can a laser plus aligners permanently close tooth gaps?
NCT ID NCT07778095
First seen Aug 21, 2026 · Last updated Aug 21, 2026
Summary
This trial tests two ways to close gaps between teeth (diastema) in adults: clear aligners versus traditional braces, with or without a laser procedure to remove the tissue connecting the lip to the gums (frenectomy). Participants are randomly assigned to one of four treatment combinations. The study tracks how quickly gaps close and whether they stay closed after treatment and during follow-up.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Clear aligners, fixed orthodontic appliances, and laser frenectomy
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could help identify the most effective and stable way to close gaps between teeth, potentially reducing the need for long-term retention or retreatment.
- What could go wrong
- This is a relatively small trial, and results may not apply to everyone. There is a risk of relapse (gaps reopening) despite treatment, and the procedures carry typical orthodontic and surgical risks.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 48 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Expected to start
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Nov 2026
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- Expected to finish
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Jan 2029
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 to 35 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Adult patients aged 18 to 35 years. * Presence of maxillary median diastema associated with generalized interdental spacing (width \>= 3 mm). * Fully erupted permanent teeth (excluding third molars). * Good periodontal health with probing depths \<= 3 mm and no bone loss. * High motivation and commitment to follow treatment protocols and compliance. * Written informed consent provided. Exclusion Criteria: * Previous orthodontic treatment. * Severe skeletal malocclusion or craniofacial anomalies. * Active periodontal disease, poor oral hygiene, or untreated caries. * Missing or impacted permanent teeth in the maxillary arch (excluding third molars). * Systemic diseases or long-term medication use affecting bone metabolism or tooth movement (e.g., bisphosphonates, systemic corticosteroids). * Pregnant or lactating females. * Heavy smokers or individuals with severe parafunctional
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.