Can 3D printing give kids a better smile after tooth loss?
NCT ID NCT07752147
First seen Aug 07, 2026 · Last updated Aug 07, 2026
Summary
This trial tests whether 3D printed dental bridges are as good as or better than CAD/CAM-made bridges for preschool children who have lost one to four front teeth. The study will compare how long each type of bridge lasts, how healthy the gums stay, and how happy children and parents are with the look and function. Forty healthy children will be randomly assigned to receive one of the two bridge types and will be followed to see which approach offers better results for eating, speaking, and confidence.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- 3D printed modified fixed bridge or CAD/CAM fabricated modified fixed bridge
- What this could lead to
- If 3D printed bridges work as well or better than CAD/CAM ones, they could offer a faster, cheaper, and more comfortable way to restore young children's smiles after tooth loss.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage trial, so results may not apply to all children. The bridges could fail (debond or break) or cause gum irritation, and 3D printing may not prove superior to the standard approach.
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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40 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Jul 2025
- Expected to finish
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Aug 2026
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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3 to 5 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: 1. Healthy children (ASA I or II) 2. Premature loss of one to four maxillary primary incisors 3. At least 6 months remaining before the expected eruption of the permanent successor 4. Presence of sufficient healthy abutment teeth (primary canines) 5. Adequate oral hygiene (Plaque Index ≤1). 6. Cooperative child (Frankl Behavior Rating 3, 4). Exclusion Criteria: 1. Children with craniofacial anomalies or syndromes (e.g., cleft lip and palate). 2. Children with developmental dental anomalies affecting the anterior region (e.g., hypodontia, severe enamel defects). 3. Severe gingivitis or periodontal disease around the abutment teeth. 4. Deep bite, severe malocclusion, or traumatic occlusion that could interfere with appliance function. 5. Parafunctional habits that could increase appliance failure( Bruxism, Nail biting, Biting hard objects). 6. Persistent oral habits that may affect appliance stability
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As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Faculty of Dentistry
Tanta, 31111, Egypt