Clear aligner edge design may influence gum bacteria
NCT ID NCT07533058
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Aug 11, 2026 · Updated 3 times
Summary
This study tests whether the way a clear aligner's edge meets the gumline changes the types of bacteria living in the gum pocket. 36 people in the finishing phase of orthodontic treatment wore aligners with two different edge designs at the same time—one covering a bit of gum, the other following the gumline exactly. Researchers measured levels of seven gum-disease-related bacteria after 4 and 8 weeks to see if one design promotes more harmful bacteria.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- CA Pro tri-layer finishing clear aligner (SCHEU-DENTAL GmbH)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could help orthodontists choose aligner designs that reduce the risk of gum disease during treatment.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage study (36 people) looking only at bacterial levels, not actual gum disease. Results may not apply to everyone or predict long-term outcomes.
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
-
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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36 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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May 2026
- Finished
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Aug 2026
- 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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15 years and older
- 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: * Permanent dentition (excluding third molars) * Age 15 years or older at enrollment * Currently undergoing the finishing phase of orthodontic treatment with clear aligners * Residual planned tooth movements no greater than 0.5 mm per tooth per aligner stage * Absence of active periodontal disease at baseline: probing depth 3 mm or less at all sites, and no bleeding on probing at index sampling sites * Written informed consent; for participants aged 15-17 years, written consent from parent or legal guardian is also required Exclusion Criteria: * Systemic conditions known to affect periodontal tissues (e.g., uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, immunosuppressive therapy) * Antibiotic therapy within the 3 months preceding enrollment * Active gingivitis (modified gingival index 2 or greater) or periodontitis at baseline * Habitual mouth breathing (self-reported or clinically assessed) * Poorly adapted fixed prosthetic restorations adjacent to planned index sampling sites * Visible plaque at more than 50% of tooth surfaces at baseline * Self-reported aligner compliance below 22 hours per day during the study period * Pregnancy or breastfeeding
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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.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Aorys Clinic
Sibiu, Sibiu County, 550027, Romania
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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