Study Investigating Tooth Movements With Conventional and Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAD/CAM) Supported Fixed Appliances

Pilot Study Investigating Tooth Movements With Conventional and CAD/CAM Supported Fixed Appliances

In orthodontics, conventional fixed appliances, usually consisting of prefabricated components, require step-by-step adjustment in order to move teeth in the planned direction.

May treatment be improved with customized archwires?

Study hypotheses:

• By using CAD/CAM in planning and fabrication of customized archwires, unnecessary tooth movements can be avoided and teeth can be moved on their direct path to the intended position.
• The application of CAD/CAM improves reproducibility, efficiency, and quality of orthodontic treatment.

Inclusion Criteria:

• treatment of front teeth with fixed orthodontic appliances is indicated
• complete secondary dentition
• age: 18-35
• in healthy general condition
• patient is informed about study and agrees to participate

Exclusion Criteria:

• treatment of premolars and molars is necessary
• syndromes affecting bones and teeth
• cleft lip and palate
• inflammation or reduction (more than 50%) of periodontium
• intake of drugs affecting tooth movement and bone formation
• disturbance of bone formation
• disturbance of thyroidal function
• pregnancy
• participation in additional study affecting oral hygiene
• former therapy with ionized radiation or cytostatic drugs
• caries (active phase)
• alcohol dependency