Oral Health-Related Quality of Life Between Two Different Types of Orthodontic Appliances

The Impact of A Modified Aligner Appliance With NiTi Springs and Conventional Fixed Appliances on Oral Health-related Quality of Life in Patients With Mild Crowding

Patients who have mild crowding from the Orthodontic Department at University of Damascus Dental School will be treated in this trial. The effects of modified aligner appliance with NiTi springs on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) compared with conventional fixed appliances using the OHIP-14 questionnaire during orthodontic treatment. So, this study aims to compare the changes in OHRQoL between patients receiving modified aligner appliances or conventional fixed appliances during orthodontic treatment.

There are two groups:

1. Experimental group: the patients in this group will be treated using a modified aligner appliance.
2. Control group: the patients in this group will be treated using conventional fixed appliances

Most adult patients do not choose traditional fixed appliances due to concerns about appearance, lengthy treatment time, and challenges with oral hygiene. This study aimed to assess the impact on psychological well-being, aesthetics, and functionality of a novel single aligner appliance.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Patients aged between (18 - 25) years.
2. Mild crowding < 4 mm in the lower dental arch with class I malocclusion
3. No congenitally missing or extracted teeth (except for third molars)
4. Patients with good oral hygiene.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Bimaxillary dentoalveolar protrusion.
2. Previous orthodontic treatment.
3. Severe skeletal discrepancy.