Quality and Effectiveness of a Personalised App to Support Patients With Fixed Braces

Launched by UNIVERSITY COLLEGE, LONDON · Nov 28, 2019

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a new mobile app called "My Braces," which is designed to help patients who are undergoing orthodontic treatment with fixed braces. The goal of the app is to improve how well patients follow their treatment plans, especially when it comes to maintaining good oral hygiene, like brushing their teeth properly. The trial will take place at the Eastman Dental Hospital in London and will involve patients aged 10 to 18 years who are starting their orthodontic treatment and have access to a smartphone or tablet.

Participants in the trial will be placed into one of three groups. One group will get standard information about their treatment along with a basic version of the app that includes a toothbrushing timer. The second group will receive additional videos and text through the app. The third group will have full access to all features of the app, allowing them to track their own treatment progress, set personal goals, and share this information with their orthodontic team. This trial is not yet recruiting, so if you or someone you know is interested, keep an eye out for more information on how to participate!

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Patients accepted for orthodontic treatment utilising fixed orthodontic braces ('train track' braces) at the Eastman Dental Hospital, UCLH Foundation Trust (UCLH EDH)
• • 10-18 years (inclusive) at the start of treatment
• • Familiarity with, and daily access to, a smartphone/tablet • Ability to read and communicate in English
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Craniofacial/Orthognathic patients or those with severe hypodontia (developmental absence of teeth); these patients require complex multi-disciplinary treatment. The information need for these patients is therefore different to routine orthodontic treatment
• • Communication difficulties (for example, severe autism, learning difficulties)
• • Patients who are aware that a family member/friend is enrolled in the study (including a preceding feasibility study, the pilot or RCT) - this is to avoid the patient potentially having access to parts of the App relating to groups other than that the patient is allocated to