Evaluation of Maxillary Expansion Using Clear Aligners' Therapy in Patients With Cleft Lip and Palate at the Mixed Dentition Stage

Launched by CAIRO UNIVERSITY · May 25, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is investigating whether clear aligners can help expand the upper jaw in children aged 6 to 8 who have cleft lip and palate. Many children with this condition have a narrow upper dental arch, and the trial aims to see if wearing these aligners can effectively change the shape of their jaw and teeth in different directions. Researchers want to find out if the aligners can make the dental arch wider and also improve its position in relation to the rest of the face.

To participate, children must be between 6 and 8 years old, have a mixed set of teeth (both baby and adult teeth), and have a history of cleft lip and palate repair at specific ages. They should also not have had any previous orthodontic treatment and must be in good dental health. If eligible, children will wear a series of aligners for about 10 days each and visit the clinic every month for checkups. After completing the treatment, 3D scans and X-rays will be taken to see how well the aligners worked. This trial is currently recruiting participants and welcomes both boys and girls.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Mixed dentition.
• • Both males and females.
• • Bilateral cleft lip and palate.
• • Lip repair performed between 3 and 6 months of age and palate repair performed between 12and 24 months of age.
• • Presence of maxillary constriction that needs maxillary expansion.
• • Good periodontal health.
• • No previous orthodontic treatment.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Syndromic cleft lip and palate patients.
• • Taking medications that influence growth.