AzTrials
AzTrials

Class III MalocclusionNCT06859606

Mandibular Sequential Distalization Versus Class III Elastics With Clear Aligners in Class III Patients

A study testing Lower molar distalization and Class III elastics in people with Class III Malocclusion, run by Saint Camillus International University of Health Sciences at 1 site in Italy.

Completed

Finished. The study has ended and is not enrolling. Results may be posted on the official record.

Official record
Search all trials

Trial summary

Distalizing mandibular molars may be indicated for patients with minor skeletal Class III discrepancies or in Class III subjects with mild crowding. Traditionally, mandibular molar distalization was accomplished using elastics, open coils, and the multiloop edgewise archwire technique. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 19 years and older
Conditions the study is for
Class III Malocclusion
What is being tested?
Lower molar distalization and Class III elastics
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
30 participants
Where
1 siteItaly
Study dates
1 Dec 2022to 10 Jan 2025
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
None posted in the registry

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 19 years and older
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • adult age (≥19 years)
  • permanent dentition including second permanent molars
  • skeletal Class I or slight Class III (-2° < ANB < +2°)
  • normal skeletal divergency pattern (SN^GoGn, 27°-37°)
  • Class III canine and molar relationship at baseline (T0), moderate lower arch crowding (≤ +4 mm)
  • good compliance with aligners and elastics (≥ 20 hours/day)

Who cannot join

  • severe skeletal Class III malocclusion (ANB < -2°)
  • transversal maxillary deficiency
  • use of Temporary Anchorage Devices (TADs)
  • extraction treatments other than third molars
  • periodontal disease or temporomandibular disorders (TMDs).

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country.

Italy1 site
  • Saint Camillus International University of Health Sciences

    Rome, 00131

Other trials in Italy

About this study

Official title: Mandibular Sequential Distalization Versus Class III Elastics With Clear Aligners in Class III Patients: a Randomized Controlled Trial

Distalizing mandibular molars may be indicated for patients with minor skeletal Class III discrepancies or in Class III subjects with mild crowding. Traditionally, mandibular molar distalization was accomplished using elastics, open coils, and the multiloop edgewise archwire technique. In recent years, several techniques have been developed to reduce the dependence on patient compliance, such as skeletal anchorage. Recently, several reports have been published on mandibular distal movement using miniscrews and some case reports have shown the possibility of obtaining Class III correction with sequential mandibular distalization in non-growing subjects by means of clear aligners. However, a sound clinical judgment should always be made on the basis of a higher level of evidence. Therefore, the purpose of the present prospective study is to provide a detailed analysis of the underlying skeletal and dental changes determined by mandibular distalization therapy with the sequential Invisalign protocol in permanent dentition. This will be accomplished by testing the following null hypothesis: mandibular molar distalization is not achievable with aligners without the application of TADs.

Read the detailed description

Class III malocclusion is considered one of the most challenging maxillofacial disorders in clinical practice characterized by an antero-posterior discrepancy with mandibular protrusion, maxillary retrusion, or a combination of both. In adult patients, managing this condition is further complicated by the absence of residual skeletal growth, limiting therapeutic options to orthodontic interventions and, in some cases, surgical procedures. Diagnosis in Class III adult patients requires distinguishing between skeletal malocclusion and dento-alveolar discrepancy. The combination of orthognathic surgery and orthodontic therapy represents the gold standard for more severe skeletal Class III disharmonies, leading to an improvement of both function and aesthetics. On the other hand, in Class III cases characterized by a prevalent dental component or mild skeletal discrepancy, the malocclusion can be addressed with a dento-alveolar compensation. In these cases, the clinical objectives are to achieve a correct sagittal, canine and molar Class I relationship, as well as ideal values of overjet and overbite. The non-surgical orthopedic approach involves the application of Class III elastics or the distalization of the lower molars, which can improve the sagittal occlusal relationship. As a matter of fact, mandibular distalization allows the increase of lower arch length along with the achievement of the necessary space to correct a Class III relationship. However, bone density and root anatomy make lower molar distalization difficult to achieve. In addition, one of the most frequent adverse effects is represented by the anterior anchorage loss with a worsening of lower incisor proclination and overjet values. Traditional appliances feature the use of open coil springs, inter arch elastics, and lip bumper device combined with fixed appliances. Nowadays, the development of clear aligner technology provides new opportunities even in the management of complex malocclusion cases, including Class III discrepancies. In particular, molar distalization movements and intermaxillary elastics have been proposed as a valid clinical strategy to improve the occlusal relationship without requiring skeletal anchorage devices. During the sagittal mechanics, over-corrected movements should be planned in order to obtain more bodily movements of the lower molars. Moreover, the best accuracy and predictability of distalization movements are supported by the sequential staging and the presence of attachments on the tooth surfaces. Nowadays, scientific evidence on this topic is limited and it is influenced by restrictions in terms of sample size, retrospective design, and lack of long-term observation. Hence, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy and efficiency of intermaxillary elastics combined with lower molar distalization by means of clear aligners in the treatment of Class III malocclusion in adult patients. More specifically, a randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted to evaluate the antero-posterior correction induced by Class III elastics combined with lower distalization movements and the application of Class III elastics alone. The possibility of achieving satisfying clinical outcomes without the use of skeletal anchorage was considered to avoid an invasive orthodontic approach

Being tested
Lower molar distalization, Class III elastics
Keywords
class III malocclusion, lower molar distalization, class III elastics, clear aligner treatment
Medical subject headings
Malocclusion, Angle Class III

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Lower molar distalizationOther

    Lower Distalization Protocol included extraction of the lower third molars before starting treatment and a 50% sequential lower distalization with two teeth being distalized at a time. The distalization started with the movement of lower second molars, followed by the first molars halfway through the process, and so on. Once the canine reached the right position, the "en masse" retraction of the four incisors completed the treatment plan. The protocol comprised the use of Class III intermaxillary elastics to support the distalization movement and to control the proclination of lower incisors

  • Class III elasticsOther

    Non-Distalization Protocol featured extraction of the lower third molars before starting treatment, transversal dento-alveolar coordination, strategic interproximal reduction (IPR) in the anterior segment of the lower arch, and the addition of Class III elastics

Study groups in NCT06859606
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Group 1 - Lower Distalization ProtocolExperimentalIn Group 1 (Lower Distalization Protocol), all subjects underwent lower molar distalization combined with Class III elastics.
Receives: Other: Lower molar distalization
Group 2, Non-Distalization ProtocolExperimentalIn Group 2 (Non-Distalization Protocol) all subjects were treated with dento-alveolar expansion and Class III elastics
Receives: Other: Class III elastics

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Lower molar positional changes expressed by means of linear and angular measurements (L6-MP mm; L6-MP angle; L6 - CoGo mm; L6 apex - CoGo mm)

    L6-MP mm: linear distance between the mesial cusp of lower first molar and Mandibular plane L6-MP angle: angle between long axis of lower first molar and Mandibular plane L6 - CoGo mm: linear distance between the mesial cusp of lower first molar and CoGo line L6 apex - CoGo mm: linear distance between the apex of lower first molar and CoGo line

    Measured: from the start of treatment to the end at 24 months

Secondary outcomes (7)
  1. Changes in inclination of the lower incisors (IMPA angle)

    IMPA angle: angle between long axis of the lower incisor and mandibular plane

    Measured: from the start of treatment to the and at 24 months

  2. Changes in position of the lower incisors (L1-CoGo mm; L1apex - CoGo)

    L1-CoGo mm: linear distance between the tip crown of the lower incisor L1apex - CoGo mm: linear distance between the apex of the lower incisor and CoGo line

    Measured: from the start of treatment to the and at 24 months

  3. Sagittal skeletal changes (SNA angle, SNB angle, ANB angle)

    SNA angle: maxillary sagittal position SNB angle: mandibular sagittal position ANB angle: maxillomandibular sagittal discrepancy

    Measured: from start of treatment to to the end at 24 months

  4. Sagittal skeletal changes (Wits appraisal)

    Wits appraisal: maxillomandibular sagittal discrepancy

    Measured: from start of treatment to to the end at 24 months

  5. Vertical skeletal changes (SN^MP angle, Gonial Angle)

    SN-MP angle between Sella/Nasion plane and Mandibular plane Gonial angle, angle between Ar-Go plane and Go-Me plane

    Measured: from the start of treatment to the end at 24 months

  6. Changes of upper incisors inclination

    Incisor inclintion: angle between long axis of upper incisor and Sella Nasion

    Measured: from the start of treatment to the and at 24 months

  7. Overbite and Overjet values

    Overbite mm: horizontal distance between the upper and lower incisors on the occlusal plane Overjet mm: vertical distance between the upper and lower incisors on the occlusal plane

    Measured: from the start of treatment to the and at 24 months

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted5 Mar 2025
  2. Study start1 Dec 2022
  3. Primary completion1 Dec 2024
  4. Study completion10 Jan 2025

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Masking
Double blind
Who is masked
Participant, Investigator
Enrolment
30 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT06859606
Sponsor's protocol ID
75.23
Status last verified
Mar 2025
First submitted
11 Feb 2025
Last updated
5 Mar 2025
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
Yes
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
Undecided

Publications

  • Martina H, Stefano Adriana A, Ernesto B, Alessandra I, Roberto AV, Gabriella G. Lower molar distalization using clear aligners: Is it effective? A systematic review. J Orthod Sci. 2024 Feb 16;13:11. doi: 10.4103/jos.jos_174_23. eCollection 2024.

    PubMed 38516119
  • Rota E, Parrini S, Malekian K, Cugliari G, Mampieri G, Deregibus A, Castroflorio T. Lower molar distalization using clear aligners: bodily movement or uprighting? A preliminary study. Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(14), 7123.

  • Han J, Ning N, Du H, Zhou M, Cai C, Hong Y, et al. Efficacy of clear aligners on mandibular molar distalization: A retrospective study. Digit Med 2021; 7:1.

  • Padmanabhan A, Khan Y, Lambate V, K U, Naveed N, Singh M, Nagi PK. Efficacy of Clear Aligners in Treating Class III Malocclusion With Mandibular Molar Distalization: A Systematic Review. Cureus. 2023 Nov 1;15(11):e48134. doi: 10.7759/cureus.48134. eCollection 2023 Nov.

    PubMed 38046776
  • Pavoni C, Gazzani F, Franchi L, Loberto S, Lione R, Cozza P. Soft tissue facial profile in Class III malocclusion: long-term post-pubertal effects produced by the Face Mask Protocol. Eur J Orthod. 2019 Sep 21;41(5):531-536. doi: 10.1093/ejo/cjz003.

    PubMed 30865768
  • Gazzani F, Pavoni C, De Razza FC, Lugli L, Cozza P, Lione R. Clear aligner treatment in adult patients with class III malocclusion: lower distalization and class III elastics vs class III elastics alone - a RCT. Eur J Orthod. 2025 Jun 12;47(4):cjaf052. doi: 10.1093/ejo/cjaf052.

    PubMed 40600239

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Lower molar distalization and Class III elastics in people with Class III Malocclusion, run by Saint Camillus International University of Health Sciences at 1 site in Italy.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 6 inclusion and 5 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 5 Mar 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in Italy. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Lower molar positional changes expressed by means of linear and angular measurements (L6-MP mm; L6-MP angle; L6 - CoGo mm; L6 apex - CoGo mm) (time frame: from the start of treatment to the end at 24 months). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT06859606, which also lists 6 linked publications.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 5 Mar 2025.

Free account

Keep searching with a free account

You’ve used your 3 free searches for this session. Log in or create a free AzTrials account to keep searching clinical trials and save the ones you want to follow.

Create a free accountLog in