Facial ScarringNCT07825844
Tools for Return of Facial Function
A study testing Intraoral Stretching Splints in people with Facial Scarring and Facial Trauma, run by The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston at 1 site in United States.
Trial summary
This study will evaluate novel intraoral (inside-the-mouth) splints designed to gently stretch facial tissues that have become tight or scarred following facial trauma, including burn injuries and gunshot wounds. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 7 to 100 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Facial Scarring, Facial Trauma, Burn
- What is being tested?
- Intraoral Stretching Splints
- Type of treatment
- Medical device
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 50 participants
- Where
- 1 siteUnited States
- Study dates
- Dec 2026to Aug 2028
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
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 7 to 100 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Child, Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Age 7-100
- Male or Female Sex
- Patients who have sustained facial trauma, facial injury or a facial burn and are now in the chronic phase
- Chief complaint(s) of limited mouth opening, difficulty chewing or speaking, decreased range of motion for oral structures, and/or limited facial expressions
- Subject or caregiver (parent or guardian, in case of pediatric population) must be able to give informed consent
- Subject or caregiver (parent or guardian, in case of pediatric population) must be able to perform exercises at home and must be able to record time spent using the splints
- Participants who are undergoing other treatment methods such as facial surgeries, use of compression garments, skin grafting, etc., must suspend all these treatments for the duration of the 8-week trial
- Access to internet and smartphone or computer capable of taking screenshots and with adequate audio and video capabilities (for those opting to participate via telehealth sessions
Who cannot join
- Planned or unplanned surgeries for facial skin grafting around lips or nose, or oral commissure release during the 8-week trial
- Completion of any massaging or other stretching exercises or programs not specified by the investigators
- Use of new creams or topical treatments for the duration of enrollment in the study
- Acutely burn-injured patients
- Incarceration or pregnancy
- History of neurological deficit
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
United States1 site
The University of Texas Medical Branch
Galveston, Texas, 77555
About this study
Official title: Translating Science Into Tools for Return of Facial Function
This study will evaluate novel intraoral (inside-the-mouth) splints designed to gently stretch facial tissues that have become tight or scarred following facial trauma, including burn injuries and gunshot wounds. Scar contractures can limit mouth opening, facial movement, and facial expressions, affecting daily function and quality of life.
Participants aged 7 years and older with facial contractures will be fitted with one or more silicone splints selected by a trained speech-language pathologist based on each participant's areas of restriction. The splints are available in different shapes and sizes and are designed to provide passive stretching to targeted areas of the face and mouth.
Read more
Researchers will assess changes in facial mobility, mouth opening, facial symmetry, and range of facial expression using clinical measurements and facial movement analysis software. The study will also help identify appropriate treatment protocols for use of the splints.
The researchers expect that use of the splints may improve facial movement and function, reduce the effects of scar contractures, and potentially decrease the need for future surgical procedures to improve facial mobility. Findings from this study may support a new treatment option for individuals with facial scarring due to burns or other traumatic injuries.
- Being tested
- Intraoral Stretching Splints
- Medical subject headings
- Burns
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Intraoral Stretching SplintsDevice
A set of three silicone intraoral splints (ball, bar, and boomerang shapes) designed to provide passive stretching of scarred or contracted orofacial tissues. Splints are available in multiple sizes and may be used unilaterally or bilaterally to target specific areas of facial tightness and restricted movement.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Intraoral Splint Therapy | Experimental | Participants with facial burns or other facial trauma resulting in orofacial contractures, scarring, fibrosis, or limited facial movement will receive individualized treatment using intraoral stretching splints. A trained speech-language pathologist will select the appropriate splint shape, size, and placement based on each participant's areas of facial restriction. Participants will use the prescribed splint or splints twice daily for approximately 60 minutes per session over an 8-week treatment period, with weekly assessments and adjustment of the treatment plan as needed. Receives: Device: Intraoral Stretching Splints |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Change in Facial Landmark Excursion
Change from baseline in excursion (millimeters) between predefined facial landmarks during standardized facial expressions (rest, nose wrinkle, broad smile, lip pucker, and maximum mouth opening), measured using customized facial measurement software.
Measured: Baseline to Week 8
Secondary outcomes (4)
Change in Vertical Range of Mouth Opening (VROM)
Change from baseline in maximum vertical mouth opening measured in millimeters using a digital caliper.
Measured: Baseline to Week 8
Change in Horizontal Range of Mouth Opening (HROM)
Change from baseline in maximum horizontal mouth opening measured in millimeters using a digital caliper.
Measured: Baseline to Week 8
Change in Mouth Impairment and Disability Assessment (MIDA) Score
Change from baseline in functional impairment and disability related to oral function as measured by the Mouth Impairment and Disability Assessment (MIDA). The MIDA includes patient-reported and clinician-assessed measures of symptoms, impairment, and functional activities.
Measured: Baseline and Week 8
Change in CARe Burn Scale Score
Change from baseline in burn-specific quality of life as measured by the age-appropriate CARe Burn Scale questionnaire.
Measured: Baseline and Week 8
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted17 Sep 2026
- Study startDec 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completionMar 2028 (estimated)
- Study completionAug 2028 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Facial ScarringStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
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
- Not applicable
- Intervention model
- Single group
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 50 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07825844
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 25-0178
- Status last verified
- Sep 2026
- First submitted
- 11 Sep 2026
- Last updated
- 17 Sep 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- Yes
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 17 Sep 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Translating Science Into Tools for Return of Facial Function
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07825844
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- 25-0178
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Not yet recruiting
- Enrolment
- 50 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- The University of Texas Medical Branch, GalvestonUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- Dec 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- Mar 2028 (estimated)
- Study completion
- Aug 2028 (estimated)
- First posted
- 17 Sep 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
This study will evaluate novel intraoral (inside-the-mouth) splints designed to gently stretch facial tissues that have become tight or scarred following facial trauma, including burn injuries and gunshot wounds. Scar contractures can limit mouth opening, facial movement, and facial expressions, affecting daily function and quality of life.
Participants aged 7 years and older with facial contractures will be fitted with one or more silicone splints selected by a trained speech-language pathologist based on each participant's areas of restriction. The splints are available in different shapes and sizes and are designed to provide passive stretching to targeted areas of the face and mouth.
Researchers will assess changes in facial mobility, mouth opening, facial symmetry, and range of facial expression using clinical measurements and facial movement analysis software. The study will also help identify appropriate treatment protocols for use of the splints.
The researchers expect that use of the splints may improve facial movement and function, reduce the effects of scar contractures, and potentially decrease the need for future surgical procedures to improve facial mobility. Findings from this study may support a new treatment option for individuals with facial scarring due to burns or other traumatic injuries.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Not applicable
- Intervention model
- Single group
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 1
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Intraoral Splint Therapy | Experimental | Device: Intraoral Stretching SplintsParticipants with facial burns or other facial trauma resulting in orofacial contractures, scarring, fibrosis, or limited facial movement will receive individualized treatment using intraoral stretching splints. A trained speech-language pathologist will select the appropriate splint shape, size, and placement based on each participant's areas of facial restriction. Participants will use the prescribed splint or splints twice daily for approximately 60 minutes per session over an 8-week treatment period, with weekly assessments and adjustment of the treatment plan as needed. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 7 to 100 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Child, Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (8 listed)
- Age 7-100
- Male or Female Sex
- Patients who have sustained facial trauma, facial injury or a facial burn and are now in the chronic phase
- Chief complaint(s) of limited mouth opening, difficulty chewing or speaking, decreased range of motion for oral structures, and/or limited facial expressions
- Subject or caregiver (parent or guardian, in case of pediatric population) must be able to give informed consent
Key exclusion criteria (6 listed)
- Planned or unplanned surgeries for facial skin grafting around lips or nose, or oral commissure release during the 8-week trial
- Completion of any massaging or other stretching exercises or programs not specified by the investigators
- Use of new creams or topical treatments for the duration of enrollment in the study
- Acutely burn-injured patients
- Incarceration or pregnancy
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Intraoral Stretching SplintsA set of three silicone intraoral splints (ball, bar, and boomerang shapes) designed to provide passive stretching of scarred or contracted orofacial tissues. Splints are available in multiple sizes and may be used unilaterally or bilaterally to target specific areas of facial tightness and restricted movement. | Device | Intraoral Splint Therapy |
Primary outcome
Change in Facial Landmark Excursion
Time frame: Baseline to Week 8
Change from baseline in excursion (millimeters) between predefined facial landmarks during standardized facial expressions (rest, nose wrinkle, broad smile, lip pucker, and maximum mouth opening), measured using customized facial measurement software.
4 secondary outcomes
Change in Vertical Range of Mouth Opening (VROM)
Time frame: Baseline to Week 8
Change in Horizontal Range of Mouth Opening (HROM)
Time frame: Baseline to Week 8
Change in Mouth Impairment and Disability Assessment (MIDA) Score
Time frame: Baseline and Week 8
Change in CARe Burn Scale Score
Time frame: Baseline and Week 8
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 17 Sep 2026.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Intraoral Stretching Splints in people with Facial Scarring and Facial Trauma, run by The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston at 1 site in United States.
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 8 inclusion and 6 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: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 17 Sep 2026. 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 United States. 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?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Kathleen Kerr, MS (409-772-2711, kmkerr@UTMB.EDU), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Change in Facial Landmark Excursion (time frame: Baseline to Week 8). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
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 17 Sep 2026.