NCT07217756 · University of Rochester
Impact of Increased Body Mass Index on Adolescent Fixed Orthodontic Treatment. A Prospective Longitudinal Study
What this study is about
The goal of this forward-looking observational study is to assess the influence of increased body mass index (BMI) on various taken by mouth health and orthodontic-related parameters in adolescents undergoing orthodontic therapy (OT) with braces.
View original scientific description
The goal of this prospective observational study is to assess the influence of increased body mass index (BMI) on various oral health and orthodontic-related parameters in adolescents undergoing orthodontic therapy (OT) with braces. These parameters include gum inflammation, tooth decalcifications/discolorations, tooth alignment of lower incisors, and various inflammatory and microbiological parameters in the collected saliva and gum fluid of the patients. The primary purpose is to assess if an increased BMI is a risk factor for oral inflammation in adolescents undergoing OT. The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. Do patients with an increased BMI undergoing OT demonstrate increased microbial counts in the saliva compared to patients with normal BMI? 2. Do patients with increased BMI undergoing OT demonstrate increased gum inflammation, tooth discolorations, and higher levels of inflammatory markers in the saliva and gum fluid samples compared to patients with normal BMI? This study will include 2 study groups (patients with increased BMI-test group, and normal weight patients-control group). The participants will be asked to complete a study questionnaire, which will collect information regarding their demographics, their family socioeconomic and educational status, dietary habits, and oral health-related quality of life. The participants will also receive an oral examination (evaluation of their gum health), and they will have their intraoral photos taken, as well as an impression of their lower teeth (to create dental models). A saliva sample will be obtained by asking patients to passively "drool" in a tube, and a gingival fluid sample will be collected from the gums of the lower anterior teeth using thin paper strips. All these study procedures will be conducted at baseline (T1: before bonding of braces), and at an approximately 6-month follow-up visit (T2). Comparisons of these outcomes will be conducted between the two groups and across timepoints.
Primary outcome measures
Mean Change in Full-Mouth Bleeding Score (FMBS)
Time frame: Baseline (T1: before bonding of braces) and approximately 6 months follow-up (T2)
Bleeding on probing (BOP) will be assessed dichotomously (yes/no) at six sites per tooth (mesio-buccal, mid-buccal, disto-buccal, mesio-lingual/palatal, mid-lingual/palatal, and disto-lingual/palatal) using a standardized periodontal probe by trained examiners. The full-mouth bleeding score (FMBS) will be calculated as the percentage of sites that bleed out of the total number of sites examined. Higher percentages indicate greater gingival inflammation.
Mean Change in White Spot Lesion (WSL) Score (International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS))
Time frame: Baseline (T1: before bonding of braces) and approximately 6 months follow-up (T2)
Standardized intraoral and facial photographs will be taken using calibrated camera settings and stored in Dolphin Imaging Software. Each visible tooth surface will be examined for color, texture, and cavitation changes and scored using the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS). Code 0 = sound surface; code 2 = visible white spot lesion; codes 3-4 = localized enamel breakdown or dentin shadowing; codes 5-6 = cavitated lesions extending into dentin. Because photos are obtained without air drying, code 1 will be excluded. The average WSL score per participant will be calculated by dividing the total ICDAS score by the number of surfaces assessed. Mean change = score at T2 minus score at T1. Higher scores indicate greater enamel decalcification.
Mean Change in Salivary Microbial Counts of Candida albicans and Streptococcus mutans
Time frame: Baseline (T1: before bonding of braces) and approximately 6 months follow-up (T2)
Unstimulated whole saliva will be collected at baseline and follow-up. C. albicans will be cultured on CHROMagar™ Candida and confirmed via germ tube test from three colonies per sample. S. mutans will be cultured on Mitis Salivarius Bacitracin medium and identified by colony morphology. DNA-based microbial identification and oral microbiome sequencing with bioinformatics analysis will also be performed. Microbial counts will be reported per participant as colony-forming units per milliliter (CFU/mL) or relative abundance. Higher values indicate greater microbial load.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- adolescents (12-17 years old);
- patients scheduled to undergo comprehensive fixed orthodontic therapy (OT) (for at least 6 months with metal braces/wires) on both dental arches;
- patients with increased BMI (≥25.0 Kg/m2) (test-Group);
- patients with normal BMI \[18.5-24.99 (Kg/m2)\] (control-Group);
- patients with all 6 mandibular anterior teeth present and mild-to-moderate mandibular crowding (\<7.5 mm);
- patients and parents/guardians willing to provide signed assent/permission.
Exclusion criteria
- self-reported habitual tobacco product users;
- patients with self-reported medical diseases such as hepatic diseases, blood disorders, cardiovascular diseases, HIV, diabetes mellitus, and viral infections;
- patients with craniofacial syndromes and/or cleft lip and palate;
- pregnant and/or lactating females (by self/parent report);
- edentulous individuals;
- patients with active or a history of periodontitis;
- patients having undergone surgical and/or non-surgical periodontal therapy within the past 6 months;
- patients with physical and/or mental/cognitive disabilities who are decisionally-impaired and not able to consent/assent for themselves;
- patients who reported use of medications such as antibiotics, steroids (inhalers and/or pills), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and antimicrobial mouth-rinses within the past 3 months or those who require prophylactic antibiotics prior to dental procedures;
- patients undergoing cancer therapy;
- underweight patients (BMI less than 18.5 Kg/m2);
- patients with oral mucosal lesions such as median rhomboid glossitis and lichen planus;
- patients with clinically visible carious teeth.
Where
- Rochester, New York
Collaborators
American Association of Orthodontists Foundation
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Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Oct 20, 2025 · Source of record for eligibility and locations