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3D-Printed Versus Laboratory-Fabricated Hyrax Expanders for Maxillary Expansion

This study is comparing two types of devices used to expand the upper jaw (maxillary expanders) in children aged 8 to 13. One type, the 3D-Printed Hyrax Expander, is designed on a computer and made with a 3D printer. The other, the Conventional Laboratory Fabricated Hyrax Expander, is made by hand. Both are already used at the MUSC Orthodontics Clinic. The goal is to see if the 3D-printed expander works as well as the traditional one and is more comfortable. We will measure how much the upper jaw opens after 2 weeks. The study is looking for 42 participants and its current status is unclear.

Study design
This study is comparing two different types of maxillary expanders. It plans to enroll 42 children between 8 and 13 years old.
What's involved
Not specified in the trial record.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
The primary measurement of jaw opening will be taken at 2 weeks.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT05743127

3D-Printed Versus Laboratory-Fabricated Hyrax Expanders

Recruiting
NAAges 8–13InterventionalTreatment
Ildeu Andrade Jr.
~42 participants
Updated 2026-03-20 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:3D-Printed Hyrax ExpanderConventional Laboratory Fabricated Hyrax Expander

At a glance

Recruiting sites
2 of 2 listed sites are recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Dimension of the Anterior Midpalatal Suture Opening
Measured over 2 weeks

Conditions

Maxillary Expansion

Explore related trials

Narrow maxilla

Where it's being run

2 sites across 2 states
Pennsylvania1
South Carolina1

Study leadership

  • Ildeu Andrade, DDS, MS, PhD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · University of Pittsburgh

Who to contact

Ildeu Andrade, DDS, MS, PhD
[email protected]
843-792-3366
Email the study team

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Do you actually qualify for this trial?

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

Maxillary anterior and/or posterior transverse deficiency with or without crossbite
Age of 8-13 years
Children whose parents/guardians are willing to consent to the child participating in the study
Children ages 12-13 who are willing to assent to participating in the study
Children who are orthodontic patients at the Medical University of South Carolina Department of Orthodontics or University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine
Subjects and parents/guardians who have access to an electronic device with internet connection

Exclusion

Patients with previous or ongoing orthodontic treatment
Patients whose parents have a strong preference as to which expander is used
Patients with a history of temporomandibular disorders
Presence of congenitally missing teeth
Traumatic loss of maxillary incisors
Patients with craniofacial syndromes, or cleft lip and/or palate

What this trial measures

  • Dimension of the Anterior Midpalatal Suture Opening2 weeks

    The dimension of the anterior midpalatal suture opening between the maxillary halves will be measured digitally in millimeters on the occlusal radiograph using a calibrated ruler.