NCT07368296

Impact of Lingual Attachment on WSL Development in Clear Aligner Patients: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Impact of Lingual Attachment Placement on White Spot Lesion Development in Clear Aligner Orthodontic Patients : A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

• Status: Active Not Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 52 (actual)
• Sponsor: Jordan University of Science and Technology · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 35 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

Summary

White spot lesions (WSLs) are a common esthetic complication during orthodontic treatment. While clear aligners (CAs) generally reduce WSL risk compared to fixed appliances, composite attachments remain plaque-retentive sites. This two-arm clinical trial investigated the effect of shifting attachments to lingual surfaces on WSL development.

Detailed description

A randomized controlled trial was conducted on 52 patients (18-35 years) undergoing CA therapy. Participants were allocated to two groups (n=26) for each: conventional buccal attachments (control) and lingual/palatal attachments (intervention). WSLs and plaque were assessed at baseline (T0) and six months (T1) using quantitative light-induced fluorescence (QLF). Outcomes included lesion area (pixels), mean fluorescence loss (ΔF), maximum depth (ΔFmax), and plaque index (ΔR30). Statistical analysis employed paired and independent t-tests, chi-square, and multivariable regression (α\<0.05).

Conditions

• White Spot Lesion of Tooth

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	Lingual attachment participants	WSL were measured on tooth surfaces of orthodontic patients wearing clear aligners with lingual attachments

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-02-02
• Primary completion: 2027-02-01
• Completion: 2027-05-01
• First posted: 2026-01-26
• Last updated: 2026-03-31

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Jordan