Microplastic Exposure From Clear Aligner Wear (MPE)

NCT ID: NCT06934603

Last Updated: 2025-09-19

Study Results

Results pending

The study team has not published outcome measurements, participant flow, or safety data for this trial yet. Check back later for updates.

Basic Information

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Recruitment Status

RECRUITING

Total Enrollment

150 participants

Study Classification

OBSERVATIONAL

Study Start Date

2025-08-08

Study Completion Date

2035-07-01

Brief Summary

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An observational longitudinal study measuring microplastic exposure and physiologic uptake in orthodontic patients receiving clear aligner treatment.

Detailed Description

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This study is investigating whether orthodontic patients already scheduled to receive clear aligner treatment have changes in their microplastic exposure and physiologic uptake pre- and post-treatment. Consented and enrolled participants will provide unstimulated saliva and urine samples at three timepoints before regularly scheduled orthodontic appointments: Pre-treatment (Visit 1), 6-12 weeks post-treatment (Visit 2), and 16-24 weeks post-treatment (Visit 3). The saliva and urine samples will be filtered and then analyzed for microplastic content using mass spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy approaches.

Conditions

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Microplastic Exposure

Study Design

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Observational Model Type

COHORT

Study Time Perspective

PROSPECTIVE

Study Groups

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Clear Aligner Treatment

Orthodontic patients already scheduled to receive clear aligner treatment at UNC Orthodontic clinics.

Clear Aligner Treatment

Intervention Type OTHER

This study is observational. Only patients who are previously scheduled to receive clear aligner treatment from their orthodontic provider will be recruited.

Interventions

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Clear Aligner Treatment

This study is observational. Only patients who are previously scheduled to receive clear aligner treatment from their orthodontic provider will be recruited.

Intervention Type OTHER

Eligibility Criteria

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Inclusion Criteria

* Individuals (all sexes, genders, races, and ethnicities) aged at least 10 years (in adult dentition) and at most 75 years
* Receiving comprehensive, Phase II orthodontic treatment with clear aligner therapy
* Stable physical health (ASA I or II), as determined by study coordinator or PI
* Able to comprehend and follow requirements of study (including availability on scheduled visit dates)
* Patient and parental consent (and assent for minors) for participation in the study

Exclusion Criteria

* Receiving orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances
* Receiving hybrid treatment with fixed appliances and aligners
* Receiving Phase I orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances
* Established history of severe xerostomia (dry mouth), severe periodontal disease with actively bleeding gums, significant oral abrasions/ulcers or growths, current alcohol abuse, and/or recreational drug abuse
* Other severe acute or chronic medical or psychiatric condition or laboratory abnormality that may increase risk associated with participation
* Drinking, eating, or brushing teeth within 1 hour of study visit
* Removing aligners within 1 hour of study visit
* Developmental or cognitive disability such that the patient cannot self-consent, comprehend, and follow the requirements of the study based on research site personnel's assessment
Minimum Eligible Age

10 Years

Maximum Eligible Age

75 Years

Eligible Sex

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Sponsors

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University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

OTHER

Sponsor Role lead

Responsible Party

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Responsibility Role SPONSOR

Principal Investigators

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Laura A Jacox, DMD, PhD, MS

Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

Locations

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University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States

Site Status RECRUITING

Countries

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United States

Central Contacts

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Laura A Jacox, DMD, PhD, MS

Role: CONTACT

919-537-3424

S.T. Phillips, BSDH

Role: CONTACT

919-537-3422

Facility Contacts

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Laura A Jacox, DMD, PhD, MS

Role: primary

919-537-3424

Other Identifiers

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25-0426

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id

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