Fixed Twinblock
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Fixed versus conventional removable Twinblock for overjet reduction in children – A randomised clinical trial to investigate the burden of care
IRAS ID
276550
Contact name
Peter A Mossey
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Dundee
ISRCTN Number
ISRCTN14352531
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 5 months, 26 days
Research summary
Prominent upper front teeth (overjet) is associated with aesthetic, functional and psychosocial problems along with an increased risk of dental trauma. Most patients with a substantial overjet do not like their facial appearance and some have difficulty in biting certain types of food. It has been noted that the prevalence of bullying in children with malalignment of teeth has been shown to be 12.8%, and was primarily noted to be in patients with prominent upper front teeth. Furthermore, teasing and bullying in relation to negative body image are the origin of most of the psychological problems that people are subjected to in later life.
The twinblock, a removable brace is frequently used in treatment of prominent upper front teeth in adolescents. The disadvantage of the twin block is that it is a two-piece removable brace that can be taken out by the child and if it is not worn, the bite will not be corrected. The proposed design of the twin block brace will allow it to remain in two pieces whilst being fixed in the mouth. This would mean the child would not be able to remove the brace, therefore allowing the bite to be corrected quicker, whilst reducing the likelihood of breakages.
This study has been designed to determine how quickly the fixed design of the twin block works when compared with the removable twin block. This would allow other orthodontists in the UK to learn a new method of correcting this type of bite and improve outcomes for children.REC name
South East Scotland REC 01
REC reference
21/SS/0014
Date of REC Opinion
19 Feb 2021
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion