The Faculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences is spearheading a new study looking at the use of clear orthodontic aligners to help individuals diagnosed with Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI), a rare genetic disorder often referred to as brittle bone disease. This condition not only affects bone strength but can also affect the teeth and jaws in some individuals. Chewing and mouth esthetics can be severely affected by abnormal growth, and in some instances Dentinogenesis Imperfecta makes the teeth brittle and discolored as the foundation of the teeth may also be affected by the genetic mutation.
Children with OI have bone disorders marked by frequent fractures and deformities affecting the spine, limbs, skull, and jaws. The severity of the condition varies based on genetic mutations. Treatments do exist to fortify bones in patients with OI, but there has been a significant gap in research about how it might affect orthodontic tooth movement. Assistant Professor Dr. Julia Cohen-Lévy, Principal Investigator of the study at McGill, stresses the importance of why her team is conducting research into new orthodontic treatments for patients with OI. “Our study aims to answer many questions. Bone strengthening treatments are designed to make bone more resistant to fracture and deformation. We do not know however if these bone treatments could slow down orthodontic treatment if it is affected by the patient’s age or the medication dosage. The disease is rare, the clinical forms are different, and the treatments are diverse.”
The study is part of a large consortium funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and is supported by the Osteogenesis Imperfecta Foundation. It takes place in three participating sites which include the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research in Bethesda, Maryland, the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), and McGill University, and is a pioneering effort to address this particular research void. The collaborative effort aims to shed light on the challenges faced by those with Osteogenesis Imperfecta, providing a promising solution for enhancing their oral health.
The orthodontic treatment investigated in this study consists of using clear aligner therapy (Invisalign©). Orthodontic movements are created virtually, and a series of clear plastic aligners are then made based on these movements which will move the teeth in small increments. The use of digital technology will allow the researchers to compare the planned movement with the actual progress of each participant. The Invisalign© system was chosen to avoid bonding braces on teeth that may be too fragile to withstand the pressure.
The study is actively recruiting participants between the ages of 12 to 40 who have received a diagnosis of Osteogenesis Imperfecta. The participating sites, across North America reflect the widespread collaboration that is necessary to gather meaningful data on such a rare condition.
"Recruitment for this study is crucial, given the rarity of Osteogenesis Imperfecta and the challenges in finding participants", Dr. Cohen-Lévy emphasizes. "We urge individuals who meet the criteria to consider participating. Our study offers a unique opportunity for free orthodontic treatment with a comfortable treatment modality. Participants will contribute to improved orthodontic solutions for OI."
This study goes beyond the technical aspect, as it addresses oral health, chewing efficiency and smile aesthetics. Individuals with Osteogenesis Imperfecta have very specific anomalies. Dr. Cohen- Lévy says “our team feels privileged to be able to contribute to improving their smile and quality of life.”
If you or someone you know fits the criteria and is interested in participating, contact the McGill research site at 514-396-1736. Dr. Cohen-Lévy and her research coordinator will be happy to provide more information and guide you through the enrollment process.
The researchers wish to thank orthodontist Dr. Jean-Marc Retrouvey of Baylor College of Medicine and Dr. Frank Rauch of the Shriners Hospital for Children Canada and Professor in Pediatrics in the Division of Orthopaedic Surgery at McGill, for their pivotal role in initiating and participating in this project.
IRB Number (internal) A02-M02-23B
eRAP 22-10-036