protocolSection identificationModule nctId: NCT06345989, orgStudyIdInfo id: 187157, briefTitle: Time and Cost-implications of Intraoral Scans vs Alginate Impressions: A Randomised Controlled Trial, statusModule overallStatus: NOT_YET_RECRUITING, startDateStruct date: 2024-06, primaryCompletionDateStruct date: 2025-06, completionDateStruct date: 2025-12, studyFirstPostDateStruct date: 2024-04-03, lastUpdatePostDateStruct date: 2024-04-03, sponsorCollaboratorsModule leadSponsor name: University of Sheffield, class: OTHER, collaborators name: Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, descriptionModule briefSummary: This research project investigates the time and cost implications of two common techniques in orthodontics: alginate impressions and intraoral scans. Alginate impressions (putty moulds) are a traditional technique that has been used in orthodontic practice for many years. Intraoral scans are a more modern method and are becoming more commonly used in orthodontic practice. Both alginate impressions and intraoral scans are a means of recording a copy of a patient's teeth which aids in record keeping and treatment planning.Whilst the majority of the available literature reveals patient preference in favour of intraoral scanning, it remains common practice to use alginate impressions for orthodontic records. Considerations such as time implications, device costs, associated software expenses, and the need for clinician training pose challenges to widespread adoption of intraoral scanning. When comparing chairside time taken for intraoral scans versus alginate impressions, there are varying findings, requiring a thorough investigation.The main question being addressed is:- Are intraoral scans more time efficient than alginate impressions?The secondary question being addressed is:- Are intraoral scans more cost effective than alginate impressions?This research protocol outlines a clinical trial, evaluating the chairside time and costs associated with intraoral scanning versus alginate impressions. The sample population will be orthodontic patients ages 9 years and above attending the orthodontic department at a district general hospital.The outcomes of this study will provide important insights into the practicality and economic viability of intraoral scanning versus alginate impressions in orthodontic settings, thereby informing clinical practices within the United Kingdom. This research contributes to strengthening the evidence base surrounding orthodontic techniques and their implications for patient-centred care., conditionsModule conditions: Chairside Time and Costs Associated With Intraoral Scanning Versus Alginate Impressions, designModule studyType: INTERVENTIONAL, phases: NA, designInfo allocation: RANDOMIZED, interventionModel: PARALLEL, interventionModelDescription: Prospective single-centre parallel arm randomised controlled trial, with an allocation ratio of 1:1 to investigate the difference in chairside time and cost of alginate impressions vs intraoral scans., primaryPurpose: HEALTH_SERVICES_RESEARCH, maskingInfo masking: SINGLE, maskingDescription: Due to the nature of the study, blinding to intervention will not be possible for the participants or clinicians during data acquisition. All data analysis will be carried out blinded using a coded data set., whoMasked: OUTCOMES_ASSESSOR, enrollmentInfo count: 68, type: ESTIMATED, armsInterventionsModule interventions name: Alginate impression, interventions name: Intraoral scan, outcomesModule primaryOutcomes measure: Chairside time taken for alginate impressions vs intraoral scans., secondaryOutcomes measure: Cost implications of alginate impressions vs intraoral scans., eligibilityModule sex: ALL, minimumAge: 9 Years, maximumAge: 50 Years, stdAges: CHILD, stdAges: ADULT, contactsLocationsModule locations facility: Queens Medical Centre, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, city: Nottingham, state: Nottinghamshire, zip: NG7 2UH, country: United Kingdom, contacts name: Hannah Hook, BDS, role: CONTACT, phone: 07853993215, email: hannah.hook@nuh.nhs.uk, contacts name: Andrew Flett, BDS, role: CONTACT, email: andrew.flett@nuh.nhs.uk, geoPoint lat: 52.9536, lon: -1.15047, hasResults: False