Diastema Closure and Stability: Clear Aligners vs Fixed Appliances With Laser Frenectomy

This study is a prospective 2x2 factorial randomized clinical trial designed to evaluate and compare the closure efficiency and post-treatment stability of diastema associated with generalized interdental spacing (width \>= 3 mm) treated with clear aligners versus fixed orthodontic appliances, with and without adjunctive laser frenectomy. Participants are randomized into four treatment arms to assess the main effects and interaction effects of appliance modality and laser frenectomy. Stability and relapse rates are systematically tracked across active treatment, a 6-month retention period, and post-retention follow-up intervals at 6 and 8 months.

Inclusion Criteria: * Adult patients aged 18 to 35 years. * Presence of maxillary median diastema associated with generalized interdental spacing (width \>= 3 mm). * Fully erupted permanent teeth (excluding third molars). * Good periodontal health with probing depths \