Effect of Laser-induced Photobiomodulation on Orthodontic Tooth Movement: A Clinicoradiographic Study

Abstract

Aim: To determine, if any, the percentage impact of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) administration on the length of orthodontic treatment and to test the hypothesis that the pace of orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) is accelerated when mechanical forces are paired with LLLT. Materials and methods: In this study, 10 healthy orthodontic patients were selected consisting of five men and five women. A split-mouth design was used for the examination. The right and left quadrants were randomly designated as two groups. Group I served as the control side and group II represented the experimental side. Irradiation of the tissues was performed with a laser device having a continuous wavelength of 980 nm, an output power of 100 mW, a dose of 10 J/cm2, and an exposure time of 10 seconds. Segmental T-Loop (17 × 25 TMA wire) was used for canine retraction. In the 1st month, laser therapy was performed on days 0, 1, 3, 7, and 14. Subsequent irradiations were carried out on the experimental side every 15 days until full extraction space closure. Results: The study revealed a greater net decrease in the mean distance between the canine and first molar in the maxilla in combination with the faster rate of maxillary canine retraction. For the intragroup comparison as well as the intergroup comparison, using the Chi-squared (χ2) test, for each period, the difference in the probing depth (PD) score (PD 1–2/2–3 mm) showed an insignificant (p > 0.05) difference. Moreover, the radiographic evaluation showed an overall decline in trabecular percentage in both the maxillary and the mandibular extraction spaces. Conclusion: Low-level laser treatment (LLLT) statistically boosts the orthodontic movement of the canines during the first retraction phase. The study’s irradiation settings and procedure were successful in reducing treatment time. Clinical significance: With the potential to shorten the course of treatment, LLLT is a superb adjunct treatment option for orthodontic care.