Effect of Photobiomodulation on Orthodontic Tooth Movement

Wroclaw Medical University18 enrolled

Overview

This study evaluated whether photobiomodulation (PBM), a form of low-level light therapy, can accelerate orthodontic tooth movement during canine distalization in adult patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment. Eighteen adult patients requiring extraction of maxillary first premolars as part of orthodontic treatment for Class II malocclusion were enrolled. The study used a randomized, controlled, split-mouth design, in which one side of the maxilla was randomly assigned to receive PBM therapy, while the contralateral side served as an untreated control. This design allowed each participant to act as their own control. All patients underwent standard orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances and absolute anchorage provided by orthodontic mini-implants. Canine distalization was performed using nickel-titanium closed-coil springs delivering comparable orthodontic forces on both sides. Photobiomodulation was applied on the experimental side using a 635-nm diode laser according to a predefined schedule over a 45-day period, while no laser treatment was applied on the control side. The primary outcome was the amount of canine tooth movement, measured in millimeters at baseline and at follow-up visits using a calibrated orthodontic caliper. Tooth movement on the laser-treated side was compared with movement on the control side over time. The purpose of this study was to determine whether photobiomodulation could safely and effectively increase the rate of orthodontic tooth movement without additional surgical intervention or pharmacological treatment.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

SINGLE

Enrollment

Conditions

Interventions

635-nm photobiomodulationDEVICE

Photobiomodulation therapy delivered using a 635-nm diode laser in continuous wave mode. Laser irradiation was applied in contact mode to the post-extraction space and distal aspect of the canine root on the experimental side at predefined time points over a 45-day period.

Sham photobiomodulationDEVICE

A sham photobiomodulation procedure in which the laser handpiece was placed in contact with the tissues following the same schedule and application protocol as the experimental intervention, but without laser emission.

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 YearsHealthy volunteers:

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Adults aged 18 years or older * Class II malocclusion requiring extraction of maxillary first premolars * Indication for maxillary canine distalization with absolute anchorage * Fixed orthodontic treatment for the first time * Good general health * Non-smokers * Good periodontal health * Ability to understand the study procedures and provide written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: Uncontrolled periodontal disease * Systemic diseases or conditions affecting bone metabolism * Diabetes mellitus or other metabolic disorders * Pregnancy or breastfeeding * History of radiotherapy or bisphosphonate therapy * Use of systemic anti-inflammatory drugs or antibiotics within the previous 12 months * Poor oral hygiene

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Amount of maxillary canine tooth movement

The amount of orthodontic canine tooth movement was assessed by measuring the linear distance between the central points of the bracket slots bonded to the maxillary canine and first premolar. Measurements were performed using a calibrated orthodontic caliper at baseline (Day 0) and at follow-up visits up to Day 45. Tooth movement was calculated as the change in distance over time.

Time frame: Baseline (Day 0) to Day 45