Effect of 810 nm Diode Laser Therapy on the Rate of Extraction Space Closure

Abstract

Purpose: To determine if biostimulation using a 810 nm diode laser was capable of affecting the rate of extraction space closure during orthodontic treatment. Materials and methods: Forty dental arches of patients above 17 years of age requiring bilateral first premolar extractions were exposed to a 810 nm diode laser with a power density of 3.97 W/cm 2 at 3 weeks intervals for total duration of 12 weeks during the space closure phase under direct anchorage using miniscrews. Space closure measurements were taken using digital calipers and the unpaired t-test was used to compare the differences between the experimental and control sides. Results: The rate of orthodontic tooth movement was greater on the experimental side and the difference between the two sides was statistically significant (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Biostimulation carried out using a 810 nm diode laser is capable of increasing the rate of extraction space closure in humans. Hence, it can be concluded that it is capable of increasing the rate of orthodontic tooth movement.