Laser assisted accelerated orthodontics – a split mouth study

Abstract

ABSTRACT Aim The aim is to evaluate the impact of LASER on the rate of orthodontic tooth movement. Materials and method The LASER procedure to assist canine distalization was performed on the right maxillary quadrant, and conventional canine distalization in left maxillary quadrant for all patients. Four perforations of diameter 1.5 mm each were made distal to the canine in non-contact mode. Distalization was initiated immediately after the LASER procedure using NiTi closed coil springs of 9 mm length with an approximate force of 150 gm for both sides. In addition to the rate of canine distalization, pain perceived by the patient was also noted after the surgical procedure. Results The mean rate of canine distalization in the LASER side and control side was 1.43 ± 0.11 mm/month and 1.22 ± 0.11 mm/month, respectively. The distribution of the mean rate of canine distalization between the cases considered is significantly higher on the LASER side as matched to the control side. The mean distance travelled on the experimental side was 6.97 ± 0.55 mm, while it was 5.87 ± 0.55 mm on the control side. The distribution of the mean distance travelled by canine between the cases considered is significantly higher on the LASER side as matched to the control side. A significantly higher proportion of cases showed improved pain perception at 24 hrs compared to pain perception at 3 hrs. Conclusion Use of LASER in cases of individual maxillary canine retraction resulted in a higher rate of canine distalization and shorter duration of overall treatment, with no major complications after LASER-assisted alveolar corticotomies.