Long-term evaluation of the effect of low-level laser therapy on orthodontic miniscrew stability and peri-implant gingival condition: A randomized clinical trial

Abstract

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to assess the stability of immediately loaded miniscrews in the buccal alveolar bone of the maxilla and the degree of peri-implant gingival inflammation after the application of low-level laser therapy. MethodsTwenty-four miniscrews, 12 each, were inserted into the buccal alveolar bone between the second premolar and first molar on the right and left sides of the patient. The sides were randomly divided into experimental and control sides, after which the experimental side received four applications of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) during the first 14 days of insertion with 60 seconds for each application and an interval of 72 hours between each application. The control side did not receive any laser application. After 14 days of miniscrew insertion, both sides were loaded with a horizontal force of 150g for canine retraction. The miniscrew mobility was assessed at different times (before and after loading; 7, 14, 21, 30, and 60 days) with periotest, and peri-implant gingival inflammation was assessed using the gingival index. ResultsLLLT has been shown to improve stability of orthodontic miniscrews as evidenced by reduced mobility values measured with periotest but the results were not statistically significant. LLLT has definite influence on reducing gingival inflammation around miniscrews, as evidenced by gingival index values from the experimental side, whereas the control side experienced moderate inflammation after 2 months of placement. ConclusionsLLLT can be suggested as a clinical adjuvant for improving clinical success with miniscrew treatment. However, more long-term studies incorporating more study subjects is deemed necessary to further validate the study results.