This study evaluated and compared the duration for retraction of maxillary canines in subjects who underwent piezocision and low-level laser therapy.: The study sample consisted of 12 adult patients in a prospective randomized split-mouth study design, requiring therapeutic extraction of bilateral maxillary first premolar and bilateral canine distalization. The subjects were evaluated for 4 months or till the time taken for the maxillary canine to achieve positive contact with the maxillary second premolars bilaterally. Intervention in the form of low-level laser therapy was carried out on one side using a diode laser vis-a viz piezocision on the other side. This was followed by a comparative evaluation of canine retraction due to both the interventions on their respective sides. The LLLT group showed 1.105 times the canine retraction in 4 months as compared to the group subjected to piezocision and the findings are statistically significant (P Value = 0.09) using paired t test . The canine showed a mean distal movement of 3.14mm and 2.84 mm in LLLT and piezocision group respectively. The rate of tooth movement is slightly higher in teeth exposed to LLLT. From the results, we can also infer that there is a constant decline in the rate of tooth movement throughout the duration of the study. With no need for incision and a lesser chance of damage to hard and soft tissue, LLLT appears to be a comparatively attractive option for acceleratory orthodontics.
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