Comparative Evaluation of Low-Level Laser Therapy and Piezocision in Accelerating Orthodontic Tooth Movement During Canine Retraction

Abstract

Introduction: Orthodontic tooth movement is a process that involves shifting teeth into proper alignment for improved aesthetics and functionality. This study was to assess the acceleratory effects of piezocision and LLLT on canine retraction, utilizing conventional orthodontic tooth movement as a baseline for comparison.

Methodology: This prospective, split-mouth, comparative clinical study was carried out at Department of Orthodontics, Foundation University College of Dentistry (FUCD), Foundation University Islamabad (FUI). Eighty patients were divided equally into LLLT and piezocision groups (n=40 each). Using a split-mouth design, one maxillary quadrant in each patient received the intervention while the opposite side served as an untreated control. This allowed for both intra-individual (experimental vs. control) and inter-group (LLLT vs. piezocision) comparisons. The rate of canine retraction was assessed at day T1=21, T2=42, T3=63 and T4=84 and pain levels using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) at baseline, Day 1, Day 7 in both groups.

Results: Statistically insignificant difference in canine retraction rate was observed at Day 21(p=0.378). Statistically significantly greater retraction was observed in the LLLT group at Day 42 (p<0.001) and Day 63 (p=0.001). By Day 84, interestingly the Piezocision group demonstrated significantly greater canine retraction (p<0.001). Despite this late increase, cumulative canine movement throughout the study period was greater in the LLLT group (6.32±0.31 mm) than in the Piezocision one (5.78±0.28 mm). Pain scores were comparable at baseline (p=0.764), whereas the LLLT group reported significantly lower pain levels on Day 1 (1.13±0.69 vs. 1.60±0.68; p<0.001) and Day 7 (0.43±0.50 vs. 1.10±0.55; p<0.001).

Conclusions: Both LLLT and Piezocision effectively accelerated orthodontic tooth movement. LLLT, however produced greater cumulative canine retraction and significantly reduced pain. LLLT may therefore represent a less invasive and more patient friendly adjunct for accelerating orthodontic treatment.