Influence of low-intensity laser therapy on the stability of orthodontic mini-implants: a study in rabbits.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to assess stability of different orthodontic mini-implants in the tibia of rabbits after low-intensity laser therapy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Thirty-two mini-implants were assessed, 16 were self-threading (Titanium Fix) and 16 self-perforating (INP). These were inserted into the tibia of rabbits and immediately loaded with a horizontal force of 200g uniting 2 mini-implants in each tibia. Then they were submitted to low-intensity laser therapy for 21 days. Sixteen male New Zealand breed rabbits were used, and divided into 2 groups of 8 animals each as follows: Groups INP and TF. In both groups, mini-implants were submitted to low-intensity laser therapy (right tibia) and their respective controls (left tibia) did not undergo laser therapy. After the animals were killed, blocks of bone tissue containing the mini-implants were removed so as to perform mechanical pull-out tests.

RESULTS

There was a statistically significant difference only between Group TF submitted to laser and all the other groups (P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Low-intensity laser was capable of increasing stability of self-threading orthodontic mini-implants.