OBJECTIVES

This study evaluated and compared the effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) and piezocision on the amount of orthodontic tooth movement.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty maxillary canines from 20 patients (mean age, 16.35 ± 1.14 years) were evaluated in a split-mouth design study. Miniscrew-supported canine distalization was performed. Piezocision was applied in the right maxillary canine region, and the left maxillary canines were irradiated with a diode laser (940 nm, 5 J/cm). LLLT was performed on day 0 and days 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28 after the start of canine distalization in the first 4‑week period. Data were evaluated at baseline (T0) and after 4 (T1), 8 (T2), and 12 (T3) weeks. The amount of canine movement was determined from three-dimensional models, and the angulation of canines and first molars was analyzed based on lateral cephalograms.

RESULTS

Intragroup and intergroup comparisons of canine distalization were performed for four different time intervals (T0-T1, T1-T2, T2-T3, T0-T3). The canine tooth movement in the T0-T1 period was significantly greater in the LLLT group compared to the piezocision group. No statistically significant differences were observed between the groups for the T1-T2, T2-T3, and T0-T3 periods. The amount of canine distalization in the T0-T1 period was significantly greater than that in the T1-T2 and T2-T3 periods in both groups. Tooth movement during the T1-T2 period was higher than that in the T2-T3 period in the LLLT group. Cephalometric evaluation revealed no statistically significant difference between the groups with respect to canine and first molar angulation.

CONCLUSION

Although laser application seems more effective during the first 4‑week period, considering the 12-week period, the effects of LLLT and piezocision on orthodontic tooth movement during canine distalization were similar.