Effect of a Submucosal Injection of Platelet-Rich Plasma on the Rate of Orthodontic Tooth Movement - A Split-Mouth, Single-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of submucosal injection of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on the rate of mini-implant-supported retraction, using a split-mouth randomized clinical design.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty subjects of either gender between 16 and 25 years of age with bimaxillary dentoalveolar protrusion and crowding of <4 mm scheduled to undergo fixed mechanotherapy with the extraction of 1 premolars; were recruited for the study. Those with a periodontally compromised dentition, blood dyscrasias, smoking/alcoholism, or with a history of fixed orthodontic treatment were not considered. The intervention side received a submucosal injection of autologous PRP which was prepared using 10 ml of the patient's blood. The rate of extraction space closure on both sides was recorded and compared monthly for 3 months using a digital caliper.

RESULTS

Mean overall retraction was faster on the intervention side as compared to the control side by 1.5 times and was statistically significant with a value of 0.001. There was no influence of gender on the rate of retraction. There was no reported swelling or discomfort associated with the PRP injection.

CONCLUSIONS

Submucosal injection of PRP significantly accelerates orthodontic tooth movement and can therefore be used as an effective, safe, and minimally invasive method to expedite orthodontic treatment.