Evaluation of Low Intensity Laser on the Rate of Orthodontic Tooth Movement

Objective: to evaluate the effect of low intensity laser therapy on the rate of orthodontic tooth movement in adolescent females. Materials and Methods: A sample of 10 patients with an age range of 14-18 years requiring extraction of first premolars was selected for this study. A randomized split-mouth study design was used. A nickeltitanium closed-coil spring was used for canine retraction on mini-implants. The study side received low intensity laser therapy (LILT) from a semiconductor (aluminium gallium arsenide) diode laser with a wavelength of 910 nm. The laser regimen was appliedon days 0, 3, 7, and 14 in the first month, and thereafter on every 15th day until complete canine retraction was achieved on both sides. Tooth movement was measured on progress models every 60 days. Results: The rate of canine retraction showed statistical significant higher rate on study side than that on the control side. Conclusions: The results revealed that, the ratio of the rate of orthodontic tooth movement of the laser side to the control side was (1.09); throughout the study period which was 6 months.