Effect of Photobiomodulation on Orthodontic Tooth Movement.

Wroclaw Medical University

Status: Completed

Conditions: Orthodontic Tooth Movement; Class II Malocclusion

Treatments: Device: Sham photobiomodulation; Device: 635-nm photobiomodulation

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07390357

WroclawMU8

Details and patient eligibility

About

This study evaluated whether photobiomodulation (PBM), a form of low-level light therapy, can accelerate orthodontic tooth movement during canine distalization in adult patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment.

Eighteen adult patients requiring extraction of maxillary first premolars as part of orthodontic treatment for Class II malocclusion were enrolled. The study used a randomized, controlled, split-mouth design, in which one side of the maxilla was randomly assigned to receive PBM therapy, while the contralateral side served as an untreated control. This design allowed each participant to act as their own control.

All patients underwent standard orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances and absolute anchorage provided by orthodontic mini-implants. Canine distalization was performed using nickel-titanium closed-coil springs delivering comparable orthodontic forces on both sides. Photobiomodulation was applied on the experimental side using a 635-nm diode laser according to a predefined schedule over a 45-day period, while no laser treatment was applied on the control side.

The primary outcome was the amount of canine tooth movement, measured in millimeters at baseline and at follow-up visits using a calibrated orthodontic caliper. Tooth movement on the laser-treated side was compared with movement on the control side over time.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether photobiomodulation could safely and effectively increase the rate of orthodontic tooth movement without additional surgical intervention or pharmacological treatment.

Enrollment: 18 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18+ years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Adults aged 18 years or older
• Class II malocclusion requiring extraction of maxillary first premolars
• Indication for maxillary canine distalization with absolute anchorage
• Fixed orthodontic treatment for the first time
• Good general health
• Non-smokers
• Good periodontal health
• Ability to understand the study procedures and provide written informed consent

Exclusion criteria

Uncontrolled periodontal disease

• Systemic diseases or conditions affecting bone metabolism
• Diabetes mellitus or other metabolic disorders
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding
• History of radiotherapy or bisphosphonate therapy
• Use of systemic anti-inflammatory drugs or antibiotics within the previous 12 months
• Poor oral hygiene

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Single Blind

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18 participants in 2 patient groups, including a placebo group

Photobiomodulation-treated side

Experimental group

Description:

One side of the maxilla randomly assigned to receive photobiomodulation therapy during orthodontic canine distalization. This side received standard fixed orthodontic treatment with absolute anchorage provided by orthodontic mini-implants, combined with 635-nm photobiomodulation therapy applied according to the study protocol.

Treatment:

Device: 635-nm photobiomodulation

Sham photobiomodulation-treated side

Placebo Comparator group

Description:

The contralateral side of the maxilla that served as the control. This side underwent the same orthodontic treatment protocol and mechanics as the experimental side. A sham photobiomodulation procedure was performed by placing the laser handpiece in contact with the tissues without light emission, simulating the intervention without delivering therapeutic laser energy.

Treatment:

Device: Sham photobiomodulation