Effect of Low-Level Laser Therapy on Periodontal Healing During Ortho dontic Tooth Movement: A Randomized Clinical Study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.48165/ajm.2026.9.01.45Keywords:
Low-Level Laser Therapy, Orthodontic Tooth Movement, Periodontal HealingAbstract
Background: Orthodontic tooth movement is commonly associated with periodontal inflammation, discomfort, and tissue remodeling. Maintaining periodontal health during orthodontic treatment is essential for successful outcomes. Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) is a non-invasive adjunctive modality with anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects that may enhance periodontal healing during orthodontic therapy. Aim: To evaluate the effect of Low-Level Laser Therapy on periodontal healing and pain perception during orthodontic tooth movement. Materials and Methods: This randomized clinical study was conducted over six months in the Department of Orthodontics in collaboration with the Department of Periodontology. Thirty patients requiring bilateral maxillary canine retraction after premolar extraction were randomly divided into two groups of 15 each. Group A received conventional orthodontic treatment, while Group B received adjunctive Low-Level Laser Therapy (810 nm diode laser, 100 mW) during orthodontic activation. Fixed orthodontic treatment was carried out using MBT brackets and nickel-titanium closed coil springs. Periodontal parameters including Plaque Index (PI), Gingival Index (GI), Bleeding on Probing (BOP), and Probing Pocket Depth (PPD) were assessed at baseline, 1 month, and 3 months. Pain perception was evaluated using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and the rate of tooth movement was measured. Results: Both groups demonstrated mild increases in periodontal parameters during orthodontic treatment; however, the LLLT group showed significantly lower Gingival Index and Bleeding on Probing scores compared to the control group at 1 month and 3 months (p < 0.05). Patients treated with LLLT reported significantly lower pain scores following orthodontic activation. The rate of orthodontic tooth movement was slightly higher in the laser group, although the difference was not statistically significant. Conclusion: Adjunctive Low-Level Laser Therapy may positively influence periodontal healing during orthodontic tooth movement by reducing gingival inflammation and patient discomfort. LLLT appears to be a promising supportive modality for improving periodontal outcomes during orthodontic treatment.
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