The effect of low level laser therapy and piezocision in canine retraction: A prospective randomized split-mouth study

Dr. Ashish Kamboj Kamboj*

Abstract

Introduction: This study evaluated and compared the duration for retraction of maxillary canines in subjects who underwent piezocision and low-level laser therapy. Materials and Methods: The study sample consisted of 12 adult patients in a prospective randomized split-mouth study design, requiring therapeutic extraction of bilateral maxillary first premolar and bilateral canine distalization. The subjects were evaluated for the time taken for the maxillary canine to achieve positive contact with the maxillary second premolars bilaterally. Intervention in the form of low-level laser therapy was carried out on one side using a diode laser vis-a viz piezocision on the other side. This was followed by a comparative evaluation of both the interventions on the two sides. Results: The LLLT group showed 1.105 times the canine retraction in 4 months as compared to the group subjected to piezocision and the findings are statistically significant (P Value = 0.09). From the results, we can also infer that there is a constant decline in the rate of tooth movement throughout the duration of the study. Conclusion: The rate of tooth movement is slightly higher in teeth exposed to LLLT. With no need for incision and a lesser chance of damage to hard and soft tissue, LLLT appears to be a comparatively attractive option for acceleratory orthodontics. Keywords: Low-level laser therapy, Piezocision, Spilt mouth study