Comparative evaluation of effectiveness of low- level laser therapy and light emitting diode in the rate of orthodontic tooth movement

Background and Objectives: The duration of orthodontic treatment is a major concern for patients. Many methods to accelerate tooth movement have been tested in the past, each having their own advantages and disadvantages. A non-invasive, more patient friendly method of accelerating tooth movement is the use of photobiomodulation. The aim of this study is to compare and evaluate the effect of Light emitting Diode and Low level laser therapy in accelerating orthodontic tooth movement. Materials and Methods: Thirty two patients undergoing fixed orthodontic therapy with Preadjusted edgewise appliance (MBT prescription) after extraction of all first premolars were considered for the study. Individual canine retraction was initiated with NiTi closed coil spring on all the quadrants. One side was randomly allocated for Low level laser irradiation and other for Light emitting diode irradiation. Irradiation was done on 0, 3rd, 7th and 14th day. Pretreatment impression is taken and a pretreatment model is made at the beginning of canine retraction and another impression is taken on the 30th day. Rate of tooth movement was compared using the treatment models. Results and Discussion: In this study, the LLLT group showed a significant increase in tooth movement of 1.54(+/-0.23) mm in the maxilla and 1.64(+/-0.26) mm in the mandible. LED irradiated group showed tooth movement of 0.49(+/-0.62) mm in the maxilla and 0.69(+/-0.30) mm in the mandible, which is within the range of normal orthodontic tooth movement. Conclusions: Low Intensity Laser Therapy is a non invasive, cost - effective method of accelerating orthodontic tooth movement. LED diode used in the present study was unable to bring about any change in the rate of tooth movement.