Comparative Evaluation of LED Light Application and Heat Generation with Three Different Wavelengths of Frequency on Soft Tissues in Bringing Faster Orthodontic Tooth Movement: A Finite Element Model Study.

Abstract

Background: The duration of orthodontic treatment is often a significant deterrent for patients when considering conventional mechanics, which can be time-consuming. Photobiomodulation (PBM) utilizes visible red to near-infrared wavelengths of light frequencies to expedite orthodontic treatment time.

Objective: To investigate the effect of three Light Emitting Diode (LED) frequencies and their heat generation on soft tissues in accelerating tooth movement through Finite Element Method (FEM) study.

Material and methods: In this FEM study, a three-dimensional FEM model of the skull of a male patient with mild to moderate crowding in the maxilla, and mandible. The dentitions were scanned using a Computed Tomography (CT). A static force of 70 gm on the anterior region of the maxilla and mandible was applied from the labial sides, and a second static analysis was carried out by using both a 70 gm of force and thermal load with three different frequencies of 740, 850, and 940 nm on the 1^st and 3^rd quadrants. The effect of LED application and heat generation was assessed on soft tissues in bringing faster orthodontic tooth movement.

Results: Increased tooth movement with combined loading case in the 1^st and 3^rd quadrants when compared with the 2^nd and 4^th quadrants. The temperature distribution was higher at 940 nm followed by 740 & 850 nm of frequency.

Conclusion: Faster movements were observed in the combined loading case in the 1^st and 3^rd quadrants compared to static loading in other quadrants. Heat generation was higher with 940 nm frequency followed by 740 and 850 nm.