Evaluating the effect of low energy laser irradiation on the rate of mandibular molar protraction in orthodontic patients

Background: Low level laser is a type of laser with various bio stimulatory effects; Potential effects of laser in accelerating bone regeneration and consequently facilitating tooth movement have been considered widely in orthodontics. Aims & Objectives: Aim of this study was to assess the effects of Low level laser on the velocity of mandibular first molar protraction in orthodontic patients. Materials and Methods: Total 28 young adult patients (14 females and 14 males; age range 16-25) requiring extraction of mandibular second premolars were selected and molar protraction was carried out with T-loop on a rectangular Stainless Steel wire. In each patient one side was selected by random to irradiate with low level laser and other side with placebo. Laser regimen was applied at 0, 1 and 2 days and at the end of first, second and third months. Tooth movement was measured on prepared models at the end of first, second and third month. Results: We found 1.3 fold increases in rate of tooth movement in the irradiated group (p=0.000) than non-irradiated group. Conclusion: Based on our findings, Low level laser accelerates tooth movement and consequently reduces treatment time. Key word: Low level laser; Tooth movement; First molar, Irradiation; Protraction