The effect of combined corticotomy and low level laser therapy on the rate of orthodontic tooth movement: split mouth randomized clinical trial

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the combined effect of corticotomy and Low-Level Laser Therapy(LLLT) on the rate of orthodontic tooth movement. Methods: A randomized split-mouth design for 16 female patients compared the rate of maxillary canine retraction using corticotomy combined with LLLT versus corticotomy only. The device used in the present study was an In-Ga-As semiconductor diode laser emitting at 940 nm (IR) with these parameters: 0.5 W/ cm2 power density, 5 J/cm2 Fluence, CW, 240 sec time irradiation, weekly for the first month and twice monthly for the next three months. Assessment of the rate of canine retraction was carried out via a series of dental models. Results: A non-significant statistical rate of canine retraction was achieved by LLLT combined to corticotomy compared with the corticotomy technique alone. Conclusion: Low-Level Laser Therapy combined to corticotomy could not achieve a higher rate of canine retraction compared to the golden standard corticotomy technique alone. No long-term adverse effects on the alveolar mucosa were detected following both techniques.