Influence of low-level laser on the speed of orthodontic movement.

Introduction: This study evaluated the effect of low-level laser irradiation on the speed of orthodontic tooth movement of canines submitted to initial retraction.

Methods: Twenty-six canines were retracted by using NiTi spring (force of 150 g/side). Thirteen of those were irradiated with diode laser (780 nm, 20 mW, 10 sec, 5 J/cm(2)) for 3 days, and the other 13 were not irradiated and thus were considered the control group.

The importance of the facial profile in orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning: a patient report.

Orthodontic treatment to improve not only tooth alignment but also facial esthetics is a given in modern society. This paper illustrates this assumption with a report of a patient with a Class I, maxillary retrusion, concave profile, and retrusion of the upper and lower lips. Maxillary expansion was followed by face mask therapy and orthodontic treatment, which significantly improved the soft tissue profile by projecting the upper lip.