Which method is more effective for accelerating canine distalization short term, low-level laser therapy or piezocision? A split-mouth study.

Objectives: This study evaluated and compared the effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) and piezocision on the amount of orthodontic tooth movement.

Materials And Methods: Forty maxillary canines from 20 patients (mean age, 16.35 ± 1.14 years) were evaluated in a split-mouth design study. Miniscrew-supported canine distalization was performed. Piezocision was applied in the right maxillary canine region, and the left maxillary canines were irradiated with a diode laser (940 nm, 5 J/cm). LLLT was performed on day 0 and days 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28 after the start of canine distalization in the first 4‑week period. Data were evaluated at baseline (T0) and after 4 (T1), 8 (T2), and 12 (T3) weeks. The amount of canine movement was determined from three-dimensional models, and the angulation of canines and first molars was analyzed based on lateral cephalograms.

Results: Intragroup and intergroup comparisons of canine distalization were performed for four different time intervals (T0-T1, T1-T2, T2-T3, T0-T3). The canine tooth movement in the T0-T1 period was significantly greater in the LLLT group compared to the piezocision group. No statistically significant differences were observed between the groups for the T1-T2, T2-T3, and T0-T3 periods. The amount of canine distalization in the T0-T1 period was significantly greater than that in the T1-T2 and T2-T3 periods in both groups. Tooth movement during the T1-T2 period was higher than that in the T2-T3 period in the LLLT group. Cephalometric evaluation revealed no statistically significant difference between the groups with respect to canine and first molar angulation.

Conclusion: Although laser application seems more effective during the first 4‑week period, considering the 12-week period, the effects of LLLT and piezocision on orthodontic tooth movement during canine distalization were similar.