Assessment of Accelerating Orthodontic Tooth Movement by Hard Laser Corticotomy

Abstract

Purpose: The study was done for comparing the rate of canine retraction in addition to anchorage loss (mesial movement of the first permanent molar) with hard laser corticotomy versus conventional method of tooth movement. Patients and methods: Eighteen patients with an age range from 15 to 18 years, requiring orthodontic treatment with bimaxillary dento-alveolar protrusion were selected. The extraction of the upper first bicuspids was required followed by cuspid distalization.Patients were randomly divided into two equal groups, group I the two sides of the maxillary arch were treated by conventional canine retraction, while group II, corticotomy by hard tissue laser was used before starting the canine retraction. The coil springs were placed between the canine and the miniscrews positioned between second bicuspid and first permanent molar. Canine retraction was measured four times every 2 months from starting the retraction till 6 months of retraction. Results: The canine retraction rates was faster in hard laser corticotomy group than that in a conventional group. Forward movement of the first permanent molars were registered in both groups. In the laser group pain significantly decreased by time. In the laser group the mean value of oedema increased by time. Conclusion: Hard laser corticotomy technique is an efficient procedure that reduce the time needed for canine distalization and educe the post-surgical pain.