International Journal of Medical Advances and Discoveries

International Scholars Journal of Medical Advances and Discoveries | Vol. 16, No. 7, July 2025 | pp. 41–48

DOI: 10.46882/2025/IJMAD/000106

Original Research Article

Title: Efficacy of Low-Level Laser Therapy in Accelerating Orthodontic Tooth Movement and Reducing Pain Intensity

Names of Authors: A. A. Al-Hassan¹, B. C. Dubois²

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Department of Orthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt; ²Department of Restorative Dentistry, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland

Abstract: Prolonged treatment duration and mechanical discomfort remain major deterrents for patients undergoing fixed orthodontic therapy. This split-mouth clinical trial investigated the efficacy of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) using an 810 nm gallium-aluminum-arsenide diode laser in accelerating canine retraction velocity and mitigating associated pain. Twenty-four adult patients requiring bilateral maxillary first premolar extractions and subsequent canine distalization were enrolled. Each patient's maxillary canines were randomly assigned to either the LLLT irradiation group (energy density of 4 J/cm² applied at 4 distinct points on days 0, 3, 7, and every 14 days thereafter) or the placebo control group. Dental cast measurements at 30, 60, and 90 days demonstrated that canine retraction rate in the LLLT-irradiated side was significantly accelerated, showing a mean total movement of 2.64 ± 0.31 mm compared to 1.82 ± 0.24 mm on the control side (P < 0.001). Pain perception evaluated via a 10-point visual analog scale (VAS) revealed significantly lower pain scores in the laser-treated quadrants at 24 h (1.8 vs 5.4, P < 0.001) and 48 h post-activation. Histological markers of root resorption evaluated via cone-beam computed tomography indicated no statistically significant difference in root length reduction between the two sides. These findings confirm that LLLT is a safe, non-invasive adjuvant that successfully curtails overall orthodontic treatment duration while enhancing patient comfort through localized biomodulation and pain reduction.

Keywords: Low-level laser therapy; Orthodontic tooth movement; Canine retraction; Pain reduction; Biomodulation

Manuscript Timeline: Received: 02 March 2025; Revised: 02 June 2025; Accepted: 18 June 2025; Published: 05 July 2025

Citation: Al-Hassan, A. A., & Dubois, B. C. (2025). Efficacy of Low-Level Laser Therapy in Accelerating Orthodontic Tooth Movement and Reducing Pain Intensity. International Journal of Medical Advances and Discoveries, 16(7), 41–48.

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