The purpose of this study, performed on 20 subjects, was to determine whether a photobiomodulation therapy, used in conjunction with orthodontic treatment, affected root resorption (i.e., clinically meaningful loss of root length or morphology). Root resorption is typically minimized or avoided in orthodontics through careful planning and use of lower mechanical forces and time, and there is always a question of effect of acceleration techniques or technologies on root resporption.
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In this study, test subjects used a prototype OrthoPulse™ phototherapy device from Biolux which produced near-infrared light for a daily treatment over a period of six months during the alignment and leveling phase of orthodontic treatment. The rate of alignment as measured with Little’s Irregularity Index, was 1.03 mm/wk in the maxilla, and 0.92 mm/wk in the mandible, in patients ranging in age from 11 to 32 years old (mean of 17.5 years old). These rates of alignment with photobiomodulation were much higher than those reported in the cited previous studies, approximately twice as fast, indicating accelerated tooth movement.
To measure changes in root morphology, 3-D images generated from a new cone beam computerized tomography (CBCT) were taken of the dentition at the start of treatment and the end of the six-month study period and then compared using analysis software for changes in root length and shape. Measurements of all teeth present were made from the mesial buccal roots of the first molar on one side of the dental arch, to the mesial buccal roots of the first molar on the opposite side of the same arch. A paired t-test was used to determine if significant differences occurred for root lengths at the end of treatment compared to the start of treatment for each of the individual tooth groups.
No statistical differences were noted for root length at the six month period compared to the start of treatment, which is a positive result given the higher rates of crowding resolution and tooth movement. An additional finding was that there was no correlation between initial degree of crowding and root resorption, suggesting that the phototherapy technology can safely be used on a wide range of orthodontic patients.
“The root resorption results in this study suggest that this photobiomodulation technology can safely be used to accelerate tooth movement during orthodontic treatment,” states Dr. Chung How Kau,chairman and professor, Department of Orthodontics, School of Dentistry, UAB and principal investigator of the study. “The photobiomodulation technology represents an important new approach to shorten treatment timelines for the patient, and we look forward to further studies.”
About Biolux Research
Biolux Research Ltd. is a world leader in the development of innovative Light Accelerated Orthodontics™ technology and products for use in orthodontics, implantology, and other dentistry markets. Biolux focuses on product development and clinical research, and its proprietary, patent-pending technologies have been developed to enhance clinical outcomes and dramatically reduce treatment timelines in orthodontics and dentistry in a safe, effective and noninvasive approach.
