Evaluation of Mandibular Cortical Bone Density Changes Using CBCT During Accelerated Orthodontics with Low-Level...

Area of Science:

• Orthodontics and Dental Implantology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Bone Physiology

Background:

• Accelerated orthodontics aims to reduce treatment duration.
• Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is explored as an adjunct to speed up tooth movement.
• The effect of LLLT on mandibular cortical bone density during orthodontic treatment is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of LLLT on mandibular cortical bone density in patients undergoing orthodontic treatment.
• To assess changes in bone density using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).

Main Methods:

• A prospective randomized controlled study involved 40 patients (18-30 years) divided into LLLT and control groups.
• The LLLT group received diode laser irradiation (808 nm) on alternate days for one month.
• CBCT scans were taken at baseline and after 12 weeks to measure cortical bone density in the mandibular first molar and canine regions.

Main Results:

• The LLLT group showed a significant reduction in mandibular cortical bone density at both molar and canine sites after 12 weeks (P < 0.05).
• The control group exhibited minimal and non-significant changes in bone density.
• Intergroup comparison revealed significantly lower bone density in the LLLT group compared to the control group at 12 weeks.

Conclusions:

• LLLT significantly reduces mandibular cortical bone density during orthodontic treatment.
• This reduction in bone density may contribute to accelerated tooth movement.
• CBCT is a reliable imaging tool for evaluating in vivo bone changes during orthodontic interventions.