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Optimizing orthodontic results with low-intensity pulsed ultrasound: A literature review
1Department of Orthodontics, School of Dentistry, New York University, New York, USA.
Background:
Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) has gained recognition as a noninvasive, Food and Drug Administration-approved therapeutic modality with diverse clinical applications, including in orthodontics. This review aims to summarize the benefits and mechanisms of LIPUS in various aspects of orthodontic care.
Materials And Methods:
A comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases (Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library), focusing on randomized controlled trials, clinical studies, and experimental research from 2004 to 2024.
Results:
LIPUS has been shown to significantly accelerate orthodontic tooth movement, reduce treatment duration by up to 49%, and improve patient compliance. It works by enhancing bone remodeling, stimulating osteoblast and osteoclast activity, and increasing the expression of bone-forming and resorptive proteins. LIPUS also addresses orthodontically induced inflammatory root resorption, promoting the repair of cementum and reducing root damage through mechanisms involving osteoprotegerin and receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-ligand signaling. Furthermore, LIPUS is effective in alleviating pain associated with orthodontic treatments by promoting tissue healing and reducing inflammation. In orthognathic surgery, LIPUS accelerates bone regeneration and tissue recovery, improving outcomes such as reduced swelling and enhanced bone healing. The application of LIPUS also supports the stability of miniscrews, a critical factor in orthodontic anchorage, by increasing bone-screw contact and reducing screw mobility. In addition, LIPUS enhances the effectiveness of functional orthopedic treatments in growing patients with skeletal malocclusions, promoting mandibular growth and improving treatment outcomes.
Conclusion:
Overall, LIPUS proves to be a promising adjunct in orthodontics, with wide-ranging benefits including accelerated tooth movement, reduced root resorption, pain relief, and improved surgical recovery, making it an effective tool in contemporary orthodontic practice.
