Photobiomodulation therapy for accelerating clear aligner tooth movement: A literature review

Clear aligner therapy (CAT) is widely used in adult orthodontic treatment, but prolonged treatment duration remains a major limitation. Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) has been proposed as a noninvasive adjunct to accelerate tooth movement by modulating cellular activity and bone remodeling. This narrative review summarizes the literature on PBMT in orthodontic tooth movement, with particular attention to its application in CAT, effects on treatment efficiency, and safety considerations. Published clinical studies generally suggest that PBMT may be associated with faster alignment and shorter treatment duration. In one historical prospective study of 170 Invisalign patients, the crowding resolution rate was 0.33 mm/week in the PBMT group versus 0.21 mm/week in controls, with a 57.5-week reduction in treatment time. A retrospective study of 84 clear aligner patients found mean treatment durations of 528 ± 323 days with PBMT compared with 719 ± 220 days in controls, representing a 26.6% reduction. The reviewed literature also suggests that wavelengths in the 780 to 830 nm range are commonly used and that PBMT may increase tooth movement speed by approximately 24%, although findings remain heterogeneous across protocols. CBCT-based studies found no statistically significant difference in root volume change between PBMT and control groups. Overall, PBMT appears promising as an adjunct for accelerating tooth movement during CAT, particularly in adult patients treated with near-infrared protocols, although current evidence remains limited and heterogeneous. Safety data are reassuring but still limited. Further standardized randomized clinical trials are needed to define optimal dosing and confirm long-term clinical benefits and safety.