The effects of vibration and light applications on alignment phase orthodontic treatment duration

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of vibration and photobiomodulation techniques on mandibular incisor teeth alignment while comparing with conventional orthodontic treatments. Today there are invasive or systemic methods to accelerate tooth movement. With this study it was also desired to create a more conservative technique to accelerate tooth movement than those other methods, which would easily be accepted by the patients and have continuous effects throughout the desired period of the treatment. A total of 36 patients (mean age 20 years 11 months, M/F=14/24) who applied to Yeditepe University Faculty of Dentistry Department of Orthodontics were included in the study. Patients were assigned to four groups. First group which consisted of 8 patients was the control group. Second group with 10 patients recieved a vibrating device, third group which had 9 patients recieved a device which produced light and the last group consisting of 9 patients got a device which combined vibration and light features (HOT device). All patients with devices were asked to use them 20 minutes daily. At the initial appointment (T0), at day 30 and at day 60 impressions were taken to produce dental casts. The tooth movements of the patients were recorded measuring the differences in amounts of crowding. Results were statistically analysed using SPSS 23.0 (Statistical Packages of Social Sciences) programme. In control group 1.97±0.17 mm, in vibration group 2.38±0.52 mm, in light group 3.28±0.62 mm and in HOT group 4.05±0.39 mm tooth movement was observed. These measurements revealed statistical differences between control and light groups as well as a statistical difference between control and HOT groups (p<0.05); whereas, vibration group showed no statistical difference compared to the control. It is concluded that the photobiomodulation application and the combined usage of photobiomodulation and vibration can enhance tooth movement and are effective methods.