Salivary elemental signature of dental caries: a systematic review and meta-analysis of ionomics studies.

Trace- and macro-chemical elements are crucial for cellular physiological functioning, and their alterations in biological fluids might be associated with an underlying pathological state. Hence, this study aimed to examine and summarize the published literature concerning the application of salivary ionomics for caries diagnosis. An extensive search of studies was conducted using PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Scopus, without any language and year restriction for answering the following PECO question: "In subjects (i.e., children, adolescents, or adults) with good systematic health, are there any variations in the salivary concentrations of trace- or macro-elements between caries-free (CF) individuals and caries-active (CA) subjects?" A modified version of the QUADOMICS tool was used to assess the quality of the included studies. The Review Manager Version 5.4.1. was used for data analyses. The analysis of salivary chemical elements that significantly differed between CF and CA subjects was also performed. Thirty-four studies were included, involving 2299 CA and 1669 CF subjects, having an age range from 3 to 64 years in over 16 countries. The meta-analysis revealed a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) in the salivary levels of calcium, phosphorus, chloride, magnesium, potassium, sodium, and zinc between CA and CF subjects, suggesting higher levels of calcium, phosphorus, potassium, and sodium in CF subjects while higher levels of chloride, magnesium, and zinc in CA patients. Half of the included studies (17/34) were considered high quality, while the remaining half were considered medium quality. Only zinc and chloride ions were found to be higher significantly and consistent in CF and CA subjects, respectively. Conflicting outcomes were observed for all other salivary chemical elements including aluminum, bromine, calcium, copper, fluoride, iron, potassium, magnesium, manganese, sodium, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, phosphorus, lead, selenium, and sulfate ions.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the role of nutrition and its impact on orthodontic treatment/management.

The nutritional needs already increased by adolescent growth, activity, and stress are further exacerbated by the physical, physiological, and psychological stress that orthodontic treatment causes. Hence, the main objective of this systematic review was to analyze the relationship between adequate nutrition and its impact on orthodontic treatment success rates. Using relevant keywords, reference searches, and citation searches, the databases such as PubMed-Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online, Web of Science, Cochrane, and Scopus were all searched. "Diet," "Minerals," "Nutrition," "Orthodontics," and "Vitamins" were the search terms used to scour the database. The 10 studies selected for the systematic review and subsequent meta-analysis could not conclusively establish the correlation between proper nutrition and its impact on orthodontic treatment of the patient. There was virtually little connection between patients' dietary intake and the effectiveness of their orthodontic treatment. Additionally, a direct causal link between the two could not be established legitimately because the majority of the studies reviewed only noted an impact during the early stages of the treatment. PROSPERO Registration Number: CRD42022380828.

Vitamin D, Cholesterol, and DXA Value Relationship with Bimaxillary Cone Beam CT Values.

We evaluated the correlation that Vitamin D (Vit D), cholesterol levels, and T- and Z-scores of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans have with cone beam computed tomography values assessed in the anterior and posterior regions of maxillary and mandibular jaws. In total, 187 patients were recruited for this clinical study. Patients' ages ranged between 45 and 65 years. Patients with valid DXA results, serum Vit D and cholesterol levels, and no evidence of bone disorders in the maxilla or mandibular region were included in the study and grouped in the control (non-osteoporosis) and case (osteoporosis) groups. Patients with a history of medical or dental disease that might complicate the dental implant therapy, chronic alcohol users, and patients who took calcium or Vit D supplements were excluded. The outcome variables assessed in the investigation were Vit D, cholesterol, Z-values, and cone beam computed tomography values. Regarding the case group, a significant (p < 0.05) inverse relationship was observed between Vit D and cholesterol. Although insignificant (p > 0.05), a positive relationship was found between Vit D and the cone beam computed tomography values in all regions of the jaws, except the mandibular posterior region (p < 0.05). Pearson correlation analysis was carried out. Vit D and cholesterol showed a statistically insignificant (p > 0.05) negative association with the cone beam computed tomography values in all regions of the jaws. However, the Z-values were highly correlated with the cone beam computed tomography values in all regions of the jaws (r > 7, p < 0.05). Vit D, cholesterol levels, and Z-values in women and men from young adulthood to middle age (45-65) were related with the cone beam computed tomography values of the jaws.

Biocompatibility and antioxidant activity of a novel carrageenan based injectable hydrogel scaffold incorporated with Cissus quadrangularis: an in vitro study.

BACKGROUND: Over the past years, polysaccharide-based scaffolds have emerged as the most promising material for tissue engineering. In the present study, carrageenan, an injectable scaffold has been used owing to its advantage and superior property. Cissus quadrangularis, a natural agent was incorporated into the carrageenan scaffold. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess the antioxidant activity and biocompatibility of this novel material. METHODS: The present in vitro study comprised of four study groups each constituting a sample of 15 with a total sample size of sixty (n = 60). The carrageenan hydrogel devoid of Cissus quadrangularis acted as the control group (Group-I). Based on the concentration of aqueous extract of Cissus quadrangularis (10% w/v, 20% w/v and 30% w/v) in carrageenan hydrogel, respective study groups namely II, III and IV were considered. Antioxidant activity was assessed using a 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging assay, whereas the biocompatibility test was performed using a brine shrimp lethality assay. The microstructure and surface morphology of the hydrogel samples containing different concentrations of Cissus quadrangularis aqueous extract was investigated using SEM. One-way ANOVA with the post hoc tukey test was performed using SPSS software v22. RESULTS: A significant difference (P < 0.05) in the antioxidant activity was observed among the study groups. Group III reported the highest activity, whereas the control group showed the least antioxidant activity. Additionally, a significant (P < 0.01) drop in the antioxidant activity was observed in group IV when compared with group III. While assessing the biocompatibility, a significant (P < 0.001) dose-dependent increase in biocompatibility was observed with the increasing concentration of aqueous extract of Cissus quadrangularis. SEM analysis in group III showed even distribution throughout the hydrogel although the particles are close and densely arranged. Reduced antioxidant activity in group IV was probably due to clumping of the particles, thus reducing the active surface area. CONCLUSION: Keeping the limitations of in vitro study, it can be assumed that a carrageenan based injectable hydrogel scaffold incorporated with 20% w/v Cissus quadrangularis can provide a favourable micro-environment as it is biocompatible and possess better antioxidant property.

Effect of Supplementation of Vitamin D in Patients with Periodontitis Evaluated before and after Nonsurgical Therapy.

Background: Vitamin D has anti-inflammatory properties and the potential to increase the generation of antimicrobial peptides like cathelicidin and defensins that may have a good impact on oral health. Higher vitamin D consumption has also been linked to a reduced risk of periodontal disease progression. Hence, the primary objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the clinical and laboratory parameters of oral supplementation of vitamin D as an adjuvant to scaling and root planing and to assess the bone mineral density via qualitative ultrasound bone density scanner in chronic periodontitis patients. Methodology. This study included 40 patients with periodontitis categorized into 2 groups with twenty patients each, Group I comprising scaling and root planing (SRP) alone and Group II comprising SRP along with vitamin D supplementation. Plaque index, gingival index, probing pocket depth, and clinical attachment loss was measured as clinical parameters. Serum vitamin D levels were assessed before and after SRP at both baseline and 6 weeks. Results: The intergroup comparison of clinical parameters (PI, GI, PPD, and CAL) at 6 weeks for both the groups showed statistical significance. Intragroup comparison of clinical parameters from baseline to 6 weeks showed a statistically significant reduction in both groups. The mean bone mineral density level in both the control and test groups demonstrated a mean T score of -1.3 and -1.21, respectively. The mean vitamin D levels were 27.8460 and 28.1020 for the test and control groups, respectively, which was statistically insignificant (p = 0.705) and those at six-week intervals improved to 31.3650 and 28.0240 which were statistically significant (p ≤ 0.001). Conclusion: It could be stated that a positive relationship exists between periodontitis and osteopenia which could aggravate periodontal destruction. All periodontitis cases should thus be evaluated for BMD and supplemented with vitamin D3 in an appropriate dosage and time frame to treat both these diseases.

A Comparative Study on Alvogyl and a Mixture of Black Seed Oil and Powder for Alveolar Osteitis: A Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Clinical Trial.

Introduction: Alveolar osteitis (AO) is the most common complication faced by exodontia patients and is usually seen 24-74 hours after tooth extraction, heralded by severe throbbing pain. Nigella sativa is commonly known as black seed known to have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties along with other reparative properties that enhance bone formation. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the effects of Alvogyl and a mixture of Nigella sativa powder and oil in the treatment of dry sockets. Materials and Methods: Sixty patients above the age of 18 and below 70 years, from both genders, who underwent extraction of teeth and were clinically diagnosed with a dry socket at the clinic of the College of Dentistry, Jouf University, Saudi Arabia, were included in this study. Pain scores were assessed after placement of the dressing at the following intervals: 5 minutes, 30 minutes, 60 minutes, 2nd day, 4th day, and 7th day. Patients were randomly allocated to three groups, namely, Group 1 (Alvogyl), Group 2 (mixture of Nigella sativa's powder and oil), and Group 3 (control). Pain relief and healing of the socket were compared between the three groups. The collected data were subjected to statistical analysis through Spearman's correlation test, independent t-test, ANOVA, and post hoc test. Results: A mixture of Nigella sativa powder and oil showed a statistically significant difference in relieving pain compared to the Alvogyl group. A mixture of Nigella sativa's powder and oil required fewer dressings when compared to the Alvogyl group. Conclusion: A mixture of Nigella sativa powder and oil is the more efficacious dressing material for the management of dry sockets compared to Alvogyl. It provides immediate and complete pain relief and fewer numbers of repeated visits.

Herbal Agents versus Ethylene Diamine Tetra Acetic Acid on Removal of the Smear Layer-A Systematic Review of In Vitro Studies.

This systematic review aimed to compare the efficacy of herbal agents with ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) in removing the smear layer during root canal instrumentation. The research question in the present study was to assess: "Is there a significant difference in reducing smear layer comparing EDTA and herbal agents?" Electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) were searched from their start dates to April 2022 using strict inclusion and exclusion criteria, and reviewed following PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) 2020 guidelines. Only in vitro studies comparing herbal agents with EDTA were included in the current systematic review. Two reviewers independently assessed the included articles. A total of 625 articles were obtained from an electronic database. Eighteen papers were included for review of the full text, out of which, ten papers were excluded because they did not meet the inclusion criteria. Finally, eight articles were included in the systematic review. The present systematic review considered only in vitro studies; hence, the result cannot be completely translated to strict clinical conditions. The results of the present systematic review have shown that quixabeira, morindacitrifolia, oregano extract, and neem show better smear layer removal compared to other herbal agents, whereas they showed reduced smear layer removal when compared with EDTA. Although, it was seen that most of the included studies did not report a high quality of evidence. Hence, the present systematic review concludes that herbal agents have reported to show inferior smear layer removal when compared to EDTA. Thus, as far as herbal based alternatives are concerned, there is no highest level of evidence to state its real benefit when used as a chelating root canal irrigant.

Cytotoxic and Antioxidant Effects of Phoenix dactylifera L. (Ajwa Date Extract) on Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cell Line.

AIM: The aim of the current study is to investigate the antioxidant and apoptotic potential of Ajwa date flesh (ADF) and Ajwa date pit (ADP) extract on human squamous cell carcinoma cell line (HSC-2). METHOD: ADF and ADP were extracted with a solvent extraction method using hexane, acetone, and ethanol, which were then subjected to antioxidant assay by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). HSC-2 cells were then treated with different concentrations of ADF and ADP extract for 24, 48, and 72 hours. MTT assay was performed to assess the antiproliferative effect, and Annexin V-FITC was used for the detection of cellular apoptosis. RESULTS: Acetone extracts of ADF and ADP had the highest radical scavenging and antioxidant activities followed by the ethanolic extracts, whereas ADP appeared to have significantly higher antioxidant effects than ADF. MTT assay demonstrated that acetone extracts of ADF and ADP were significantly cytotoxic against HSC-2 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The half inhibitory concentration (IC50) of ADF was found to be 8.69 mg/ml at 24 h, and the maximum cell growth inhibition was observed at 50 mg/ml. The IC50 for the ADP was found to be 0.97 mg/ml at 24 h, and the maximum cell growth inhibition was observed at 5 mg/ml. Statistical analysis of the flow cytometry assay showed that the treatment with ADF and ADP extracts had a significant apoptotic effect which occurred in a dose-dependent manner. HSC-2 cells were seen in the late apoptotic stage with higher doses of ADF and ADP extract. ADP extract demonstrated higher apoptotic activity than ADF extract. In addition, combined treatment of ADF and ADP was also performed on HSC-2 cells which demonstrated higher apoptotic activity when compared to the single extract. CONCLUSION: Ajwa date fruit has a promising cytotoxic effect by inhibiting the growth and proliferation of OSCC cells and inducing cell death by apoptosis.

Photobiostimulatory Effect of a Single Dose of Low-Level Laser on Orthodontic Tooth Movement and Pain.

Objective: To assess the effect of low-level laser applied at 3 weeks intervals on orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) and pain using conventional brackets (CB). Materials and Methods: Twenty patients with Angle's class II div 1 (10 males and 10 females; aged 20.25 ± 3.88 years) needing bilateral extractions of maxillary first bicuspids were recruited. Conventional brackets MBT of 0.022 in slot (McLaughlin Bennett Trevisi) prescription braces (Ortho Organizers, Carlsbad, Calif) were bonded. After alignment and levelling phase, cuspid retraction began with nitinol closed coil spring on 19 × 25 stainless steel archwire, wielding 150 gram force. 7.5 J/cm2 energy was applied on 10 points (5 buccal and 5 palatal) on the canine roots on the investigational side using gallium-aluminum-arsenic diode laser (940 nm wavelength, iLase™ Biolase, Irvine, USA) in a continuous mode. Target tissues were irradiated once in three weeks for 9 weeks at a stretch (T0, T1, and T2). Patients were given a feedback form based on the numeric rating scale (NRS) to record the pain intensity for a week. Silicon impressions preceded the coil activation at each visit (T0, T1, T2, and T3), and the casts obtained were scanned with the Planmeca CAD/CAM™ (Helsinki, Finland) scanner. Results: The regimen effectively accelerated (1.55 ± 0.25 mm) tooth movement with a significant reduction in distress on the investigational side as compared to the placebo side (94 ± 0.25 mm) (p < 0.05). Conclusions: This study reveals that the thrice-weekly LLLT application can accelerate OTM and reduce the associated pain.

Efficacy of Oil Pulling in the Management of Oral Submucous Fibrosis: A Preliminary Study

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of oil pulling in the management of oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF). Material and Methods: A total of 62 patients clinically and histopathologically diagnosed as OSMF were incorporated in the present study. The subjects are randomly divided equally into two groups, Group A (oil pulling group) and Group B (placebo group). Subjects in Group A were asked to perform OP with sesame oil on an empty stomach in the morning for 3 months and Group B was given placebo capsules for 3 months. Assessment of various clinical parameters was done regularly, and data were analyzed using the Chi-square test. Results: Eighty-two percent had a habit of betel nut chewing, while 18% of the patients had tobacco chewing habits, which were among the main causative factors for OSMF. Clinical improvements in mouth opening, tongue protrusion, difficulty in speech and deglutition, and burning sensation were significant in the Group A. None of the patients reported any discomfort or side effects. The symptoms were not severe in nature and resolved in few days without stopping the therapy. Conclusion: Oil pulling can bring about significant clinical improvements in the symptoms like a mouth opening and tongue protrusion.

3D CT Soft Tissue Craniofacial Analysis and Lip Morphology

ABSTRACT Objctive: To assess the soft tissue characteristics of Bangladeshi adults to formulate soft tissue 3D CT standards using Holdaway's (HA) and lip morphology (LM) analyses. Another aim of this study was to assess the gender dimorphism of Bangladeshi population. Material and Methods: One hundred and seventeen (Eighty-five men and Thirty-two women) Bangladeshi adults have obtained their computed tomography (CT) scan at the Radiology Department for normal diagnosis. Craniofacial deformities were undetected in all cases. The CT images were prepared by a 3D imaging programming software (Mimics 11.02 Materialise). Parameters from the identified landmark points were measured in 3D through this software. Results: Upper lip thickness (ULT) (vermillion UL-A point) measurement was significant in HA and in LM analyses, upper lip protrusion (ULP) (Ls to Sn-SPog) measurement has demonstrated significant difference among both genders, where p-value was less than 0.05. Mean measurements of Bangladeshi adults were relatively comparable except the face convexity (FC) when compared with the HA cephalometric soft tissue values. Conclusion: By using HA and LM analyses, 3D CT soft tissue standards were established for Bangladeshi adults. Measurements for all parameters have remained equivalent with the HA standard data apart from the FC measurement. This consequently may demonstrate that the Bangladeshi population retains a convex shape with a slight protrusive lip or retruded chin.

Laser-Assisted Orthodontic Tooth Movement in Saudi Population: A Prospective Clinical Intervention of Low-Level Laser Therapy in the 1st Week of Pain Perception in Four Treatment Modalities.

Background: This first-in-human study in Saudi orthodontic patients has evaluated the role of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in pain perception (PP). The outcome of single application of LLLT with 4 different treatment modalities (TM) on PP are evaluated following orthodontic bracket bonding on maxilla. Materials and Methods: A prospective clinical intervention with implementation of parallel technique in each group, 32 orthodontic patients with ectopic canine requiring fixed orthodontic appliance were enrolled and randomly allocated to the 4 groups: LLLT + self-ligating (SL) bracket, LLLT + conventional (Conv.) bracket, non-LLLT + SL bracket, and non-LLLT + Conv. bracket. Orthodontic bracket bonding from 1st molar to 1st molar and superelastic 0.012 inch NiTi were applied for the maxilla. For each patient, maxillary 1st molar to molar received a single application of LLLT using a 940 nm Ga-Al-As laser device on 5 different points labially/buccally and palatally. Main outcome measure was the degree of PP score during the 1st week of orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) after 4 hours, 24 hours, 3 days, and 7 days of both LLLT and non-LLLT treatment applications. A questionnaire with an 11-point numeric rating scale (NRS) was used for PP. Results: Mean ± SD of PP in the LLLT + SL group was 3.33 ± 1.4, 3.58 ± 1.06, 2.31 ± 0.67, and 1.89 ± 0.54 in 4 hours, 24 hours, 3 days, and 7 days, respectively. Compared to all 4 TM groups, LLLT groups showed better PP. More statistically significant differences were found in LLLT groups. No harms were encountered. Limitations: The intervention provider and the patient were not blinded to the intervention. Conclusion: The LLLT + SL group revealed significantly promising benefits on PP during OTM.

Effect of low level laser and low intensity pulsed ultrasound therapy on bone remodeling during orthodontic tooth movement in rats.

BACKGROUND: Quality bone regeneration, which leads to the improvement of bone remodeling, is essential for orthodontic treatment. In order to improve bone regeneration and increase the amount of tooth movement, different techniques have been implemented. The object of this study is to compare the effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT), low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS), and their combination on bone remodeling during orthodontic tooth movement. METHODS: Eighty (80) male, 6-week-old Sprague Dawley rats were grouped in to four groups, the first group was irradiated with (940 nm) diode laser, second group with LIPUS, and third group with combination of both LLLT and LIPUS. A forth group used was a control group in an incomplete block split-mouth design. The LLLT and LIPUS were used to treat the area around the moving tooth once a day on days 0-7, then the experiment was ended in each experimental endpoint (1, 3, 7, 14, and 21 days). For amount of tooth movement, models were imaged and analyzed. Histological examination was performed after staining with (hematoxylin and eosin) and (alizarin red and Alcian Blue) stain. One step reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction RT-PCR was also performed to elucidate the gene expression of RANK, RANKL, OPG, and RUNX-2. RESULTS: The amount of tooth movement, the histological bone remodeling, and the RT-PCR were significantly greater in the treatment groups than that in the control group. Among the treatment groups, the combination group was the highest and the LIPUS group was the lowest. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that LLLT and LIPUS can enhance the velocity of tooth movement and improve the quality of bone remodeling during orthodontic tooth movement.

Effects of low-level laser irradiation on the rate of orthodontic tooth movement and associated pain with self-ligating brackets.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of low-level laser irradiation applied at 3-week intervals on orthodontic tooth movement and pain associated with orthodontic tooth movement using self-ligating brackets. METHODS: Twenty-two patients (11 male, 11 female; mean age, 19.8 ± 3.1 years) with Angle Class II Division 1 malocclusion were recruited for this split-mouth clinical trial; they required extraction of maxillary first premolars bilaterally. After leveling and alignment with self-ligating brackets (SmartClip SL3; 3M Unitek, St Paul, Minn), a 150-g force was applied to retract the canines bilaterally using 6-mm nickel-titanium closed-coil springs on 0.019 x 0.025-in stainless steel archwires. A gallium-aluminum-arsenic diode laser (iLas; Biolase, Irvine, Calif) with a wavelength of 940 nm in a continuous mode (energy density, 7.5 J/cm2/point; diameter of optical fiber tip, 0.04 cm2) was applied at 5 points buccally and palatally around the canine roots on the experimental side; the other side was designated as the placebo. Laser irradiation was applied at baseline and then repeated after 3 weeks for 2 more consecutive follow-up visits. Questionnaires based on the numeric rating scale were given to the patients to record their pain intensity for 1 week. Impressions were made at each visit before the application of irradiation at baseline and the 3 visits. Models were scanned with a CAD/CAM scanner (Planmeca, Helsinki, Finland). RESULTS: Canine retraction was significantly greater (1.60 ± 0.38 mm) on the experimental side compared with the placebo side (0.79 ± 0.35 mm) (P <0.05). Pain was significantly less on the experimental side only on the first day after application of LLLI and at the second visit (1.4 ± 0.82 and 1.4 ± 0.64) compared with the placebo sides (2.2 ± 0.41 and 2.4 ± 1.53). CONCLUSIONS: Low-level laser irradiation applied at 3-week intervals can accelerate orthodontic tooth movement and reduce the pain associated with it.

Effect of a single dose of low-level laser therapy on spontaneous and chewing pain caused by elastomeric separators.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to see the effect of a single dose of low-level laser therapy on spontaneous and chewing pain after the placement of elastomeric separators. METHODS: Eighty-eight patients were randomly selected for this single-blind study. Elastomeric separators were placed mesial and distal to the permanent first molars in all quadrants. Both arches were divided into experimental and control sides. The experimental sides were treated with low-level laser therapy on 3 points on the buccal mucosa for 20 seconds each, with a 940-nm gallium-aluminum-arsenic diode laser on continuous mode and power set at 200 mW. The other side received placebo laser therapy without turning on the laser. A numeric rating scale was used to assess the intensity of spontaneous and chewing pain for the next 7 days. The independent sample t test and repeated-measures analysis of variance with the post hoc Tukey test was used to analyze the results. RESULTS: Significant differences were found in spontaneous and chewing pain among both groups (P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: A single dose of low-level laser therapy can be an efficient modality to reduce the postoperative pain associated with the placement of elastomeric separators.

Combined Mandibular Guidance Therapy in the Management of a Hemimandibulectomy Patient.

This case history report describes two different devices, maxillary ramp prostheses (MRP) and mandibular guide flange prostheses (MGFP), prescribed for managing a hemimandibulectomy patient's deviated mandible. The patient was given muscle reprogramming exercises with coordinated use of both guidance prostheses for 2 months, leading to improvements in both postsurgical mandibular deviation and occlusal equilibration. A successful intercuspal position was eventually accomplished through the use of the combination therapy. MRP and MGFP can be a useful approach to avoid mandibular deviation and compromised function following a partial mandibular resection.

Overview of non-invasive factors (low level laser and low intensity pulsed ultrasound) accelerating tooth movement during orthodontic treatment.

The need for orthodontic treatment is increasing all the time. As the treatment is time consuming ranging from a year to several years, any method of reducing the period of treatment and increasing the quality of the tissue will be beneficial to patients. The use of non-invasive techniques such as low level laser therapy and low intensity pulsed ultasound in accelerating orthodontic tooth movement are promising. Thus, this overview study will help to generate more understanding about the background information and the possible applications of them in daily orthodontics, depending on previous literature searching for reviews and original research articles.

Effect of 940 nm low-level laser therapy on osteogenesis in vitro.

Bone regeneration is essential in medical treatment, such as in surgical bone healing and orthodontics. The aim of this study is to examine the effect of different powers of 940 nm diode low-level laser treatment (LLLT) on osteoblast cells during their proliferation and differentiation stages. A human fetal osteoblast cell line was cultured and treated with LLLT. The cells were divided into experimental groups according to the power delivered and periods of exposure per day for each laser power. The (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2yl)-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) (MTT) assay was used to determine cell proliferation. Both alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin activity assays were assessed for cell differentiation. All treatment groups showed a significant increase in cell proliferation and differentiation compared to the control group. Regarding the exposure time, the subgroups treated with the LLLT for 6 min showed higher proliferation and differentiation rates for the powers delivered, the 300-mW LLLT group significantly increased the amount of cell proliferation. By contrast, the 100 and 200 mW groups showed significantly greater amounts of cell differentiation. These results suggest that the use of LLLT may play an important role in stimulating osteoblast cells for improved bone formation.