Protective masks during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: Any relationship with temporomandibular disorders and orofacial pain?

BACKGROUND: Wearing protective face masks has been one of the indispensable measures to prevent droplets and aerosol particles transmission during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. OBJECTIVES: This observational cross-sectional survey investigated the different types and modalities of protective mask wearing and the possible association with referred signs of temporomandibular disorders and orofacial pain by respondents. METHODS: An online questionnaire was developed, calibrated and administered anonymously to subjects with an age of ≥18 years. It consisted of different sections: demographics, type and wearing modalities of the protective masks, pain in the preauricular area, noise at the temporomandibular joints and headache. Statistical analysis was performed using statistical software STATA. RESULTS: The questionnaire received 665 replies mainly from participants aged between 18 and 30 years (315 males and 350 females). The healthcare professionals were 37% of participants, 21.2% of them were dentists. The Filtering Facepiece 2 or 3 (FFP2/FFP3) mask was used by 334 subjects (50.3%), and 578 (87%) wore the mask with two elastics behind the ears. Pain while wearing the mask was referred by 400 participants, and 36.8% of them referred pain with a consecutive use of more than 4 h (p = .042). 92.2% of participants did not report any preauricular noise. Headache associated with the FFP2/FFP3 was referred by 57.7% of subjects (p = .033). CONCLUSION: This survey highlighted the increased referred the presence of discomfort in the preauricular area and headache possibly associated with a prolonged use of protective face masks for more than 4 h during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.

Accuracy (trueness and precision) of 3D printed orthodontic models finalized to clear aligners production, testing crowded and spaced dentition.

BACKGROUND: The study's objective was to assess the accuracy (trueness and precision) of orthodontic models obtained from crowded and spaced dentition finalized for the production of clear aligners. Four 3D printers featuring different technologies and market segments were used for this purpose. METHODS: Two digital master models were obtained from two patients featuring respectively crowded dentition (CM group) and diastema/edentulous spaces (DEM group). The 3D printers tested were: Form 3B (SLA technology, medium-professional segment), Vector 3SP (SLA technology, industrial segment), Asiga Pro 4K65 (DLP technology, high-professional segment), and Anycubic Photon M3 (LCD technology, entry-level segment). Each 3D printed model was scanned and superimposed onto the reference master model and digital deviation analysis was performed to assess the trueness and precision calculated as root mean square (RMS). All data were statistically examined to obtain intra-group and inter-groups comparisons(p 0.05). RESULTS: In both CM and DEM groups, SLA 3D printers (Vector 3SP and Form 3B) showed lower trueness error compared to DLP/LCD technologies (Asiga Pro 4K65, Anycubic Photon M3) (p < 0.001). In general, the entry-level printer (Anycubic Photon M3) showed the greatest trueness error (p < 0.001). Comparing CM and DEM models generated with the same 3D printer, statistically significant differences were found only for Asiga Pro 4k65 and Anycubic Photon M3 printers (p > 0.05). Concerning data of precision, the DLP technology (Asiga Pro 4k65) showed lower error compared to the other 3D printers tested. The trueness and precision errors were within the accepted clinical error for clear aligner manufacturing (< 0.25 mm), with the entry-level 3D printer nearly reaching this value. CONCLUSIONS: The accuracy of orthodontic models generated for clear aligners can be affected by different 3D printer technologies and anatomical characteristics of dental arches.

Prevalence, etiology, clinical features and management associated with impacted and transmigrated mandibular canines: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: The occurrence of mandibular canine impaction and/ or transmigration is a rare clinical entity but diagnosis and treatment planning is of clinical significance. The associated etiological factors and the clinical guidelines for the management are still not clear. The aim of this systematic review was to summarize the available data to report the prevalence and identify the etiological factors, clinical features, and various treatment outcomes in patients with mandibular canine impaction and/or transmigration. METHODS: The review protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021222566) and was conducted and reported according to the PRISMA and Cochrane Handbook / Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement. A computerized search of studies published up to April 30, 2023, was conducted using the following databases: Medline, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Scopus, Web of Science, and Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature. A manual search of the reference and citation lists of eligible articles and existing systematic reviews for any additions were also conducted. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale quality assessment tool was used to assess the studies' quality. RESULTS: After removing 6 duplicates, 3700 articles were identified. For the final analysis, 19 studies published between 1985 and 2023 met all the eligibility criteria and were included. A total of 7 studies presented as good and 12 studies presented as satisfactory. Patients were screened in ten studies and diagnostic records from archives were retrieved in nine studies. The total number of diagnostic records screened was 138.394, and the total number of patients from the included studies was 43.127. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the findings from this systematic review, the prevalence of mandibular canine impaction ranged from 0.008% to 1.29% while canine transmigration from 0.12% to 0.98%. Crowding of the mandibular arch, the presence of a retained deciduous canine, and odontoma or cyst are the etiological factors more commonly associated with mandibular canine impaction and or transmigration. Surgical extraction and surgical exposure followed by orthodontic traction are the two most frequently carried out treatment modalities in the management of mandibular canine impaction and or transmigration.

PATIENT-REPORTED OUTCOMES WHILE MANAGING OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA WITH ORAL APPLIANCES: A SCOPING REVIEW.

OBJECTIVE: This scoping review aims to describe dental treatment-related patient-reported outcomes (dPROs) while using oral appliances (OAs) to manage obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in children and adults. METHODS: Available literature that assessed dPROs in children and adults with OSA managed through OAs. Any clinical studies were included without restrictions of year or country. The results were analyzed and reported using narrative text and tables accompanying a descriptive summary. RESULTS: The searches identified 1718 citations, and of these, forty-five studies were finally included. A total of 3498 adults were included in all 42 primary studies included in this review, in which all the studies presented adults as participants. The dPROs assessed were quality of life (QoL), reported side effects after OA usage, patient satisfaction, and experience with treatment, and subjective perception of occlusal changes after treatment. CONCLUSION: This scoping review suggests that dPROs are mostly investigated as a secondary outcome from major studies exploring the effects of OAs on OSA severity, and often, dPROs are not well discussed or displayed on their report. As no risk of bias or certainty level assessment was completed, findings need to be carefully considered. Although in general terms management with OAs among adults with OSA does not seem to be uncomfortable or causing major problems to their lives, some mild discomfort and endured occlusal disturbances was reported in some studies. QoL seems to improve but consistent agreement was elusive. Data does not include experiences among those that dropped OA use. No data seems to exist about dPROs in children.

In vivo confocal microscopy analysis of enamel defects after orthodontic treatment: A preliminary study.

After orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances, bonded brackets and residual adhesive must be removed. This procedure should lead to restitutio ad integrum of the enamel or, at least, restore the enamel surface as closely as possible to its pre-treatment conditions. The purpose of this study is the in vivo assessment at a microscopic resolution of enamel surfaces after bracket debonding while avoiding the tooth extraction. Nine orthodontic patients who had brackets removed at the conclusion of orthodontic treatment were enrolled. In vivo reflectance confocal microscopy imaging of dental enamel surface after debonding was performed for each patient. Eighteen upper incisors were analyzed, 10 in which the enamel demineralization appeared after the treatment and 8 in which the demineralization was present before the treatment. RCM analyses showed some speckled or roundish dark areas within the enamel. Moreover enamel alterations were detected at different levels of depth. The present in vivo microscopic study allowed for highlighting structural features in dental enamel, after debonding, at a microscopic resolution in real-time and in a non-invasive way, without the need for extraction or processing of the samples.

Micro-Raman spectroscopy for monitoring changes in periodontal ligaments and gingival crevicular fluid.

Micro-Raman Spectroscopy is an efficient method for analyzing biological specimens due to its sensitivity to subtle chemical and structural changes. The aim of this study was to use micro-Raman spectroscopy to analyze chemical and structural changes in periodontal ligament after orthodontic force application and in gingival crevicular fluid in presence of periodontal disease. The biopsy of periodontal ligament samples of premolars extracted for orthodontic reasons and the gingival crevicular fluid samples collected by using absorbent paper cones; were analyzed by micro-Raman spectroscopy. Changes of the secondary protein structure related to different times of orthodontic force application were reported; whereas an increase of carotene was revealed in patients affected by periodontal inflammation.

New Approaches and Technologies in Orthodontics.

In recent years, new diagnostic and treatment approaches in orthodontics have arisen, and there is thus a need for researchers and practitioners to stay up to date with these innovations [...].

Impact of Dental Midline Shift on the Perception of Facial Attractiveness in Young Adults.

Background/Objectives: The aim of this study was to quantify the threshold of a dental midline shift that would compromise facial attractiveness and indicate a need for treatment from the points of view of laypeople and dental professionals. Methods: Whole-face natural photographs of a male and a female model were digitally manipulated to create various degrees of upper and lower dental midline shifts through bodily movement of the upper or lower midlines as well as alteration of the axial inclination of the upper teeth. The samples were then assessed by two groups of observers (laypeople (LP) and dental professionals (DP)). Results: The lower midline shift did not negatively affect the DP and LP's perceptions of smile attractiveness. The first significant loss of attractiveness was registered by the DP with an upper midline shift of 1 mm in the female model. However, the LP registered this at 2 mm. The DP registered the necessity of treatment at a threshold of 2 mm in the female model and 3 mm in the male model. LP identified the need for treatment at 3 mm for both males and females. The female model was judged more critically than her male counterpart by both female and male observers. Conclusions: DP assess the midline deviation more critically than LP. Both DP and LP were more sensitive to midline deviations in the female model regardless of their own gender. Both groups registered the need for treatment at a higher threshold than the reduction in smile attractiveness.

Early treatment of an ectopic premolar to prevent molar-premolar transposition.

Orthodontic treatment is planned on an individual, case-by-case basis after thoroughly considering the patient's overall facial and dental characteristics, the expected duration of treatment, costs, patient preferences, and the orthodontist's experience. This article reports the treatment of a patient with a maxillary premolar-molar transposition in the permanent dentition that was successfully managed with orthodontic treatment. A girl, aged 10 years 2 months, came for treatment with an ectopic maxillary left premolar. Radiographic analysis indicated a developing complete transposition of the maxillary left premolar. The patient was treated with extraction of the deciduous molar and surgical exposure and ligation of the premolar. Eruption was properly guided, and the correct order of the 2 teeth was restored in the arch. This challenging treatment approach is described in detail, including the mechanics used to align the ectopic premolar. Early treatment can, in many cases, prevent a molar-premolar transposition.

The Use of Diode Low-Power Laser Therapy before In-Office Bleaching to Prevent Bleaching-Induced Tooth Sensitivity: A Clinical Double-Blind Randomized Study.

INTRODUCTION: The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) use before in-office bleaching to prevent an increase in the risk and intensity of tooth sensitivity. METHODS: Thirty patients were selected. Before bleaching with 38% hydrogen peroxide, the participants were randomly divided into two groups of 15 subjects. Test group: the patients' teeth were subjected to a preliminary LLLT procedure by an 810 nm diode laser with 0.5 W for 30 s for an energy density of 15 J/cm2 and a group placebo. All patients were instructed to report their cold sensitivity experiences immediately, 1 h, 24 h, and 48 h after the end of bleaching via a VAS score. RESULTS: The results obtained show an increase in VAS values for both groups (290 and 490 vs. 224 and 234 of baseline time of test and placebo group, respectively); afterward, the VAS value seemingly decreases at 1 h after the end of bleaching, approaching the baseline VAS for the test group (274) in comparison to the placebo group. CONCLUSIONS: The use of preliminary diode LLLT could represent a valid possibility to reduce the occurrence of tooth sensitivity post-whitening and shorten recovery time in cases where tooth sensitivity occurs.

Factors Affecting Patient Compliance during Orthodontic Treatment with Aligners: Motivational Protocol and Psychological Well-Being.

Objective: Compliance is critical for successful outcomes in orthodontics, and personality traits may play a role in determining patient adherence. This study aimed to monitor compliance during treatment with removable clear aligners (CA) [Align Technology Inc, San José, Calif ], and evaluate the influence of motivational techniques and the patient's profiles assessed through the psychological well-being (PWB) questionnaire on clinical outcomes. Methods: Thirty-nine consecutive patients in permanent dentition seeking treatment with CA were recruited from two universities. Casts were obtained before treatment and after 3, 6, and 12 months and the corresponding digital Clincheck©.STL files were used to calculate the discrepancy index to check for differences between virtual and real treatment stages. Patients were divided into two groups: the Case group, which received motivational techniques at each appointment, and the control group which received instructions only at the beginning. Psychological profiles were evaluated before treatment (T0) and after 3 (T1), 6 (T2), and 12 (T3) months. Results: There were no differences between the Case and Control groups regarding the use of motivational reminders. The analysis of the PWB showed that almost all values increased, and there was a strong correlation between dental casts and correspondent. STL files at every time point. The PWB showed increased values from T0 to T3 in the sample. Conclusion: Motivational techniques did not affect patient compliance, and treatment outcomes were achieved as planned. The PWB of all patients improved throughout the treatment with CA.

Predictability of crowding resolution in clear aligner treatment.

BACKGROUND: To assess the predictability of crowding resolution and the efficacy of different strategies to gain space during clear aligners treatment. METHODS: A total of 10 clinicians were randomly recruited using the Doctor Locator by Align Technology (California). For each clinician, four consecutive patients treated with aligners and manual stripping were selected for a total of 40 subjects. Thus, 80 arches were collected and uploaded on the Orthoanalyzer software for arch measurements. The data were gained on the starting arch form (T0), on the virtual arch developed with digital planning (vT1), and on the arch form achieved at the end of the aligner sequences (T1). The following parameters were scored: Little's Irregularity Index, transversal arch diameters, (intercuspid, interpremolar, and intermolar width), incisor position/arch length, and enamel interproximal reduction (IPR). RESULTS: For all the measurements, statistically significant differences were found at different stages. The predictability of crowding resolution was very high, ranging from 87% in the upper arch and 81% in the lower one. Among the different strategies to gain space, variations in sagittal incisor position were predictable, with a value of 70% both in the upper and lower arch. Conversely, changes in arch diameters were less reliable varying between 49 and 67% in the lower arch and 59-83% in the upper one. Moreover, IPR was the least accurate procedure, wavering at 49% in the upper arch and 42% in the lower arch. CONCLUSIONS: The predictability of crowding resolution during treatment with aligners was high. However, the virtual arch forms obtained at the end of digital planning (vT1) did not correspond with the arch forms at the end of the aligner sequences (T1). The IPR was the least predictable strategy to gain space, being, perhaps, an operator-dependent procedure.

Clinical Behavior of the Gingival Margin following Conservative "Coronally Dynamic" Restorations in the Presence of Non-Carious Cervical Lesions Associated with Gingival Recession: A Pilot Study.

Gingival recessions (GR) are often associated with the presence of non-carious cervical lesions (NCCL). The latter result in the disappearance of the cement-enamel junction (CEJ), with consequent difficulties both in measuring the recession itself and in performing root coverage techniques. The restoration of cervical lesions is consequently an important aspect in the treatment of GR, with the re-establishment of a "new" CEJ. This pilot study aimed to verify whether restorative therapy alone, with the execution of a restoration that mimics the convexity of the natural CEJ and thanks to a slight horizontal over-contour, can stabilize a clot in the intrasulcular site and consequently is able to change the position of the gingival margin in a coronal direction. In periodontally healthy patients, with a non-thin gingival phenotype, 10 GR-associated NCCL restorations were performed using a protocol inspired by concepts of prosthetic conditioning, with a progressively reduced convexity ("coronally dynamic restoration") and de-epithelialization of the gingival sulcus. We observed that 70% of the treated teeth showed a reduction in crown length after 15 days (-0.267 mm), without an increase in probing depth. While considering the limitations of the sample and the need to evaluate the different parameters that can affect the result, the coronally dynamic restoration of NCCL with GR was able to influence the position of the gingival margin in a coronal direction.

Aesthetic Outcomes and Peri-Implant Health of Angled Screw Retained Implant Restorations Compared with Cement Retained Crowns: Medium Term Follow-Up.

Single tooth implant restorations in the aesthetic area are a demanding challenge. If a complete osseointegration is mandatory, the final result has to result in a higher standard of biomimetic and soft tissue health among natural teeth. This outcome is traditionally pursued by cementing crowns over individualized abutments. However, in recent years, the need for controlling peri-implant health and the preference towards a retrievable solution has led to an increase in screw-retained crowns, which is not always applicable when the implant axis is not ideal. In the aesthetic area, the use of a novel technical solution represented by the angled screw channel (ASC) of the abutment has been proposed in order to match the advantages of the screwed solution with the aesthetic demands. The aim of this study was to compare ASC crowns to cemented crowns (CC) in single implant restorations using the white esthetic score (WES) and pink esthetic score (PES) at the crown delivery and at a follow-up of a minimum of 2 years. Peri-implant health and marginal bone loss (MBL) were also evaluated. The mean follow-up was 44.3 months, with a mean MBL of 0.22 mm in the ASC group and 0.29 mm in the CC group. The total WES/PES score was 16.6 for ASC, compared with 17.3 for CC at baseline, and 16.2 and 17.1, respectively, at follow-up. Both of the groups reached a high WES/PES, and this was maintained over time, without signs of peri-implant diseases or bone loss, regardless of the choice of connection. In conclusion, ASC can be adopted in cases where the implant axis is not ideal, with aesthetic and functional results that are comparable to implants restored by cemented crowns.

Reliability and Reproducibility of Landmark Identification in Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate Patients: Digital Lateral Vis-A-Vis CBCT-Derived 3D Cephalograms.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the retrospective observational study was to compare the precision of landmark identification and its reproducibility using cone beam computed tomography-derived 3D cephalograms and digital lateral cephalograms in unilateral cleft lip and palate patients. METHODS: Cephalograms of thirty-one (31) North Indian children (18 boys and 13 girls) with a unilateral cleft lip and palate, who were recommended for orthodontic treatment, were selected. After a thorough analysis of peer-reviewed articles, 20 difficult-to-trace landmarks were selected, and their reliability and reproducibility were studied. These were subjected to landmark identification to evaluate interobserver variability; the coordinates for each point were traced separately by three different orthodontists (OBA, OBB, OBC). Statistical analysis was performed using descriptive and inferential statistics with paired t-tests to compare the differences measured by the two methods. Real-scale data are presented in mean ± SD. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered as significant at a 95% confidence level. RESULTS: When comparing, the plotting of points posterior nasal spine (PNS) (p < 0.05), anterior nasal spine (ANS) (p < 0.01), upper 1 root tip (p < 0.05), lower 1 root tip (p < 0.05), malare (p < 0.05), pyriforme (p < 0.05), porion (p < 0.01), and basion (p < 0.05) was statistically significant. CONCLUSION: In patients with a cleft lip and palate, the interobserver identification of cephalometric landmarks was significantly more precise and reproducible with cone beam computed tomography -derived cephalograms vis-a-vis digital lateral cephalograms.

New Materials in Oral Surgery.

Currently, in the field of dentistry literature, one of most active research topics is clearly related to implants, bone materials, and regenerative strategies for the reconstruction of different oral tissues. Biomaterials and related technologies used with these purposes could only be derived from the integration of the knowledge of different disciplines, which together are skilled in generating innovation and research development, with extensive support of basic sciences and intense international cooperation. The combination of these resources, associated with the greater need for increasingly comprehensive and predictable therapeutic protocols, brings a substantial change in the treatment of oral rehabilitations.

Long-Term Outcomes of Nonextraction Treatment in a Patient with Severe Mandibular Crowding.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a clinical case with a severe mandibular crowding treated without extraction and showing a long-term outcome. METHODS: A 14-year-old boy in permanent dentition showed a class I molar and cuspid relationship, a severe deep bite of 8 mm, a constricted V-shaped upper arch with moderate crowding, and a severe crowding of about 12 mm in the lower arch. The panoramic X-ray showed an impacted upper right canine. The treatment started with the placement of a transpalatal bar and 0.022 × 0.028 in standard edgewise appliances in the upper arch and a lip bumper bonded on the second lower molars. Initial leveling of the teeth was accomplished with light Australian round wires. Finishing was then performed with rectangular wires. The phase with fixed appliances lasted 2 years and 9 months, and the patient was motivated and cooperative throughout the treatment, although with poor oral hygiene. The patient was treated without extractions. RESULTS: The space was gained with the first and second upper molar derotations using the transpalatal bar and the gingival lip bumper in the lower arch. The upper right canine was well positioned, and the maxillary arch form was improved. The severe lower crowding was completely corrected, and a good overbite was achieved. CONCLUSION: A conservative, nonextraction treatment approach for this patient with class I malocclusion with severe mandibular crowding was effective, and the results have remained stable after a long-term follow-up (10 years).

Mechanical Evaluation of the Stability of One or Two Miniscrews under Loading on Synthetic Bone.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the primary stability of a two-miniscrew system inserted into a synthetic bone and to compare the system with the traditional one. Forty-five bi-layered polyurethane blocks were used to simulate maxillary cancellous and cortical bone densities. Samples were randomly assigned to three groups-one-miniscrew system (Group A, N = 23), two-miniscrew system (Group B, N = 22) and archwire-only (Group C, N = 10). A total of 67 new miniscrews were subdivided into Group A (23 singles) and Group B (22 couples). 30 mm of 19″ × 25″ archwires were tied to the miniscrew. The load was applied perpendicularly to the archwire. Maximum Load Value (MLV), Yield Load (YL) and Loosening Load (LL) were recorded for each group. The YL of Group B and C had a mean value respectively of 4.189 ± 0.390 N and 3.652 ± 0.064 N. The MLV of Group A, B and C had a mean value respectively of 1.871 ± 0.318N, of 4.843 ± 0.515 N and 4.150 ± 0.086 N. The LL of Group A and B had a mean value respectively of 1.871 ± 0.318 N and of 2.294 ± 0.333 N. A two- temporary anchorage device (TAD) system is on average stiffer than a one-TAD system under orthodontic loading.

Accuracy of interproximal enamel reduction during clear aligner treatment.

AIM: The aim of the present study was to compare the accuracy of the actual space obtained through interproximal enamel reduction (IPR) compared to the amount of IPR planned through the digital setup during clear aligner treatment (CAT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 10 clinicians were randomly recruited using the Doctor Locator by Align Technology (California). For each clinician, four consecutive patients treated with CAT and manual stripping were selected for a total of 40 subjects and 80 dental arches. For each patient, the amount of planned IPR and the amount of actual IPR performed were recorded. Each arch was considered individually. For each arch, the mesio-distal tooth measurements were obtained from second to second premolars. RESULTS: No systematic measurement errors were identified. In 25 cases, stripping was planned and performed in both arches; in 4 cases only in the upper arch and in the remaining 7 cases only in the lower arch. The difference between planned IPR and performed IPR was on average 0.55 mm (SD, 0.67; P = 0.022) in the upper arch and 0.82 mm (SD, 0.84; P = 0.026) in the lower arch. The accuracy of IPR in the upper arch was estimated to be 44.95% for the upper arch and 37.02% for the lower arch. CONCLUSION: Overall, this study showed that the amount of enamel removed in vivo did not correspond with the amount of IPR planned. In most cases, the performed IPR amount was lower than planned. When considering the actual amount in millimeter, these differences may not be considered clinically relevant.

Effectiveness of Low-Level Laser Therapy during Tooth Movement: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

The present study evaluated the effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) by means of a diode laser in accelerating orthodontic tooth movement (OTM). After extraction of the first upper premolars for orthodontic purpose, 82 maxillary canines which needed distalization were analyzed in 41 enrolled patients (21 males, 20 females, mean age 13.4 ± 2.1 years). On all experimental sites, an orthodontic force of 50/N was applied by a nickel-titanium (NiTi) closed coil spring (G&H, Franklin, IN, USA) in order to obtain the space closure. Using a split mouth randomized design, the test side was treated using a diode laser (Wiser Laser Doctor Smile, Brendola, Italy) operating at 810 nm wavelength in continuous wave mode at both the buccal and palatal side on three points/side (distal, medial and mesial) (1 W output power, continuous wave of 66.7 J/cm2, energy density of 8 J) at baseline and at 3, 7, and 14 days and every 15 days until the space closed. On the control side, the opposite selected canine was treated only using orthodontic traction. The primary outcome chosen was the overall time needed to complete the levelling and closing space, measured on a study cast. The secondary outcome chosen was the evaluation of pain levels related to tooth traction, using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), recorded at 3, 7, and 14 days after treatments. The mean space closures of the maxillary canines were comparable between groups [Test, 4.56 mm (95% CI 3.9-4.8); Control, 4.49 mm (95% CI 3.8-4.7), p = 0.456]. The laser group yielded less mean time [84.35 ± 12.34 days (95% CI 79.3-86)] to accomplish space closure compared to the control group [97.49 ± 11.44 days (91.7-102.3)] (p < 0.001). The test side showed a significant reduction in the average range of dental pain at 3 [Test, 5.41 (95% CI 5.1-5.6); Control, 7.23 (95% CI 6.9-7.6), p < 0.001], 7 [Test, 4.12 (95% CI 3.8-4.7); Control, 5.79 (95% CI 5.4-5.8), p < 0.001], and at 14 days [Test, 2.31 (95% CI 1.8-2.3); Control, 3.84 (95% CI 3.3-4.2), p < 0.001] after treatment (p < 0.001). This study demonstrates that the use of LLLT therapy was effective in accelerating tooth movement and reducing pain levels related to OTM.