Evaluation of surface energy and surface stability and adherence of Candida albicans to octa fluoro pentyl (meth) acrylate-coated PEEK using plasma spray.

Background: Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) has favorable properties that make it able to be used as a denture base material, but it is also susceptible to the adhesion of microorganisms. In this study, we applied Octafluoropentyl (meth) acrylate (OFPA) coating on the PEEK polymer surface by using plasma spray and investigated the functional groups present on the surface, changes in the surface energy and Candida albicans adhesion. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, the samples were placed in a control group without surface preparation and three experimental groups that were subjected to plasma spray for 10, 30, and 60 s and then impregnated with degassed Octa fluoropentyl (meth) acrylate (Sigma-Aldrich, USA) monomer. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to identify the functional groups and new chemical bonds between PEEK and OFPA, and Sessile Drop Method was used to evaluate the surface's wettability. The surface morphology was checked using a LEXT OLS4000 (Olympus®-Japan) microscope, and the inhibition of C. albicans adhesion was also checked by counting the colonies in terms of colony forming unit/mL (CFU/mL). Kurskal-Wallis analysis was conducted to assess Candida adhesion, while wettability was evaluated using analysis of variance and post hoc analyses. The level of statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. Results: FTIR analysis confirmed that a chemical between OFPA and PEEK was established. The samples showed a significant increase in the contact angle after 30 s of plasma application (CA = 88.2 ± 7.3). The contact angle decreased again by increasing the surface modification to 60 s (CA = 64.33 ± 5.5). Examining the surface morphology of the samples shows an increase in surface roughness with increasing plasma time up to 60 s. The number of adherent colonies was the lowest in 30 s group, but it was not statistically significant (P = 0.658). Conclusion: No statistically significant difference in C. albicans CFU/mL count was found between groups. The contact angle of the 30 s group was significantly higher than the control group.

Evaluation of shear bond strength and enamel remineralizing effect of experimental orthodontic composite containing nano-hydroxyapatite: An in vitro study.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to prepare an orthodontic composite containing hydroxyapatite nanoparticles to prevent demineralization and create a suitable environment for mineral deposition around orthodontic brackets, and to investigate the mechanical and remineralizing properties of the experimental adhesive composite. METHODS: Experimental orthodontic composite were formulated using varying percentages of nano-hydroxyapatite particles. Assessments were based on four groups: a control group (3M™ Transbond™ XT) and experimental composites containing 2% (HA2), 5% (HA5) and 10% (HA10) hydroxyapatite. Vickers Microhardness test was performed to investigate the remineralizing effect in 3 stages: initial stage, after demineralization and after 4 weeks of exposure to artificial saliva. Scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analyser (SEM/EDAX) was used to evaluate hydroxyapatite precipitation and elemental composition of enamel surface. Shear Bond Strength tests were carried out using a universal testing machine and the debonding pattern was assessed using Adhesive Remnant Index (ARI). RESULTS: All groups showed clinically acceptable SBS values. The highest SBS was achieved in the HA2 group, followed by Transbond™ XT, HA5 and HA10. There was no significant difference in the ARI scores. In terms of microhardness properties, HA5 and HA10 demonstrated a significant increase after 4 weeks. The results of SEM analysis showed the precipitation of hydroxyapatite crystals and EDAX analysis indicated the increase of calcium and phosphate ion peaks compared to the demineralized sample. The data were analysed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey's Post-hoc test. CONCLUSIONS: Addition of hydroxyapatite nanoparticles to orthodontic composite can increase the mineral content and microhardness of the adjacent enamel. However, increasing the amount of nanoparticles reduces shear bond strength in a decreasing trend. The above-mentioned findings showed that incremental increase of nanoparticles of HA can be incorporated in composite to a certain extent and limitations are determined by mechanical properties (SBS) required for bracket bonding.

Evaluation and comparison of antibacterial and physicochemical properties of synthesized zinc oxide-nano particle-containing adhesive with commercial adhesive: An experimental study.

INTRODUCTION: Enamel surface demineralization is one of the most common issues occurring subsequent to orthodontic treatments. This study aims to synthesize a homogenous adhesive, containing zinc oxide nano particles for the purpose of evaluation of antibacterial and mechanical properties in bonding of orthodontic brackets. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Assessments were based on three groups: a control group (synthesized adhesive), ZnO group (synthesized adhesive containing 1.3% mass fraction of zinc oxide nano particles), and XT™ group (Transbond™ XT™, 3M™, USA). Biofilm formation inhibition test was utilized for the evaluation of antibacterial effects and physicochemical tests were further utilized for the assessment of shear bond strength (SBS), adhesive remnant index (ARI), microhardness, degree of conversion (DC), water sorption and water solubility. RESULTS: In terms of antibacterial properties, ZnO-containing adhesives demonstrated a significant difference compared to the control group (P=0.001). The addition of ZnO to the synthesized adhesive did not result in any significant difference compared to the control and XT™ groups in terms of shear bond strength (P=0.007). CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of 1.3% mass fraction of zinc oxide nano particles in synthesized adhesive can add significant antibacterial characteristics and prevent biofilm formation without affecting the structural, mechanical, and chemical properties of the adhesive.

Comparison of the failure rate, bonding time and ARI score of two orthodontic bonding systems: Self-Etch Primer and Conventional Etching Primer: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the failure incidence of brackets with at least six months follow-up between self-etch primer and conventional etch/primer, as well as to investigate the clinical duration of the bonding process and the amount of adhesive remnant index (ARI). METHODS: Electronic search was conducted in databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, ProQuest, ClinicalTrials.gov, and ICTRP (International Clinical Trials Registry Platform). The electronic search targeted only randomized clinical trials and was limited from January 2000 to June 2021. Delphi list is used to evaluate the risk of bias and Stata Version14.2 software was used. This systematic review was conducted according to the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) and recorded on the Ethics Committee of Research Institute of Dental Sciences, SBMU (IR.SBMU.DRC.REC.1398.240). RESULTS: Out of 2288 extracted studies, 30 of them entered the full-text evaluation process. According to the inclusion criteria, 15 studies entered this systematic review. Containing 607 participants and 10,563 brackets/teeth. All the included studies were of randomized clinical trials (RCT) design with either parallel or split-mouth design. Comparing the two groups, the risk difference effect (RD)=0.007 CI 95% (-0.004,0.018) indicated a neglectable difference in the risk of bracket failure during treatment between the two groups. The index I2=53.9% indicated moderate heterogeneity in the results. Furthermore, the P-value=0.007 indicated statistical insignificance between the two interventions in terms of failure rate. The clinical duration of bonding time analysis were equal to SMD _Cohen=-2.67 CI95% (-3.49, -1.85), which indicated a statistically significant reduction in clinical process time, using the self-etch primer. Data synthesis for adhesive remnant index could not be conducted due to heterogeneity among included studies. CONCLUSIONS: There was no difference between the self-etch primer and conventional etch/primer in bracket debonding at a medium level of evidence, However, there was statistically significant reduction in clinical bonding time using self-etch primer.

Impact of dental caries on oral health related quality of life among preschool children: perceptions of parents.

BACKGROUND: Childhood dental caries can affect the children's and their parents' oral health-related quality of life. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the impact of oral and dental health conditions on the oral health-related quality of life in preschool children and their parents. METHODS: In this descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study, samples were selected from children 3 to 6 years old enrolled in licensed kindergartens using "proportional allocation" sampling. Then, the parents of the children were asked to complete the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (ECOHIS). RESULTS: In this study, 350 children aged 3 to 6 years were evaluated with a mean age of 4.73 years. The mean dmft index (decayed, missed, and filled teeth) was 3.94 ± 4.17. The mean score of oral health-related quality of life was 11.88 ± 6.9, which 9.36 ± 5.02 belongs to the impact on children and 2.52 ± 3.20 to parents' impact. CONCLUSIONS: The mean score of ECOHIS increased with the dmft index increase in children, indicating a significant relationship between the dmft and ECOHIS score. These outcomes can be used as proper resources to develop preventive policies and promote oral health in young children.

Evaluation of caries risk reduction following preventive programs in orthodontic patients, using Cariogram computer model: A quasi-experimental trial.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the effectiveness of preventive strategies on caries risk reduction in patients undergoing orthodontic treatment, using the Cariogram program. METHODS: In this quasi-experimental study, samples were selected using a convenience quota sampling technique, in a public dental school. At first, caries risk profile was determined for each subject using the Cariogram before brackets bonding. The sample size consisted of 36 patients. The intervention group (n = 18) received preventive programs, and the control group (n = 18) was trained based on the routine oral health education by means of pamphlets. Then, Cariogram parameters were calculated for patients in both groups after six months. RESULTS: The age range of participants was from 12 to 29 years. The mean percentage of the "Actual chance of avoiding new cavities" section in the intervention group increased from 45.72 ± 21.64 to 62.50 ± 17.64. However, the mean percentage of other parameters - such as "Diet", "Bacteria" and "Susceptibility" - decreased after six months (p< 0.001). Besides, the differences in the mean percentage between intervention and control group at the end of the study period (T1) related to the Cariogram parameters were statistically significant (p< 0.001). Accordingly, the mean percentage of 'Actual chance of avoiding new cavities'' parameter in the intervention group (62.50) was statistically higher than in the control group (42.44) (p< 0.001). CONCLUSION: Implementing different preventive approaches is able to reduce the caries risk in patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment, which can be clearly demonstrated using Cariogram program.

Evaluation of caries risk reduction following preventive programs in orthodontic patients, using Cariogram computer model: A quasi-experimental trial

ABSTRACT Objective: This study evaluated the effectiveness of preventive strategies on caries risk reduction in patients undergoing orthodontic treatment, using the Cariogram program. Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, samples were selected using a convenience quota sampling technique, in a public dental school. At first, caries risk profile was determined for each subject using the Cariogram before brackets bonding. The sample size consisted of 36 patients. The intervention group (n = 18) received preventive programs, and the control group (n = 18) was trained based on the routine oral health education by means of pamphlets. Then, Cariogram parameters were calculated for patients in both groups after six months. Results: The age range of participants was from 12 to 29 years. The mean percentage of the "Actual chance of avoiding new cavities" section in the intervention group increased from 45.72 ± 21.64 to 62.50 ± 17.64. However, the mean percentage of other parameters - such as "Diet", "Bacteria" and "Susceptibility" - decreased after six months (p< 0.001). Besides, the differences in the mean percentage between intervention and control group at the end of the study period (T1) related to the Cariogram parameters were statistically significant (p< 0.001). Accordingly, the mean percentage of 'Actual chance of avoiding new cavities'' parameter in the intervention group (62.50) was statistically higher than in the control group (42.44) (p< 0.001). Conclusion: Implementing different preventive approaches is able to reduce the caries risk in patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment, which can be clearly demonstrated using Cariogram program.

RESUMO Objetivo: O presente estudo usou o software Cariogram para avaliar a eficácia de estratégias preventivas para redução do risco de cáries em pacientes sob tratamento ortodôntico. Métodos: Nesse estudo quase-experimental, as amostras foram selecionadas por meio de uma técnica de amostragem por cota de conveniência, em uma faculdade pública de Odontologia. Inicialmente, o perfil de risco de cárie foi determinado para cada indivíduo usando o Cariogram antes da colagem dos braquetes. A amostra consistiu de 36 pacientes: o grupo experimental (n = 18) recebeu programas preventivos, e o grupo controle (n = 18) recebeu orientações sobre a saúde bucal por meio de folhetos. Após seis meses, os parâmetros obtidos por meio do Cariogram foram calculados novamente para os pacientes de ambos os grupos. Resultados: A faixa etária dos participantes foi de 12 a 29 anos. A porcentagem média da seção "Probabilidade real de prevenir novas cáries" no grupo experimental aumentou de 45,72 ± 21,64 para 62,50 ± 17,64. Por outro lado, a porcentagem média de outros parâmetros - como "Dieta", "Bactérias" e "Suscetibilidade" - diminuiu após seis meses (p< 0,001). Além disso, as diferenças nas porcentagens médias entre o grupo experimental e o grupo controle ao fim do estudo (T1), relacionadas aos parâmetros do Cariogram, foram estatisticamente significativas (p< 0,001). Assim, a porcentagem média do parâmetro "Probabilidade real de prevenir novas cáries" no grupo experimental (62,50) foi estatisticamente maior do que no grupo controle (42,44) (p< 0,001). Conclusão: A implementação de diferentes abordagens preventivas pode reduzir o risco de cárie em pacientes sob tratamento ortodôntico com aparelhos fixos, o que pode ser observado claramente por meio do software Cariogram.

Bond Strength of an Orthodontic Adhesive Containing an Antibiofilm Agent (Octafluoropentyl Methacrylate).

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine whether an adhesive containing antibiofilm agent octafluoropentyl methacrylate (OFPA) has an acceptable bond strength as an orthodontic adhesive. METHODS: Sixty human premolars were divided into four groups. In Groups 1 and 2, brackets were bonded to the teeth using experimental nanohybrid adhesive containing OFPA (ENH-OFPA) and Transbond XT (TXT) was used in Groups 3 and 4. In Groups 1 and 3, the samples were stored in water at 37°C for 24 h and in Groups 2 and 4 thermocycled between 5°C and 55°C. The entire samples were debonded utilizing a universal testing machine. Two-way ANOVA test employed to compare the shear bond strength (SBS) between two adhesives. Independent Student's t-test was utilized to compare the SBS at 24 h and followed thermocycling in each adhesive group. Adhesive remnant index (ARI) evaluated in different groups using Chi-square test. RESULTS: The mean value for SBS in ENH and TXT groups were 8.13 MPa and 8.10 MPa, respectively. The inference of P = 0.260 was observed and concluded to be nonsignificant for adhesives in terms of SBS. Statistically, differences that observed in SBS at 24 h and following thermocycling in TXT (P = 0.288) and ENH-OFPA (P = 0.145) groups did not consider to be significant. Comparing ARI scores with bracket failure mode resulted in no significant difference (P = 1) between two adhesives in both 24 h and following thermocycling. CONCLUSION: Adding OFPA does not compromise SBS of the experimented orthodontic adhesive.

Comparative effectiveness of Low Level Laser therapy and Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation on Temporomandibular Joint Disorders.

Introduction: Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMDs) are the most common source of pain on the face. There are multiple etiologies, and several types of treatment have been reported. The use of non-invasive and reversible therapies in the treatment of such problems is recommended. The present study evaluated the effect of low-level laser (LLL) therapy and transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (TENS) on TMDs. Methods: In this single-blind study, 40 patients with temporomandibular disorders were randomly divided into four groups: TENS (TENSTem dental), LLL (diode 810 nm CW), shamTENS, and sham-LLL. All subjects were examined and data on pain and tenderness in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and masticatory muscles (using the visual analogue scale) and mouth-opening (distance between incisal edges before feeling pain; mm) were collected before baseline (T1), after each session (T2-T5) and one month after the end of the sessions (T6)), and analyzed using repeated measure analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Bonferroni statistical tests. A P value < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: The decrease in pain (P=0.000), tenderness (P=0.000) and increase in mouth-opening ability (P=0.002) was greater in the TENS and LLL groups than in the placebo groups. At the one-month follow-up, significant decrease in pain and tenderness was recorded in the TENS and LLL groups (P=0.000). There was no significant differences between TENS and LLL and the placebo groups for maximum mouth-opening at the end of the study (P=0.692). Conclusion: Using TENS or LLL therapy can improve TMD symptoms at least for the short term. Although the effects of the placebo played a role in improving symptoms, their effects were less important.

Ultraviolet-induced surface grafting of octafluoropentyl methacrylate on polyether ether ketone for inducing antibiofilm properties.

Since octafluoropentyl methacrylate is an antifouling polymer, surface modification of polyether ether ketone with octafluoropentyl methacrylate is a practical approach to obtaining anti-biofilm biocompatible devices. In the current study, the surface treatment of polyether ether ketone by the use of ultraviolet irradiation, so as to graft (octafluoropentyl methacrylate) polymer chains, was initially implemented and then investigated. The Fourier-transform infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance spectra corroborated the appearance of new signals associated with the fluoroacrylate group. Thermogravimetric curves indicated enhanced asymmetry in the polymer structure due to the introduction of the said new groups. Measuring the peak area in differential scanning calorimetry experiments also showed additional bond formation. Static water contact angle measurements indicated a change in wettability to the more hydrophobic surface. The polyether ether ketone-octafluoropentyl methacrylate surface greatly reduced the protein adsorption. This efficient method can modulate and tune the surface properties of polyether ether ketone according to specific applications.

The Effect of An Angiogenic Cytokine on Orthodontically Induced Inflammatory Root Resorption.

OBJECTIVE: Orthodontically induced inflammatory root resorption (OIIRR) is an undesirable sequel of tooth movement after sterile necrosis that takes place in periodontal ligament due to blockage of blood vessels following exertion of orthodontic force. This study sought to assess the effect of an angiogenic cytokine on OIIRR in rat model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this experimental animal study, 50 rats were randomly divided into 5 groups of 10 each: E10, E100 and E1000 receiving an injection of 10, 100 and 1000 ng of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), respectively, positive control group (CP) receiving an orthodontic appliance and injection of phosphate buffered saline (PBS) and the negative control group (CN) receiving only the anesthetic agent. A nickel titanium coil spring was placed between the first molar and the incisor on the right side of maxilla. Twenty-one days later, the rats were sacrificed. Histopathological sections were made to assess the number and area of resorption lacunae, number of blood vessels, osteoclasts and Howship's lacunae. Data were statistically analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey's honest significant difference (HSD) test. RESULTS: Number of resorption lacunae and area of resorption lacunae in E1000 (0.97 ± 0.80 and 1. 27 ± 0.01×10(-3), respectively) were significantly lower than in CP (4.17 ± 0.90 and 2.77 ± 0.01×10-3, respectively, P=0.000). Number of blood vessels, osteoclasts and Howship's lacunae were significantly higher in E1000 compared to CP (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Tooth movement as the outcome of bone remodeling is concomitant with the formation of sterile necrosis in the periodontal ligament following blocked blood supply. Thus, bFGF can significantly decrease the risk of root resorption by providing more oxygen and angiogenesis.

Effect of Rhus coriaria L. water extract on five common oral bacteria and bacterial biofilm formation on orthodontic wire.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Recently, use of herbal medicine and plant extracts as a substitute for commercially available chemical drugs for control of infectious diseases such as dental caries and periodontal disease has become increasingly popular. The present study was aimed to evaluate the effect of Rhus coriaria L. water extract on five common oral bacteria and bacterial biofilm formation on orthodontic wire. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For primary assessment of the antibacterial properties of Rhus coriaria L. water extract, the well-plate method in BHIA (Brain Heart Infusion Agar, Merck, Germany) medium was used Using macrodilution method, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of the extract against each microorganism were determined. The effect of Rhus coriaria L. on bacterial biofilm formation on orthodontic wire was assessed using viable cell count in biofilm medium (BM) containing 3% sucrose. In the final phase, after fixation of samples in alcohol and glutaraldehyde, samples were prepared for SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy) analysis. RESULTS: The diameter of the zone of growth inhibition was proportionate to the tested concentrations of the extract. The lowest MIC (0.390 mg/ml) and MBC (1.5 mg/ml ) of the Rhus coriaria L. were found to be against Streptococcus sobrinus ATCC 27607. Rhus coriaria L. water extract decreased bacterial biofilm formation on orthodontic wire at MIC and 1/8 of MIC by S. sanguinis ATCC 10556, S. sobrinus ATCC 27607, S. salivarius ATCC 9222, S. mutans ATCC 35608 and E. faecalis CIP 55142 by24.2%-43%, 68.5%-91.6%, 10.6%-79.1%, 22.2%-86.1% and 40.6%-76.4%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Based on the results, Rhus coriaria L. water extract had significant antibacterial properties against five common oral bacteria and was able to inhibit bacterial biofilm formation on orthodontic wire. Further investigations are recommended for widespread clinical use of this extract.

Effect of Punica granatum L. Flower Water Extract on Five Common Oral Bacteria and Bacterial Biofilm Formation on Orthodontic Wire.

BACKGROUND: Use of herbal extracts and essences as natural antibacterial compounds has become increasingly popular for the control of oral infectious diseases. Therefore, finding natural antimicrobial products with the lowest side effects seems necessary. The present study sought to assess the effect of Punica granatum L. water extract on five oral bacteria and bacterial biofilm formation on orthodontic wire. METHODS: Antibacterial property of P. granatum L. water extract was primarily evaluated in brain heart infusion agar medium using well-plate method. The minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration were determined by macro-dilution method. The inhibitory effect on orthodontic wire bacterial biofilm formation was evaluated using viable cell count in biofilm medium. At the final phase, samples were fixed and analyzed by Scanning Electron Microscopy. RESULTS: The growth inhibition zone diameter was proportional to the extract concentration. The water extract demonstrated the maximum antibacterial effect on Streptococcus sanguinis ATCC 10556 with a minimum inhibitory concentration of 6.25 mg/ml and maximum bactericidal effect on S. sanguinis ATCC 10556 and S. sobrinus ATCC 27607 with minimum bactericidal concentration of 25 mg/ml. The water extract decreased bacterial biofilm formation by S. sanguinis, S. sobrinus, S. salivarius, S. mutans ATCC 35608 and E. faecalis CIP 55142 by 93.7-100%, 40.6-99.9%, 85.2-86.5%, 66.4-84.4% and 35.5-56.3% respectively. CONCLUSION: Punica granatum L. water extract had significant antibacterial properties against 5 oral bacteria and prevented orthodontic wire bacterial biofilm formation. However, further investigations are required to generalize these results to the clinical setting.

Effect of basic fibroblast growth factor on orthodontic tooth movement in rats.

OBJECTIVE: Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) is a cytokine involved in angiogenesis, tissue remodeling and stimulation of osteoblasts and osteoclasts. The present study assesses the effects of a local injection of bFGF on the rate of orthodontic tooth movement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: : In this laboratory animal study, we randomly divided 50 rats into 5 groups of 10 rats each. Rats received 0.02 cc injections of the following doses of bFGF: group A (10 ng), group B (100 ng) and group C (1000 ng). Group D (positive control) received an orthodontic force and injection of 0.02 cc phosphate buffered saline whereas group E (negative control) received only the anesthetic drug. A nickel titanium spring was bonded to the right maxillary first molar and incisor. After 21 days, the rats were sacrificed and the distance between the first and second right molars was measured by a leaf gauge with 0.05 mm accuracy. ANOVA and Tukey's HSD statistical tests were used for data analysis. RESULTS: The greatest mean value of orthodontic tooth movement was 0.7700 mm observed in group C followed by 0.6633 mm in group B, 0.5333 mm in group A, 0.2550 mm in group D and 0.0217 mm in group E. There was a significantly higher rate of tooth movement in the test groups compared to the control groups (p<0.05). Among the test groups, the rate of tooth movement in group C was significantly higher than group A (p<0.05). Weight changes after the intervention were not significant when compared to the baseline values, with the exception of group E (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: The effect of bFGF on the rate of tooth movement was dose-dependent. Injection of 1000 ng bFGF in rats showed the most efficacy.

The 808 nm Laser-Assisted Surgery as an Adjunct to Orthodontic Treatment of Delayed Tooth Eruption.

INTRODUCTION: Failure of teeth to erupt from gingival tissues at usual developmental time is called delayed tooth eruption (DTE). Delayed tooth eruption lead to prolonged fixed orthodontic treatment and its eventual complications. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effect of laser-assisted (808 nm) surgical uncovering, on the tooth emergence and orthodontic treatment of DTE. METHODS: A total of 16 orthodontic patients were included in this study and were equally assigned to an experimental and a control group. Subjects for experiment consisted of eight patients (6 girls and 2 boys) with a mean age of 14±0.9 years. All patients exhibited delayed second premolar eruption. The laser wavelength was 810 nm and it was set in a continuous wave mode at a power output of 1.6 watt with a 0.3-mm diameter fiber tip. When the target tissue was sufficiently anesthetized, the tip was directed at an angle of 10 to 20 degrees to the tissue (light contact mode); and was applied continuously for approximately 12 Seconds until an acceptable tooth exposure area was visible. The facial axis of the clinical crown (FACC) line represents the most prominent portion of the facial central lobe for premolars. All orthodontic brackets are aligned along this reference and are located on FA (Facial Axis) point. The standard for adequate tooth eruption was the accessibility of facial axis of the clinical crown (FACC) for bonding the brackets. Data gathered from the patients were statistically surveyed and compared by means of Tukey's Test and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). RESULTS: All patients showed good gingival status, no significant bleeding during or immediately after the surgery, and acceptable level of healing after laser surgery. The biologic width of the teeth was preserved and no violation of this important periodontal parameter was observed. The average time for accessing the FA point in experimental group was 11±1.1 weeks and the mentioned period was increased to 25±1.8 weeks in control group. The data analysis showed that in patients with DTE, laser intervention significantly accelerated tooth eruption (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Laser-assisted surgical removal of the fibrous tissue over erupting premolars (DTE) with appropriate irradiation parameters appears to be a promising adjunct to orthodontic treatment for bringing the premolar to the aligned and leveled dental arch.