Biomodulation of Induced Tooth Movement by Three Methods, Corticopuncture, Photobiomodulation, and Their Combination: An Animal Study

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the effects of accelerated tooth movement (ATM) methods: corticopuncture (CP), photobiomodulation (PBM), and their combination (CP + PBM) by evaluating tooth displacement, alveolar bone changes, and molecular and cellular response compared with conventional induced tooth movement. Materials and methods: Tooth movement and bone changes were evaluated on days 1, 3, and 7 (9 animals per time point) using microtomography, histological, and immunohistochemical evaluation, at compression and tension sites. CP groups received two perforations in the palate and one mesial to the molars. PBM was performed using GaAlAs diode laser applied every other day for 7 days (λ = 808 nm, 100 mW) in two points for 15 sec/point and total energy of 3 J. Results: Tooth movement was significantly increased in all three ATM groups after 7 days compared with the control group (mean 0.24 mm) by 27% PBM (0.31 mm), 45% CP (0.35 mm), and 57% CP + PBM (0.38 mm) (p < 0.05). At the compression side, all ATM groups showed significant decrease in bone density on day 3 (p < 0.05) and significant less bone volume on day 7 compared with Control (p < 0.05). At the tension side, PBM group showed a significant increase in bone density and volume on day 3 (p < 0.05). Immunohistochemistry analysis showed that at the compression side, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-positive cells, RANKL, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha expression were highly marked of the PBM and the combined method groups (p < 0.05). PBM and CP + PBM groups showed a significant increase in expression Runt-related transcription factor 2 and osterix (p < 0.05) at the tension side. Conclusions: All ATM groups showed increase on tooth displacement with CP + PBM group showing greatest tooth displacement. CP method appears to stimulate bone catabolism, PBM has more effect on bone formation, and the combined method showing a synergistic effect on bone remodeling.