EVALUATION OF RAPID ACCELERATED PHENOMENON USING LOW LEVEL LASER THERAPY AND FLAPLESS OSTEOPUNCTURE METHOD DURING ENMASSE RETRACTION USING PREADJUSTED EDGEWISE APPLIANCE: AN IN VIVO COMPARATIVE STUDY

Background: En-masse retraction of maxillary anterior teeth is a critical phase in orthodontics, and optimizing tooth
movement is essential. This study evaluates the clinical effects of Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) and flapless
osteopuncture on en-masse retraction during orthodontic treatment using the Pre-Adjusted Edgewise Appliance (PEA).
Objectives: To compare the rate of en-masse retraction in the maxillary arch using three methods: 1) LLLT, 2) Flapless Osteopuncture, 3) Conventional Friction Mechanics.
Methods: A total of 24 orthodontic patients undergoing en-masse retraction with PEA were divided into three groups:
Group 1: LLLT, Group 2: Flapless Osteopuncture, Group 3: Conventional Friction Mechanics (control). Tooth
movement rates were measured and compared using clinical and radiographic assessments at specified intervals.
Statistical analysis was conducted with p<0.05.
Results: The rate of en-masse retraction was compared among the three groups. No significant difference was found
between the laser and micro-osteoperforation groups, but the micro-osteoperforation group showed a faster rate of tooth movement.
Conclusions: LLLT and flapless osteopuncture methods were effective in accelerating en-masse retraction using the
PEA technique, with micro-osteoperforation demonstrating greater effectiveness than LLLT. These adjunctive
techniques may provide alternatives to conventional friction mechanics for improving tooth movement.