Acceleration of Dental Movement by Photobiomodulation: How Does It Happen?

The text analyzes photobiomodulation (PBM) as applied to orthodontics—a term that currently replaces the concept of "laser-assisted orthodontics." PBM utilizes light, particularly from near-infrared (NIR) diode lasers, to stimulate biological processes capable of reducing pain and inflammation, promoting tissue repair, and accelerating tooth movement.
Its action depends on specific parameters—most notably wavelength—with the 810 nm range being among the most studied due to its tissue penetration capabilities. In orthodontics, wavelengths between 780 and 830 nm have primarily been used.
According to the text, applying PBM alongside orthodontic forces can accelerate tooth movement by approximately 24% to 30%. This effect is linked to changes in four fundamental components of tooth movement: blood vessels, non-mineralized tissues, mineralized tissues, and the immune system.
At the cellular level, PBM can increase levels of substances and processes such as ATP, superoxide dismutase, and nitric oxide, while also influencing the production of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB). These mechanisms help regulate the inflammation, pain, tissue repair, and bone remodeling associated with orthodontic movement.