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Abstract
Background: Prolonged orthodontic treatment duration increases risks of enamel demineralization, root resorption, and patient dissatisfaction. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has emerged as a non-invasive method to accelerate tooth movement, but optimal parameters—particularly wavelength combination and application frequency—remain debated. To evaluate the efficacy of weekly dual-wavelength diode laser photobiomodulation (780 nm and 810 nm) on the velocity of orthodontic canine retraction.Methods: This split-mouth randomized controlled trial included 32 patients (14–25 years) requiring bilateral maxillary first premolar extraction. Following leveling and mini-implant anchorage reinforcement, canine retraction was initiated using 150g nickel-titanium closed coil springs. One side (randomized) received weekly diode laser irradiation (20 mW, 5 J/cm², 10 seconds/point at mesial, distal, buccal, and palatal aspects); the contralateral side received sham irradiation. The primary outcome was canine retraction rate (mm) measured at 3-week intervals over 12 weeks using a digital vernier caliper. Secondary outcomes included retraction duration, pain (VAS), and adverse events.Results: At 12 weeks, cumulative tooth movement was significantly greater on the laser side (7.24 ± 0.98 mm) versus control (4.58 ± 0.88 mm), representing a 58.1% increase (p < 0.001). Complete retraction was achieved in 14.2 ± 1.6 weeks on the laser side versus 23.8 ± 2.6 weeks on controls (40.3% reduction; p < 0.001). Pain scores on day 1 were 50% lower on the laser side (2.8 ± 1.0 vs. 5.6 ± 1.3; p < 0.001). No significant adverse events or root resorption occurred.Conclusion: Weekly dual-wavelength diode laser photobiomodulation significantly accelerates orthodontic canine retraction (58% greater movement, 40% shorter duration) and reduces post-activation pain, without increasing adverse effects.