Effects of light therapy on orthodontic patients

Effects of Photobiomodulation Therapy (PBM) on Dental and Periodontal Health of Patients Undergoing Fixed-appliance Orthodontic Treatment

Not applicable Interventional The University of Hong Kong · NCT06199674

This study is testing if light therapy can help orthodontic patients by reducing pain and improving dental health during their treatment with braces.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment50 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 35 Years
SexAll
SponsorThe University of Hong Kong Academic / other
Locations1 site (Hong Kong)
Trial IDNCT06199674 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the impact of photobiomodulation therapy (PBM) on the dental and periodontal health of patients undergoing fixed-appliance orthodontic treatment. It aims to assess various outcomes, including root resorption, orthodontic pain, and the dental microbiome profile. A randomized controlled trial will be conducted with 50 participants, who will be divided into two groups: one receiving PBM therapy and the other a sham treatment. Participants will wear their assigned devices daily for 8 minutes over a period of 24 months.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy individuals aged 18 to 35 who are undergoing orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances and require premolar extractions.

Not a fit: Patients with severe dental issues, craniofacial anomalies, or current root resorption may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this therapy could reduce orthodontic pain and prevent root resorption in patients undergoing fixed-appliance treatment.

How similar studies have performed: While animal studies have shown promising results for PBM in orthodontics, clinical studies with high-quality evidence are limited, making this approach relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Patients aged between 18 and 35 years old with permanent dentition
2. Patients who undertake orthodontic treatment using fixed appliances
3. Patients who require extraction of premolars in either their upper or lower dental arch
4. Patients who have fair oral hygiene habits
5. Patients who are systemically healthy

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Patients with generalized dental caries and severe chronic periodontitis in stages III and IV
2. Patients with congenital or severe craniofacial anomalies which necessitate orthognathic surgery
3. Patients with physical or mental impairment, and those who smoke or undertake systemic medications
4. Patients with current root resorption at any of the teeth
5. Patients with endodontic treatment and/or large restorations on premolars to be extracted

Where this trial is running

Hong Kong

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions OrthodonticsRoot Resorptionphotobiomodulationfixed-appliance orthodontic treatmentroot resorptionorthodontic paintooth movement
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.