Low-level laser therapy versus piezocision to speed upper canine retraction

Effectiveness of Piezocision Versus Low-level Laser Therapy During Orthodontic Canine Retraction: A Comparative Controlled Clinical Study

This trial will test whether low-level laser therapy or a small surgical technique called piezocision helps speed maxillary canine retraction in adults (18–25) who need premolar extractions for orthodontic treatment.

Quick facts

• Phase: Not applicable
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 21 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years to 25 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Al-Azhar University (Academic / other)
• Locations: 1 site (Cairo, Cairo Governorate)
• Trial ID: NCT07466641 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

Adults who require bilateral maxillary first premolar extraction and symmetrical canine retraction will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: piezocision, low-level laser therapy (LLLT), or no adjunctive procedure (control). The interventions are applied alongside standard orthodontic mechanics and participants are followed to measure the rate and type of tooth movement and patient-reported experience. Outcomes will include speed of canine retraction, character of tooth movement, and tolerability or comfort. The trial is conducted at the Department of Orthodontics outpatient clinics at Al-Azhar University in Cairo.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are 18–25-year-olds with good oral hygiene, a full set of permanent teeth, and a treatment plan requiring bilateral upper first premolar extraction followed by symmetric canine retraction.

Not a fit: Patients with prior orthodontic treatment, active periodontal disease or untreated caries, systemic conditions or medications affecting tooth movement, poor oral hygiene, or congenital orofacial deformities are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, one or both techniques could shorten the time needed to move canines and reduce overall orthodontic treatment duration.

How similar studies have performed: Smaller clinical studies have shown mixed but generally promising results for both LLLT and piezocision in accelerating tooth movement, though direct head-to-head comparisons are limited.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* Age range 18-25 years.
* Patients with crowding or protrusion requiring at least bilateral maxillary first premolar extraction followed by symmetrical canine retraction.
* Full set of permanent dentition (third molar not considered).
* Patients with good oral hygiene.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Previous orthodontic treatment.
* Patients taking medications or suffering from systemic conditions that can affect orthodontic tooth movement.
* Active periodontal diseases and/or untreated carious lesions.
* Congenital orofacial deformities.

Discontinuation criteria:

* Multiple missing appointments.
* Poor oral hygiene.
* Multiple broken appliances to the extent that interferes with obtaining the treatment objectives.

Where this trial is running

Cairo, Cairo Governorate

• Outpatient Clinics of the Department of Orthodontics, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Boys, Cairo, Al-Azhar University. — Cairo, Cairo Governorate, Egypt (Recruiting)

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Hesham N Al-Qamhawy

Conditions Malocclusion, Angle Class II, Division 1; Bimaxillary Protrusion; Class I Malocclusion; canine retraction; Low-level laser therapy; laser; piezocision; piezosurgery