Abstract
Introduction: In this study, we compared the effectiveness of
laser-aided circumferential supracrestal fiberotomy (CSF) and low-level laser
therapy (LLLT) with conventional CSF in reducing relapse of corrected rotations.
Methods:
The study included 24 patients who were at the finishing stage of orthodontic
treatment and had at least 1 maxillary incisor with 30_ to 70_ of rotation
before starting therapy. The subjects were divided into
4 groups by treatment: conventional CSF, Er:YAG laser-aided CSF, LLLT, and
control. After alginate impressions
were taken, the archwire was sectioned from the experimental incisors, and they
were allowed to relapse.
The second impression was taken 1 month later, and the degree and percentage of
relapse were calculated
in photographs taken from the dental models. Gingival recession, pocket depth,
and pain were also
measured in the CSF groups.
Results:
The mean percentages of relapse were 9.7% in the conventional CSF,
12.7% in the Er:YAG laser-aided CSF, 11.7% in the LLLT, and 27.8% in the
control groups. Relapsewas
significantly greater in the control than the experimental groups (P .05),
which were not statistically different
from each other. The changes in sulcus depth and gingival recession were small
and not significantly different among the CSF groups (P .0.05), but pain
intensity was greater in subjects who underwent conventional CSF (P 5 0.003).
Conclusions: Er:YAG laser-aided CSF proved to be an effective alternative
to conventional CSF in reducing rotational relapse. LLLT with excessively high
energy density was also as effective as the CSF procedures in alleviating
relapse, at least in the short term.
Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop 2014;146:565-72
