GSDM’s Kantarci Presents New Method for Accelerating Tooth Movement
Goldman School of Dental Medicine (GSDM) Associate Professor Dr. Alpdogan Kantarci traveled to Barcelona, Spain in mid-July to attend the International Association for Dental Research (IADR) General Session. At the meeting he co-chaired a session titled, “Biology of Tooth Movement,” and also gave an oral presentation titled, “Photobiomodulation-induced Orthodontic Tooth Movement.”
The oral presentation was based on Dr. Kantarci’s research, which is sponsored by Biolux Research Ltd., and examines the effects of non-invasive photobiomodulation on tooth movement in an animal model. Photobiomodulation refers to the use of low-level, or cold, lasers that in the long-term can stimulate bone turnover, control and direct function in a pointed way, and move teeth. Dr. Kantarci found that tooth movement was significantly accelerated—a 3 to 4-fold increase—over traditional orthodontic treatment.
“The study results demonstrate the efficacy of photobiomodulation-facilitated orthodontic tooth movement at the biological level,” said Dr. Kantarci. “The experimental model used in this study clearly shows that photobiomodulation increases the magnitude and rate of the tooth movement compared to the conventional technique in vivo. The findings are crucial for understanding the osteoclast-mediated bone turnover during orthodontic tooth movement, which is significantly enhanced by photobiomodulation.”
Dr. Kantarci emphasized that the benefits of this type of tooth movement will be especially important for adults because they often require surgical treatment, and this non-invasive technique will provide an alternative to those who do not want to receive surgery but would like to shorten the time required for treatment.