Comparative Evaluation of LED Light Application and Heat Generation with Three Different Wavelengths of Frequency on Soft Tissues in Bringing Faster Orthodontic Tooth Movement: A Finite Element Model Study

The duration of orthodontic treatment is often a significant deterrent for patients when considering conventional mechanics, which can be time-consuming. Photobiomodulation (PBM) utilizes visible red to near-infrared wavelengths of light frequencies to expedite orthodontic treatment time.
To investigate the effect of three Light Emitting Diode (LED) frequencies and their heat generation on soft tissues in accelerating tooth movement through Finite Element Method (FEM) study.
In this FEM study, a three-dimensional FEM model of the skull of a male patient with mild to moderate crowding in the maxilla, and mandible. The dentitions were scanned using a Computed Tomography (CT). A static force of 70 gm on the anterior region of the maxilla and mandible was applied from the labial sides, and a second static analysis was carried out by using both a 70 gm of force and thermal load with three different frequencies of 740, 850, and 940 nm on the 1st and 3rd quadrants. The effect of LED application and heat generation was assessed on soft tissues in bringing faster orthodontic tooth movement.
Increased tooth movement with combined loading case in the 1st and 3rd quadrants when compared with the 2nd and 4th quadrants. The temperature distribution was higher at 940 nm followed by 740 & 850 nm of frequency. 
Faster movements were observed in the combined loading case in the 1st and 3rd quadrants compared to static loading in other quadrants. Heat generation was higher with 940 nm frequency followed by 740 and 850 nm.