Intermittent vibratory stimulation to accelerate tooth movement: A clinical study

Abstract

Vibratory stimulus is non-invasive and non-pharmacologic method for acceleration of Orthodontic tooth movement in adult patients. As powered toothbrush can provide cheaper alternative to Acceledent (a patent and expensive device) it was decided to evaluate the effectiveness of vibratory stimulation from powered toothbrush as a method of accelerating individual canine retraction. Sample consisted of 24 patients undergoing fixed Orthodontic treatment, in whom separate canine retraction was planned after extraction of all first premolars using NiTi closed coil spring. Force was standardized as 150 grams and checked at each appointment using Dontrix gauge. Following split mouth study design, right side was the experimental side where patients were asked to apply the vibratory stimulus through powered tooth brush (133Hz frequency) for 6 minutes (3 minutes labially and 3 minutes palatally) three times daily at regular intervals for a period of 3 months. Study models were taken at T0 (start of canine retraction), T1 (after 1st month), T2 (after 2nd month) and T3 (after 3rd month). Mean amount of canine movement and molar movement with respect to 3rd palatine rugae was measured on Digimizer software on both the sides for different time intervals. Statistically significant increase in canine movement was seen for total canine movement (T0-T3), movement from T0-T1 and from T2-T3. There was statistically insignificant difference in mesial movement of molars for different time intervals. There was an increased rate of canine movement on the side of vibratory stimulation (right side) in comparison to the control side (left side) for all time intervals and can be used to decrease treatment time in adults.