Efficacy of Invasive and Non-Invasive Methods in Orthodontic Tooth Movement Acceleration: A Systematic Review

Objective: The aim of this review was to evaluate the currently available scientific evidence on the efficacy of different methods as accelerators of tooth movement during orthodontic treatment: corticotomies, piezocision, micro-osteoperforations (MOP), photobiomodulation (LLLT and LED laser) and microvibrations. Search Methods: A comprehensive search was performed in the PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus and Medline databases in May 2024. Selection Criteria: We selected randomized controlled trials based on acceleration of tooth movement during orthodontic treatment. Articles that were not randomized controlled trials (RCTs), were not published in the last ten years or corresponded to animal trials as well as those dealing with orthognathic surgery, distraction osteogenesis, electric currents, pulsed electric fields and pharmacological approaches were excluded. Results: Twenty-three studies were included in this review. All trials show accelerated tooth movement after low-level laser application, and seven studies support the efficacy of surgically assisted orthodontic treatment with corticotomies, piezocision or MOP. No article indicates statistically significant differences between the application of microvibration during orthodontic treatment and conventional treatment. No negative effects on the periodontium, loss of dental vitality or serious root resorption were reported in any publication, except in a study carried out with MOP (with an increase in root resorption). Conclusions: There is some evidence that low-level laser therapy and surgical methods are effective techniques in accelerating tooth movement during orthodontic treatment, while the evidence is very weak for vibration.