Background: The primary stability of a mini-implant is crucial to treatment sequence since most orthodontic mini-implant failures occur at an early stage. Irritation or inflammation of peri-implant tissues has been related to decreasing mini-implant success.
Purpose: This study evaluates the effect of low-level laser therapy on initial inflammation after orthodontic mini-implants installation.
Methods: Ten volunteers received two mini-implants (1.3 mm diameter, 7 mm length). One mini-implant was inserted on each side of the maxilla following manufacturer recommendation. On the right side, low-level laser therapy (LLLT) was applied (diode laser 660 nm, 40 mW, 1 min, 2.4 J of total energy). Peri-implant crevicular fluid (PGF) was obtained after 24 h (T1), 48 h (T2), and 72 h (T3) to identify levels of interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 around mini-implants and around upper first premolars.
Results: An increase in interleukin levels was observed for both groups, compared to upper first premolar. PGF around nonirradiated mini-implants showed higher levels of IL-8. Levels of IL-6 24 h after mini-implant insertion were higher for laser group.
Conclusions: LLLT modulates the initial inflammation after the insertion of mini-implant, possibly increasing the mini-implant success prognostic and decreasing patient discomfort.
Keywords: inflammation; interleukin; laser therapy; miniscrew; orthodontic anchorage.