With orthodontic treatment, we have the ability to correct rotated teeth including teeth rotated 180°. The stability of these orthodontically corrected rotations continues to be an area of concern. A recent study in The Angle Orthodontist suggests a new technique to help reduce relapse of rotated teeth using a soft tissue laser.
One of the main causes of rotational relapse is due to the transeptal fibers connected to the tooth. Transeptal fibers are like little rubber bands connecting the tooth to the bone. When we rotate a tooth with orthodontics, these fibers stretch. When we remove the braces and let go of the teeth, these stretched fibers begin to pull back some. This is one of the reasons, orthodontists in Surprise, AZ require you wear retainers after orthodontic treatment. This study showed that using a soft tissue laser on the transeptal fibers reduces the rate of rotational relapse ~300%.
The use of soft tissue lasers for orthodontics is a fairly recent phenomenon (last five years). Many orthodontists have not invested the time and money necessary to become proficient in this new technology. While the use of a soft tissue laser is certainly not indicated for the majority of orthodontic patients, rest assured that Dr. Matthew Dunn and Dr. Courtney Dunn have the training and experience with using a soft tissue laser if needed for you or your child’s orthodontic treatment. If you have any questions about the use of soft tissue lasers in orthodontics or any other orthodontic questions, please contact your Phoenix orthodontist or Litchfield Park orthodontist at Dunn Orthodontics today.
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