Accelerating Tooth Movement with PRP: A Split-Mouth Study

Abstract

Orthodontic treatment is often prolonged due to the biological limitations of bone remodeling, leading to decreased patient compliance and increased risk of complications such as root resorption or caries. In recent years, biologically active adjuncts like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) have gained attention for their potential to accelerate orthodontic tooth movement (OTM). PRP is an autologous concentrate of platelets suspended in plasma, rich in growth factors that stimulate angiogenesis, bone remodeling, and tissue regeneration.

This split-mouth clinical study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of locally administered PRP injections in enhancing the rate of canine retraction during fixed orthodontic treatment following maxillary premolar extraction. Nine patients participated, with one side of the maxillary arch receiving PRP and the contralateral side serving as a control. Tooth movement was measured using a digital caliper at days 21, 42, and 63. The results showed a statistically significant increase in the rate of tooth movement in the PRP-treated side at 42 and 63 days, with no significant difference at 21 days. These findings suggest that PRP can effectively accelerate OTM in a time-dependent manner, potentially reducing overall treatment duration.