Evaluation of the effectiveness of injectable platelet-rich fibrin on the rate of orthodontic tooth movement: a clinical study
Background: Prolonged orthodontic treatment duration remains a major clinical concern because of its association with root resorption, enamel decalcification, periodontal complications, and reduced patient compliance. Injectable platelet-rich fibrin (I-PRF), a second-generation autologous platelet concentrate rich in growth factors and inflammatory mediators, has recently gained attention as a minimally invasive adjunct for accelerating orthodontic tooth movement (OTM). Aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of I-PRF on the rate of OTM during maxillary canine retraction. Methods: This prospective split-mouth clinico-experimental study included nine patients requiring bilateral maxillary first premolar extractions for orthodontic treatment. The right maxillary quadrant received intraligamentary I-PRF injections, while the contralateral side served as the control. Canine retraction was performed using nickel-titanium closed-coil springs delivering 150 g force on 0.019″×0.025″ stainless steel archwires. I-PRF was prepared using low-speed centrifugation at 700 rpm for 3 minutes and administered at baseline and eighth week. OTM was evaluated monthly for three months using three-dimensional digital model superimposition. Statistical analysis included paired t-test, repeated measures ANOVA, and Bonferroni post-hoc analysis. Results: The I-PRF group demonstrated greater OTM compared to the control group at all evaluated intervals. Statistically significant differences were observed during the initial phase of retraction and in cumulative tooth movement from baseline to the third month. Repeated measures ANOVA revealed significant variation in tooth movement across different intervals in both groups. Conclusions: I-PRF demonstrated a positive effect on accelerating OTM and may serve as an effective, minimally invasive biologic adjunct for enhancing orthodontic treatment efficiency.