Abstract: In some embodiments, an apparatus comprises a housing, an emitter, and an electronic circuit. The housing is configured to fit within a patient's mouth. The emitter is at least partially encased within the housing. The emitter is configured to emit an effective amount of light to the alveolar soft tissue when the housing is disposed within the mouth. The electronic circuit is operatively coupled to the emitter. The electronic circuit is configured to control the emitter when the housing is disposed within the mouth and the apparatus is in use during orthodontic treatment. The apparatus and its use for regulating tooth movement or maintaining or improving oral tissue health are disclosed herein.

Abstract: Methods for accelerating orthodontic movement that include administering, within first and second consecutive time periods, light via an intraoral light therapy apparatus having a mouthpiece, are provided herein. During administering, the mouthpiece is disposed within a mouth of a patient, with a light emitter embedded in a flange of the mouthpiece being disposed between alveolar mucosa and buccal mucosa of the patient. A first removable aligner is disposed on a first set of teeth of the patient prior to, during, or subsequent to a first administering. A second removable aligner, different from the first removable aligner, is disposed on a second set of teeth of the patient prior to, during, or subsequent to a second administering. The light directly illuminates a first portion of the alveolar mucosa during the administering.

Abstract: Methods are provided for regulating tooth movement and for maintaining or improving tissue health using heavy forces. Such methods comprise allowing a heavy force to be exerted on one or more teeth of a patient in need thereof; and administering an effective amount of light to the maxillary or mandibular alveolar bone of the patient, wherein the light is administered before, during, or after the heavy force is exerted. The light can have a wavelength in the range of about 585 nm to about 665 nm, or about 815 nm to about 895 nm. An apparatus useful for providing light therapy is also provided.

Abstract: Methods are provided for regulating tooth movement and for maintaining or improving tissue health using heavy forces. Such methods comprise allowing a heavy force to be exerted on one or more teeth of a patient in need thereof; and administering an effective amount of light to the maxillary or mandibular alveolar bone of the patient, wherein the light is administered before, during, or after the heavy force is exerted. The light can have a wavelength in the range of about 585 nm to about 665 nm, or about 815 nm to about 895 nm. An apparatus useful for providing light therapy is also provided.