Aim and objective: To evaluate the effects of an electric toothbrush with vibrational frequencies of 125 Hz and 150 Hz on the rate of orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) and production of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2).
Materials and methods: Out of thirty patients (aged 18-25 yrs; 16 females and 14 males), ten patients each formed Group A and B who used electric toothbrushes with 125Hz and 150 Hz vibrations respectively. The remaining ten patients (Group C) served as the control group and did not use electric toothbrush. The rate of OTM and levels of PGE2 using microcapillary pipettes were calculated before the start of retraction (T0), on the 30th day (T1), on the 60th day (T2), and on the 90th day (T3) from the start of retraction in all the groups.
Results: There was a statistically significant difference in the mean values of OTM and level of PGE2 in all three groups at different time intervals with the maximum difference seen in Group B as compared to group A and least in group C at T1, T2 and T3.
Conclusion: The rate of orthodontic tooth movement and levels of PGE2 were highest in patients who used electric toothbrush with 150Hz mechanical vibration as compared to those who used electric toothbrush with 125Hz mechanical vibration and was least in patients who did not use the electric toothbrush. Mechanical vibration led to increase in the levels of PGE2 and accelerated the orthodontic tooth movement.

Keywords: Accelerated orthodontics, Electric toothbrush, Mechanical vibration, Orthodontic tooth movement, Prostaglandin E2.