When most people hear the term red-light therapy, they probably think of skin rejuvenation, pain relief or muscle recovery. But did you know there’s red-light therapy for teeth and gums, and it’s changing the game for orthodontics?
At Innovative Orthodontic Centers in Naperville, we’re proud to offer OrthoPulse®, a breakthrough device that emits a deeper-penetrating form of light waves, called near-infrared light, to speed up tooth movement and reduce inflammation.
Now, patients who want fast braces or Invisalign® can use OrthoPulse for just 10 minutes per day to reduce their treatment time by up to 50%!
In this post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the orthodontic device.
What is OrthoPulse?
According to Stanford Medicine, photobiomodulation is the “use of light waves to change human biology.” While photobiomodulation devices have been around for a while, OrthoPulse is the first and only FDA-cleared device that uses a type of photobiomodulation called near-infrared light therapy to boost the natural biological processes that shift teeth into place.
The device consists of a small, comfortable mouthpiece that you use for 10 minutes a day (5 minutes per arch). Medical-grade LEDs emit light energy that reaches deep into the gums, periodontal ligament, and bone. This accelerates orthodontic tooth movement and reduces Invisalign and braces pain.
Near-Infrared Light vs. Red Light Therapy for Teeth
Some devices deliver red-light therapy for teeth and gums. And, yes, red light is great for surface-level benefits, like soothing gum tissue, but it only penetrates a few millimeters beneath the surface.
OrthoPulse uses near-infrared light, which is like turbocharged red-light therapy. Its wavelength (starting at 850 nanometers) penetrates much deeper to reach the ligaments, bone, and tooth roots that are responsible for tooth movement. This is why OrthoPulse achieves far more effective results than over-the-counter red-light therapy devices.
How OrthoPulse Works: The Science Simplified
SureSmile® braces wires and Invisalign aligners apply steady pressure that stimulates a process called bone remodeling. This is when the bone around your teeth breaks down, allowing your teeth to move to the positions determined by your treatment plan. Eventually, the bone rebuilds and secures your teeth in place.
The speed of that process depends on factors like your overall oral health, age, and biology. Here’s how OrthoPulse gives bone remodeling a boost:
- Light Energy Reaches Your Cells
The near-infrared light travels through your gums and bone to reach the cells. - The “Power Plants” in Your Cells Switch On
Inside each cell are mitochondria, which are the power plants that produce the energy your body runs on. The light is absorbed by a protein called cytochrome c oxidase (CCO), which tells the mitochondria to make more energy. - More Energy = Faster Work
This increases the production of Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP), an energy-carrying molecule. ATP accelerates the healing process and fuels the activity of osteoclasts (cells that break down bone) and osteoblasts (cells that build new bone), increasing the rate of orthodontic bone remodeling and helping teeth move more quickly into place. - Improved Blood Flow & Comfort
The light also stimulates the release of nitric oxide, which dilates, or opens, the blood vessels. This boosts circulation and brings oxygen and nutrients to the area to reduce inflammation and make treatment more comfortable.
Does OrthoPulse Work?
Yes! Research in the Journal of Clinical Orthodontics determined that photobiomodulation devices like OrthoPulse led to a two-fold faster rate of tooth movement and a 54% reduction in the time to achieve alignment of the front teeth.
Another study in BMC Oral Health found a 54% decrease in the alignment phase of treatment for patients using near-infrared light therapy with their braces or clear aligners.
As for discomfort, a randomized clinical trial looked at the effect of photobiomodulation on pain perception among orthodontic patients. The researchers found an approximately 70% reduction in pain in the patients who used OrthoPulse.
All of this means you can finish Invisalign or braces treatment months sooner and with less discomfort!
Is OrthoPulse Worth It?
If you want faster Invisalign or braces without extra office visits or complicated routines, OrthoPulse is a safe, proven and comfortable option.
Aside from speeding up your treatment time and reducing discomfort, OrthoPulse also:
- Leads to better, more predictable results
- Improves aligner tracking
- Allows you to switch Invisalign trays in days, not weeks!
- Enhances the health of your gums throughout treatment
Fast Braces and Invisalign With OrthoPulse
OrthoPulse works with both braces and Invisalign!
- OrthoPulse Invisalign®: Helps aligners track more accurately and reduces the need for refinements.
- OrthoPulse Braces: Works with any bracket and wire system to accelerate tooth movement naturally.
Red-Light Therapy for Teeth: The Bottom Line
Not all photobiomodulation devices are created equal! Over-the-counter red-light therapy for teeth and gums only delivers surface-level benefits. OrthoPulse uses powerful near-infrared light technology that penetrates deep into the bone to influence cellular activity.
Using OrthoPulse for 10 minutes a day can help you finish braces or Invisalign treatment up to 50% faster while also significantly reducing discomfort.
By pairing OrthoPulse with our advanced orthodontic technology like SureSmile prescription wires, custom Invisalign aligners, and remote monitoring, you’ll experience a seamless, convenient path to your dream smile.
Ready to See Your New Smile Sooner?
Book a complimentary consultation at Innovative Orthodontic Centers to find out how our Naperville OrthoPulse providers can help you achieve amazing braces and Invisalign results in less time.
Already a patient? Ask us about OrthoPulse at your next appointment!
Sources
- Armitage, Hanae. “Red light therapy: What science says.” Stanford Medicine Insights. February 24, 2025. Accessed August 19, 2025. https://med.stanford.edu/news/insights/2025/02/red-light-therapy-skin-hair-medical-clinics.html
- Al-Okla, Nour et al. “Effect of photobiomodulation on pain perception among orthodontic patients: a randomized clinical trial.” Journal of clinical orthodontics. 2020 Feb; 54(2):96-103. PMID: 32554911.
- Shaughnessy, Timothy. “Long-distance orthodontic treatment with adjunctive light therapy.” Journal of clinical orthodontics, 2015 Dec;49(12):757- 69. PMID: 26799997
- Shaughnessy T, Kantarci A, Kau CH, et al. Intraoral photobiomodulation-induced orthodontic tooth alignment: a preliminary study. BMC Oral Health. 2016 Jan 13;16:3. doi: 10.1186/ s12903-015-0159-7. PMID: 26762247; PMCID: PMC4711021
