Low-level laser therapy protocols in dental movement acceleration and in pain management during orthodontic treatment

Abstract

In recent years various studies about the biostimulatory effects of the laser therapy in orthodontics have been carried out. This study investigates the potential advantages obtainable using the Low-level Laser Therapy during orthodontic treatment and the most efficient clinical protocols. Recently published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have been obtained through a search on electronic databases (Cochrane Library and Pubmed). Clinical studies in humans in which Low-level Laser Therapy was applied during orthodontic treatment were included. In conclusion, 14 relevant clinical studies were identified. This study shows the possibility to obtain an increase in tooth movement between 31% and 100% depending on the laser therapy considered and the time interval for measuring the value. In addition, there is a potential impact in reducing orthodontic pain limited to the day following the application of laser therapy when orthodontic therapy includes canine retraction, and during a period not exceeding five days from the placement of fixed orthodontic appliances in the others clinical cases.Low-level Laser Therapy is considered effective both to increase the movement of the dental elements and to reduce pain during orthodontic therapy. Different clinical protocols have been identified depending on the orthodontic cases considered. Both an LED device and an AlGaAs diode device can be used. In the future paying more attention to the therapeutic possibilities offered by laser devices with greater power is recommended. A greater energy density directed to the target tissues has been proven to provoke more significant therapeutic effects.