Low-level laser therapy and invisible removal aligners

Abstract

It seems that Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) stimulates orthodontic tooth movements, increasing the alveolar bone turnover. The aim of this study is to evaluate how LLLT can influence the orthodontic treatment with invisible removal aligner. A sample of 21 subjects was divided into two groups, a laser group (10 patients) and a control group (11 patients). All subjects were instructed to wear each aligner 12 hours a day for 2 weeks. Laser external bio-stimulation was given in the laser group every second week. The laser group successfully finished the treatment, while at 3rd 5th aligner the control group did not finish the treatment. Laser treatment seemed to be better than treatment without laser. LLLT combined with aligners is able to favour, in 12 hours, the same tooth movement obtained by wearing the aligner 22 hours a day, according to the traditional protocol. This aspect could be useful for those patients who prefer not to use the aligners during the day. LLLT makes invisible removal aligner treatment more comfortable also because during the day the patients have to wear the aligners less hours than the treatment without laser.