Tooth movement in orthodontic treatment with low-level laser therapy: a systematic review of human and animal studies

• Published in: Photomedicine and laser surgery Vol. 32; no. 5; p. 302
• Main Authors: Carvalho-Lobato, Patricia, Garcia, Valentin Javier, Kasem, Khaled, Ustrell-Torrent, Josep Maria, Tallón-Walton, Victòria, Manzanares-Céspedes, Maria Cristina
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01-05-2014
• Subjects: Animals; Humans; Low-Level Light Therapy - methods; Orthodontics - methods; Rats; Tooth Movement Techniques
• ISSN: 1557-8550
• DOI: 10.1089/pho.2012.3439

This review attempts to organize the existing published literature regarding tooth movement in orthodontic treatment when low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is applied.
The literature discusses different methods that have been developed to motivate the remodeling and decrease the duration of orthodontic treatment. The application of LLLT has been introduced to favor the biomechanics of tooth movements. However there is disagreement between authors as to whether LLLT reduces orthodontic treatment time, and the parameters that are used vary.
Studies in humans and animals in which LLLT was applied to increase the dental movement were reviewed. Three reviewers selected the articles. The resulting studies were analyzed according to the parameters used in the application of laser and existing changes clinically and histopathologically.
Out of 84 studies, 5 human studies were selected in which canine traction had been performed after removing a premolar, and 11 studies in rats were selected in which first premolar traction was realized. There were statistically significant changes in four human studies and eight animal studies.
Varying the wavelength with a reasonable dose in the target zone leads to obtaining the desired biological effect and achieving a reduction of the orthodontic treatment time, although there are studies that do not demonstrate any benefit according to their values.