Journal of Dental Medicine

Background and Aims: Lasers with different characteristics have been used to stimulate orthodontic tooth movements and to inhibit the pain during tooth movements. Considering the contradictory finding in this respect, the effect of low level laser therapy (LLLT) was evaluated on the pain during orthodontic tooth movement.

Materials and Methods: In this randomized clinical trial study, 12 patients were included with extracted upper first premolars and required canine retraction into extraction site. While in both sides canines were retracted by Niti coil spring, one side was exposed to GaAlAs laser (890nm). LLLT was done on the buccal and palatal mucosa by slow movement of probe. The patients were asked about their pain on both sides 2 days after beginning of retraction. Pain measurement was evaluated with VAS.

Results: Pain perception in LLLT side significantly decreased (P=0.007).

Conclusion: Based on the results, single irradiation of GaAlAs laser (12J energy per tooth) can decrease pain perception.

Background and Aims: Lasers with different characteristics have been used to stimulate orthodontic tooth movement. Considering the contradictory findings in this regard, this study was designed to assess the effect of low level laser therapy (LLLT) on the rate of orthodontic tooth movement.
Materials and Methods: In this randomized clinical trial study, 12 patients (4 boys and 8 girls average age:16.9 ± 3.4) with extracted upper first premolars and required canine retraction into extraction site were included. While in both sides canines were retracted by NiTi coil spring, one side was exposed to GaAlAs laser (890 nm). LLLT was done (on the buccal and palatal mucosa by slow movement of probe) at the beginning of the first month. Impression and cast fabrication performed at the beginning of retraction, one and two months later. The amount of retraction on the cast was measured with the aid of a reference plaque fabricated on the rogae using a digital caliper. Data were analyzed using paired sample T-test and one-sample Kolmogorov-Simirnov test.
Results: There was no significant difference in the amounts of canine movement between laser exposed and control sides (P>0.05).
Conclusion: The energy dose of laser used in this study (72 J per each tooth) was not appropriate for increasing dental movement.