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. 2016 Jul 7;17(1):11.
doi: 10.1186/s12903-016-0242-8.

Efficacy of low-level laser therapy in accelerating tooth movement, preventing relapse and managing acute pain during orthodontic treatment in humans: a systematic review

Mikael Sonesson  1 , Emelie De Geer  2 , Jaqueline Subraian  3 , Sofia Petrén  4
Affiliations

Efficacy of low-level laser therapy in accelerating tooth movement, preventing relapse and managing acute pain during orthodontic treatment in humans: a systematic review

Mikael Sonesson et al. BMC Oral Health. .

Abstract

Background: Recently low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has been proposed to improve orthodontic treatment. The aims of this systematic review were to investigate the scientific evidence to support applications of LLLT: (a) to accelerate tooth movement, (b) to prevent orthodontic relapse and (c) to modulate acute pain, during treatment with fixed appliances in children and young adults.

Methods: To ensure a systematic literature approach, this systematic review was conducted to Goodman's four step model. Three databases were searched (Medline, Cochrane Controlled Clinical Trials Register and Scitation), using predetermined search terms. The quality of evidence was rated according to the GRADE system.

Results: The search identified 244 articles, 16 of which fulfilled the inclusion criteria: three on acceleration of tooth movement by LLLT and 13 on LLLT modulation of acute pain. No study on LLLT for prevention of relapse was identified. The selected studies reported promising results for LLLT; elevated acceleration of tooth movement and lower pain scores, than controls. With respect to method, there were wide variations in type of laser techniques.

Conclusions: The quality of evidence supporting LLLT to accelerate orthodontic tooth movement is very low and low with respect to modulate acute pain. No studies met the inclusion criteria for evaluating LLLT to limit relapse. The results highlight the need for high quality research, with consistency in study design, to determine whether LLLT can enhance fixed appliance treatment in children and young adults.

Keywords: Low-level laser therapy; Orthodontics; Pain; Relapse; Tooth movement.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Flowchart showing studies included in LLLT and acceleration of tooth movement. a Identification. b Screening. c Eligibility. d Included
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Flowchart showing studies included in LLLT and prevention of orthodontic relapse. a Identification. b Screening. c Eligibility. d Included
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Flowchart showing studies included in LLLT and modulation of acute pain. a Identification. b Screening. c Eligibility. d Included
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