INFLUENCE OF LOW-LEVEL LASER IRRADIATION ON ORTHODONTIC MOVEMENT AND PAIN LEVEL - A RANDOMIZED CLINICAL TRIAL

ABSTRACT Introduction The aim of this study was to analyse the orthodontic tooth movement rate and pain sensitivity during maxillary and mandibular canine retraction submitted to irradiation with low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in a monthly dose. Methods Eleven Class I malocclusion patients with extraction of the first maxillary and mandibular premolars were selected. Using a split-mouth, double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized design, LLLT irradiation was applied after canine initial retraction activation, performed with NiTi coil springs. Monthly, a couple of dental casts were obtained before laser application, which was subsequently scanned with the 3Shape Ortho System. The three-dimensional images were evaluated with Ortho Analyser software to measure the amount of movement of the retracted canines. The patients also used a visual analog scale after 12, 24, 48 and 72 hours of initial activation to assess pain sensitivity. Results There was only a significantly greater amount of retraction of the irradiated mandibular canines in the first month of laser application. There was no intergroup difference in pain sensitivity. Conclusion The LLLT application protocol showed only a statistically significant acceleration of tooth movement of the mandibular canines in the first month of application but did not produce any reduction in pain sensitivity.