Applications of low-level laser therapy in Orthodontics

Abstract

To review the application of low-level laser therapy in the specialty of Orthodontics. A narrative literature review was conducted, where bibliographic searches were performed in the following databases: Virtual Health Library, Scientific Electronic Library Online and PubMed, using the following descriptors: orthodontics, laser therapy, dentistry. Publications related to laser therapy in Orthodontics were included, in Portuguese and English. Duplicate articles were excluded. According to the bibliographic survey, low-level laser therapy presented significant results both in controlling painful symptoms due to tooth movement by orthodontic appliances, and in many of the studies used in this review, it was also pointed out that it accelerated tooth movement. In addition, its use presented significant results when applied in rapid maxillary expansion. When properly used and using precise protocols, the laser becomes a tool capable of optimizing orthodontic treatment, in addition to providing comfort to the patient.