The Effect of Low-Level Laser Therapy on Accelerating Tooth Movement and Reducing Pain During Orthodontic Treatment

Overview

Orthodontic treatment is a common and effective approach to correcting dental malocclusions and improving oral function and aesthetics. The process involves applying mechanical forces to move teeth into their desired positions, which can lead to discomfort and pain for patients, especially during the initial stages of treatment. While the ultimate goal of orthodontic therapy is to achieve proper alignment, the associated pain and the time required to complete the treatment often become significant concerns for patients. (Jheon et al., 2017). The duration of treatment, which typically spans several months or even years, is influenced by various factors including the type of malocclusion, the force applied, and the biological response of the periodontal tissues to the applied forces. (Sangle et al., 2023). Recent advancements in orthodontic care have focused on finding ways to accelerate tooth movement while minimizing the discomfort experienced by patients. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT), also known as photobiomodulation (PBM), has garnered significant attention as a non-invasive method to enhance biological healing processes. LLLT has been shown to stimulate cellular activity, increase collagen production, and improve blood circulation, potentially influencing the rate of tooth movement (Fini et al., 2020). Several studies suggest that LLLT may enhance the osteoclast and osteoblast activity in the periodontal tissues, leading to more rapid bone resorption and apposition, which could expedite the tooth movement process (Suzuki et al., 2016). Additionally, LLLT has been shown to reduce pain perception, possibly by modulating nerve activity and inflammation (Guo et al., 2021).