Clinical applications of laser in orthodontics: An integrative review on its therapeutic benefits and limitations
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33448/rsd-v14i5.48874Keywords:
Low-level laser therapy; Orthodontics; Orthodontic pain; Tooth movement.Abstract
Orthodontic pain is one of the main factors negatively affecting patient adherence, often leading to treatment abandonment. In this context, low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has been investigated as an effective non-pharmacological alternative for pain control and acceleration of tooth movement. This study aimed to investigate, through an integrative review, the therapeutic effects of LLLT in orthodontics, considering its benefits and limitations. A literature search was conducted in the Scielo, Science Direct, and Pubmed databases between February and April 2025, using controlled descriptors (DeCS/MeSH) and Boolean operators. The temporal scope included publications from 2021 to 2025. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, eight clinical studies were selected. Most studies reported positive effects of LLLT, such as a significant reduction in pain in the first days after orthodontic appliance installation, as well as accelerated tooth movement. However, some studies presented inconclusive results regarding pain relief, highlighting the lack of standardization in technical parameters as a potential limitation. It is concluded that LLLT shows promising therapeutic potential in orthodontics, although further standardized studies are needed to consistently validate its clinical efficacy.
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