Low-level laser therapy effects on pain perception related to the use of orthodontic elastomeric separators

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Some patients refer to pre-banding orthodontic separation as a painful orthodontic procedure. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has been reported to have local analgesic effect. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this single-blind study was to investigate the perception of pain caused by orthodontic elastomeric separators with and without a single LLLT application (6J). METHODS: The sample comprised 79 individuals aged between 13 and 34 years old at orthodontic treatment onset. Elastomeric separators were placed in first maxillary molars at mesial and distal surfaces and kept in place for three days. The volunteers scored pain intensity on a visual analogue scale (VAS) after 6 and 12 hours, and after the first, second and third days. One third of patients received laser applications, whereas another third received placebo applications and the remaining ones were controls. Applications were performed in a split-mouth design. Thus, three groups (laser, placebo and control) were assessed. RESULTS: No differences were found among groups considering pain perception in all periods observed. CONCLUSION: The use of a single-dose of LLLT did not cause significant reduction in orthodontic pain perception. Overall pain perception due to orthodontic separator placement varied widely and was usually mild.

Low-level laser therapy for alleviation of pain from fi xed orthodontic appliance therapy: A randomized controlled trial

“…[3] Pain is attributed to orthodontic compression forces which lead to ischemia, inflammation, and edema in the periodontal tissues. [3,4] The immediate pain response is due to compression of periodontal ligament (PDL), and the delayed response is caused by PGs, histamine and substance P induced hyperalgesia of PDL. [3,6] LLLT is defined as laser therapy with a low-energy output to keep the temperature of the treated tissue below 36.5°C or normal body temperature.…”

“…[1,2] Dental procedures are often associated with pain and apprehension. [3,4] Orthodontic pain usually appears hours after the force is applied, spikes at around 12-36 h and slowly declines to the baseline value within 7 days. [1][2][3]5] Although patients desire orthodontic treatment, the pain accompanying the treatment procedures has a negative effect and often reduces patient acceptance and compliance, and is a key deterrent to continuation of treatment.…”

“…[3,4] Orthodontic pain usually appears hours after the force is applied, spikes at around 12-36 h and slowly declines to the baseline value within 7 days. [1][2][3]5] Although patients desire orthodontic treatment, the pain accompanying the treatment procedures has a negative effect and often reduces patient acceptance and compliance, and is a key deterrent to continuation of treatment. [1,[4][5][6] However, tooth movement is possible only through the process of inflammation and pain is an inseparable part.…”

“…Pain relief has been linked to inhibition of nerve de-polarization (especially C fibers), reactivation of enzymes targeted at paininductive factors, production of ATPs and increasing the local blood flow and lastly reduction of prostaglandin levels E2 (PGE2) and inhibition of cyclooxygenase. [2,3,5] Optimum dose of LLLT also pilots the growth of new endothelium and vasculogenesis leading to faster healing.…”

Role of low-level laser therapy in treatment of orofacial pain: A systematic review

“…It has a good analgesic effect and the use for orthodontic pain appears hopeful. [13][14][15] Trigeminal neuralgic (TN) pain TN is mainly a periodic, unilateral, sharp, and electric shocklike pain which affects trigeminal nerve branches. LLLT also has been tried to relieve pain in TN patients.…”