The Clinical Evaluation Of Low-level Laser In Reducing Orthodontic Pain During Elastomeric Separator Placement

Objective:The present study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a low-level laser therapy (LLLT) used in relieving pain during elastomeric separators placed between molar teeth before fixed orthodontics. Methods:45cases of patients, requiring a orthodontic treatment, were selected to the study, of which22are males and23are females, average age being14.74years. The subjects were divided into four quadrants and two groups by left and right dentition, named experiment group and the control group respectively, with the first and forth quadrant for laser group and the second and third quadrant for the control group. The elastomeric separators were placed between mesial and distal of the first molar, then irradiation of LLLT was done at5min,6h,24h,48h,72h. Laser parameter includes:MDC-500semiconductor laser therapy unit, frequency50Hz, power30mW, wavelength of650nm/830nm.The three sites of buccal and lingual in the first molars were respectively radiated with about5mm from the top of the laser tube mucosa, each point of irradiation time for30seconds, while control group were also radiated by false red light as comfort. At the end of each time point regular return visit, the patients were asked to give a pain score to each quadrant according to the Visual Analog Scale (VAS).Results:The VAS of LLLT group was lower than the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). The laser group and control group at different time point were different statistically (P<0.001). The peak of pain occurred24hours after separator. Conclusion:LLLT can effectively relieve the pain after elastomeric separator placement, and it may be an alternative option of analgesia during fixed orthodontic treatment.