Effect of low-level laser therapy on dental pain induced by separator force in orthodontic treatment

Abstract

Background: Patients undergoing orthodontic treatment experience varying degrees of pain with

separator insertion. A survey of patients’ attitude towards orthodontic treatment revealed that pain

was the most discouraging factor related to their treatment. Moreover, it was the highest ranking

reason for wanting to discontinue care. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of

low-level laser irradiation on dental pain induced by forces from separators in orthodontic treatment.

Materials and Methods: This study was an experimental clinical trial. Twenty-nine patients were

recruited for this research. Low-level laser irradiation was applied on one half of the maxillary and

mandibular arches for 5 days. The opposite half of the arches was considered the control group.

Laser irradiation was applied for 30 seconds in the alveolar bone between the second premolars,

first molars, and second molars. Pain perception was evaluated with a standardized questionnaire

that was answered by patients before and after laser irradiation. Data was analyzed by Wilcoxon

and Friedman test. P value ≤0.05 was considered significant.

Results: The highest pain level was reported at day 1 following separator placement and decreased

gradually until day 5. At day 4 and 5, the pain intensity was lower in the laser group than in the control

group; however, this finding was not statistically significant. At day 1 and 3, the pain intensity was higher

in the laser group than in the control group; however, it was not statistically significant. At day 2, the

pain intensity was lower in the laser group than in the control group and was statistically significant.

Conclusion: Our findings suggest that there is no statistically significant difference in pain by using

low-level laser irradiation.

Key Words: Low-level laser therapy, orthodontics, pain, separator