Orthotown August 2017 - 38

Fig. 1

Fig. 2

The fear of pain and prolonged treatment times often prevents
patient acceptance of orthodontic treatment.25 The use of lasers
can lessen pain and treatment time, helping not only with case
acceptance6,14,18 but also with compliance and cooperation during
treatment. Often young patients will cooperate with treatment for a
few months, then stop wearing treatment adjuncts such as headgear,
elastic rubber bands, bite positioners and appliances. Being able to
complete treatment in only a few months, rather than a few years,
may circumvent this.

Science and research
The scientific proof for biologic changes of molecules, enzymes,
free radicals, actively released mediators and endothelial changes
pushes the understanding of LLLT further every day.
Many researchers are reporting on clinical research based on
applied collective knowledge of scientific, biochemical, histological
and cellular research. Experimental models show LLLT's rapid
healing capabilities in soft tissues (epithelium, fibroblasts, endothelial
cells) and hard tissues (bone, cartilage).3,18 Bone remodeling-cell
differentiation into osteoblasts, osteoclasts, fibroblasts, endothelial

Lasers applied
in low-level
laser therapy
activate a cell
to do whatever
it genetically
is destined
or differentiated
to do-
do-just
just faster
faster..
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JULY/AUGUST 2017 // orthotown.com

Fig. 3

cells and their respective cellular products and functions-is reported
occurring at rates from two to six times control levels, depending on
experimental conditions, laser wavelength, application frequency,
fluency and laser power levels.3,18 Research continues to fine-tune
these variables. This makes LLLT a very exciting field in the future
of dentistry.

A multiyear research program
studied speed of treatment
Orthodontic patients in a private dental practice were chosen to
participate in an LLLT-facilitated orthodontic treatment research
program. Thirty patients were included, ranging in age from 6
to 78; three were removed from the process during treatment
because of an uncooperative nature arising from emotional
problems and autism. The standard orthodontic documentation
included photographs, study models, panoramic and cephalometric
radiographs with analysis, and periapical radiographs. After
complete diagnosis and treatment planning, informed written
consent was obtained for orthodontic treatment, LLLT, and to be
included in the investigation focusing on rapid tooth movement
and orthodontic pain control.
Progress notes, photographs, models, measurements and
radiographs were produced. Many different orthodontic treatments
were used, depending on each patient's needs:
* plastic and ceramic aesthetic bracketing.
* metallic brackets and bands.
* removable activated biofunctional appliances.
* removable bite alignment.
* clear progressive alignment trays.
The laser equipment was a gallium aluminum arsenide
semiconductor diode laser from Biolase. A special bleaching wand
handpiece included with the laser was utilized during the study
and became an efficient way to apply the laser, thanks to its laser
irradiation footprint of 1 by 3 centimeters. A power of 2W per
second was delivered for nine seconds over the cervical areas of
the teeth, which covered a majority of the root surfaces. The wand
irradiated each sextant area of teeth for 9 seconds each on the
buccal and lingual areas. The lasing time for the entire mouth was
approximately 2 minutes. To prevent cross-contamination, a clear
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Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Orthotown August 2017
