Effect of Low-Level Laser Therapy on Relapse of Rotated Teeth: A Systematic Review of Human and Animal Study.

Abstract

Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has been used to reduce the relapse of orthodontically rotated teeth. However, controversial conclusions have been drawn by different authors. This review aimed to evaluate the efficacy of LLLT on relapse of corrected tooth rotations systematically by overall search of available studies and scientific assessment. A comprehensive electronic search was performed through PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, CENTRAL, PRL, and WHO ICTRP up to November 2015 with no language limitation. This systematic review was carried out according to Cochrane Handbook and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. Risk of bias assessment was undertaken according to Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. Two review authors conducted the work of search, selection, and quality assessment independently in duplicate. Out of 112 studies, two animal experiments and one human study were included. Degree and percentage of relapse of rotated teeth were compared between control and LLLT group. According to the results of our systematic review, the effect of LLLT on relapse of corrected tooth rotations is related to energy density. Namely, low energy density seems to promote relapse, while high energy density might alleviate the relapse. Since available investigations are limited, more well-designed randomized controlled trials involving humans are needed to get more clinically significant conclusions.