Low-level laser therapy for controlling pain in orthodontic patients during the use of elastic separators: randomized clinical trial

Orthodontic treatment promotes a degree of discomfort in patients and can lead to them giving up treatment when they have a lower pain tolerance threshold. The aim of this study was to evaluate the low level laser therapy (LLLT) in controlling pain after placement of orthodontic separators. A total of 40 volunteers who were divided into 2 groups: G1—exposed hemi-arch (LLLT use) and hemi-arch G2 (simulation). Orthodontic tabs were placed in the upper first molar and immediately the laser or simulation was performed. During the use of the separators, the volunteers recorded visual analogue scale in the periods (T0) 5 min, 24 h (T1) and 120 h (T2) after the procedure to evaluate the intensity of pain. After the evaluation sessions, each volunteer was asked to complete a scale to evaluate their satisfaction regarding the use of laser in pain control (LIKERT scale). Differences between G1 and G2 were observed for all the evaluated intervals (T0, T1 and T2), presenting a greater reduction of pain in the hemi-arch exposed to the laser. Regarding sex, a lower pain reduction was observed in males (p > 0.05). Regarding the LIKERT scale, the volunteers demonstrated a high satisfaction rate regarding LLLT use. It was observed a significant reduction in pain from exposed to the laser hemi-arch compared to hemi-arch not exposed at all time intervals assessed. In this way, the results obtained suggest that the use of the reduced pain sensitivity after the placement of orthodontic separators.