Effect of LED phototherapy on pain control after insertion of elastomeric separators in orthodontics patients: clinical trial

Pain is a burden for orthodontic patients. The use of phototherapy has been reported in Orthodontics mainly due to its effects on pain, inflammation and on both bone and soft tissue repair. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of LED phototherapy on pain relief following the process of tooth separation in humans. This longitudinal randomized controlled clinical trial was carried out in four observational times and was carried out in 40 patients whom were randomly divided into two groups: G1 (LED, AsGaAl, λ850 ± 10 nm, 150 mW, 20 J/cm², 64s per session) and G2 (Non irradiated Control). All patients were submitted to tooth separation using elastomeric separators. The pain level was measured by using a visual analogue scale (VAS) immediately after insertion (T1) of the elastic, at 48 (T2), 96 (T3) hours and 6 days (T4). It was observed an increase of the pain on the Control group from T1 to T2, with statistical significance. Pain levels in the LED group was always significantly lower (<0.001), except for T1. According with the results of the present study it may be concluded that, LED phototherapy, was effective in reducing the pain level after dental separation process when compared to the control group.