According to a randomized controlled clinical trial published in “The Angle Orthodontist”, it was evident that low-level laser therapy (LLLT) exhibits promising potential to accelerate anterior segment alignment and minimize pain related to initial archwires placement. Investigators aimed to evaluate the impact of LLLT on alignment time and orthodontic leveling of anterior crowding and related pain following initial archwires implantation.

A total of 32 women aged 18-25 years having mandibular anterior crowding were segregated randomly to control and laser groups.  For randomization, a computer-developed random list was utilized. After attaching the 0.022-inch Roth brackets, a 0.014-inch copper-nickel-titanium (Cu-NiTi) wire was introduced.

This was subsequently followed by 0.016-inch Cu-NiTi, 0.016 × 0.022-inch NiTi, and 0.017 × 0.025-inch stainless steel wire. In the laser group, an In-Ga-As laser was administered in the mandibular anterior section on the third, seventh, fourteenth day and then at one month, then after every 2 weeks until alignment and leveling were finished.

Each volunteer completed a visual analogue scale (VAS) questionnaire 7 days following initial archwire implantation. The irregularity index was monitored using digital models. Blinding was solely applied to outcome assessors. The laser groups' mean time for leveling and alignment was much shorter than the control group, as depicted in Table 1:  

When compared to the control group, the laser group had a considerably lower pain score and a greater mean alignment improvement percentage. Hence, administration of LLLT may reduce orthodontic leveling and alignment time, and pain perception related to archwire installation.