Use of laser technology in orthodontics: hard and soft tissue laser treatments.

AIM Modern technology has perfected a new instrument that has become almost indispensable in modern dentistry, in accordance with the philosophy of minimally invasive therapy: the laser. The aim of this work is to evaluate the effectiveness and efficacy of laser technology to solve mucogingival problems associated with orthodontic treatment. Some laser wavelengths work both on hard and soft tissues (2780 nm, 2940 nm), other lasers, such as the 810 nm diode, have a very good surgical and haemostatic action on soft tissues and an important analgesic and biostimulating effect that can help the healing of both TMJ painful symptoms as well as the pain following active orthodontic treatment. Several cases connected to orthodontic therapy are presented. MATERIALS AND METHODS Different laser systems (diode laser at 810 nm; Er,Cr:YSGG laser at 2780 nm; Erbium:YAG laser at 2940 nm) were used, both for soft tissue surgery and enamel etching, and for biostimulating effect. These wavelengths were used with different parameters for each case, according to international current studies in view of minimally invasive therapy. RESULTS The cases reported showed very quick and good healing of the laser treated tissues. These treatments, necessary for the orthodontic therapy or for its completion, become extremely simple, safe and rapid and the orthodontic specialist can perform them himself. CONCLUSION The laser technique is very effective in many operative and surgical procedures during orthodontic therapy. Further studies are however necessary to set the treatment protocols in orthodontic biostimulation.