title: Benefits of the use of the CO2 laser in orthodontics.
abstract: Esthetics is an important factor for patients seeking orthodontic treatment, and not always is the orthodontist able to make adjustments on the gingival contour, and this aspect is neglected. Many orthodontists are familiar with the name laser. However, there is a lack of information regarding their application on the orthodontic practice. There are several options for the use of CO(2) lasers on surgical procedures of interest to orthodontists, especially on soft tissues. There is no evidence that the use of the CO(2) laser has any side effect or contraindication on surgical procedures. This paper reports a series of surgical procedures carried out on orthodontic patients. It is concluded that the carbon dioxide laser not only allows surgeons to enhance current surgical options for treatment but also have contributed to the evolution of a variety of new procedures that are now commonplace in oral surgery, and its use shows several benefits for the orthodontic patient.
authors.affiliation: Laser Center, School of Dentistry, Federal University of Bahia (UFBA), Salvador, BA 40110-150, Brazil.
authors.forename: Sabrina Kívia Correia
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Gama
authors.forename: Telma Martins
authors.initials: TM
authors.lastname: de Araújo
authors.forename: Antonio Luiz Barbosa
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Pinheiro
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D004955:Esthetics, Dental; D005260:Female; D005881:Gingiva / Q000528:radiation effects; D005891:Gingivitis / Q000601:surgery* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy; D054020:Lasers, Gas; D008297:Male; D009970:Orthodontics / Q000295:instrumentation*; D014070:Tooth / Q000528:radiation effects*; D014076:Tooth Diseases / Q000601:surgery*