title: Effect of low-level laser therapy after rapid maxillary expansion: a clinical investigation.
abstract: To evaluate the effectiveness low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on the repair of the mid palatal suture, after rapid maxillary expansion (RME). A single-operator, randomized single-blind placebo-controlled study was performed at the Orthodontic Department at the Dental Hospital of Bellvitge. Barcelona University, Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain. Thirty-nine children (range 6-12 years old), completed RME and were randomized to receive active LLLT (n = 20) or placebo (n = 19). The laser parameters and dose were 660 nm, 100 mW, CW, InGaAlP laser, illuminated area 0.26 cm(2), 332 mW/cm(2), 60 s to four points along midpalatal suture, and 30 s to a point each side of the suture. A total of seven applications were made on days 1, 7, 14, 28, 42, 56, and 70 of the retention phase RME. A cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan was carried out on the day of the first laser treatment, and at day 75, a second CBCT scan was performed. Two radiologists synchronized the slices of two scans to be assessed. P = 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. At day 75 of the suture, the irradiated patients presented a greater percentage of approximate zones in the anterior (p = 0.008) and posterior (p = 0.001) superior suture-and less approximation in the posterior superior suture (p = 0.040)-than the placebo group. LLLT appears to stimulate the repair process during retention phase after RME.
authors.affiliation: Orthodontics Unit, Universitat de Barcelona, 5305, Planta 2, Pavelló de Govern, Health University Campus Bellvitge, C/ FeixaLlarga SN, 08907, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain. valentingarcia2@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Valentin Javier
authors.initials: VJ
authors.lastname: Garcia
authors.affiliation: Oral and Maxilla-Facial Surgery Unit, Universitat de Barcelona, Planta 2, Pavelló de Govern, Health University Campus Bellvitge, C/ FeixaLlarga SN, 08907, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Arnabat
authors.affiliation: Applied Physics Unit, EEI, Universida de Vigo, Lagoas-Marcosende, 36310, Vigo, Spain.
authors.forename: Rafael
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Comesaña
authors.affiliation: Orthodontics Unit, Universitat de Barcelona, 5305, Planta 2, Pavelló de Govern, Health University Campus Bellvitge, C/ FeixaLlarga SN, 08907, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain.
authors.forename: Khaled
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Kasem
authors.affiliation: Orthodontics Unit, Universitat de Barcelona, 5305, Planta 2, Pavelló de Govern, Health University Campus Bellvitge, C/ FeixaLlarga SN, 08907, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain.
authors.forename: Josep Maria
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Ustrell
authors.affiliation: Diagnosis by Image Service, Vendrell Hospital, Carretera de Barcelona, s/n, 43700, El Vendrell, Tarragona, Spain.
authors.forename: Stefano
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Pasetto
authors.affiliation: Diagnosis by Image Service, Vendrell Hospital, Carretera de Barcelona, s/n, 43700, El Vendrell, Tarragona, Spain.
authors.forename: Oscar Pozuelo
authors.initials: OP
authors.lastname: Segura
authors.affiliation: Human Anatomy Unit, Universitat de Barcelona, 5304, Pavelló de Govern, Health University Campus Bellvitge, C/ FeixaLlarga SN, 08907, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain.
authors.forename: Maria Cristina
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: ManzanaresCéspedes
authors.affiliation: Human Anatomy Unit, Universitat de Barcelona, 5304, Pavelló de Govern, Health University Campus Bellvitge, C/ FeixaLlarga SN, 08907, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain.
authors.forename: Patricia
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Carvalho-Lobato
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D054893:Cone-Beam Computed Tomography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D028022:Low-Level Light Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008437:Maxilla; D010155:Palatal Expansion Technique; D010159:Palate / Q000528:radiation effects*; D016037:Single-Blind Method
keywords: CBCT; LLLT; Maxillary midpalatal suture; Rapid maxillary expansion