Benefits of Using Low-level Laser Therapy in the Rapid Maxillary Expansion: A Systematic Review

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: Determine the benefits of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) as a complement to rapid maxillary expansion (RME), through a systematic review. BACKGROUND: Transversal maxillary compression is a common skeletal problem that can be treated with different devices. This RME technique consists of the separation and regeneration of the midpalatal suture. Low-level laser therapy has been suggested to be able to accelerate bone healing after trauma or bone defects. REVIEW RESULTS: Thirty-two publications were found by electronic search during July to August of 2019 on Medline (PubMed) and Google Scholar, using the terms “Low-Level Laser”, “LLLT”, “Rapid Maxillary Expansion”, and “Osteogenesis Distraction”. Only 16 were used (2 systematic reviews, 6 articles on humans, and 8 on animals). Even though all the studies had different intervention protocols, they all revealed that LLLT has the effect of accelerating bone regeneration after RME. CONCLUSION: The use of LLLT as a complement to RME has shown promising results with cellular biostimulation, promoting angiogenesis and bone regeneration of the midpalatal suture. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This study provides scientific evidence of the benefits of using LLLT as a complement to RME during orthopedic and orthodontic treatments, accelerating bone regeneration and reducing the time of consolidation of the maxillary. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Lai P-S, Fierro C, Bravo L, et al. Benefits of Using Low-level Laser Therapy in the Rapid Maxillary Expansion: A Systematic Review. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2021;14(S-1):S101–S106.