Common Applications of a Dental Laser in Orthodontic Treatment

Modern orthodontic treatment in Surrey has led to numerous applications for a dental laser. Research and advances have led to some now common applications of a dental laser in orthodontic treatment, including:

  • Increasing Velocity of Tooth Movement
  • Reducing Pain
  • Resin Adhesive Curing

Increasing Velocity of Tooth Movement

The primary goal of any orthodontic clinic in Surrey is the make slight dental movements to create optimal tooth placement. Often, this process can take up to two or three years to achieve through standard treatment. Low-level laser therapy has shown positive results in speeding this process up.

Dental lasers accelerate orthodontic tooth movement by promoting cell proliferation, specifically in osteoclasts and osteoblasts, the cells responsible for breaking down and building up new bone. Orthodontic tooth movement is dependent on this process of bone remodelling, so it makes sense that this would accelerate the movement.

Reducing Pain

The primary reason for pain during orthodontic treatment is a result of the mechanical forces that are being placed on teeth. Pain can lead to reluctance to continue with treatment, and has been commonly managed with analgesic drugs, which can carry other risks. Dental laser treatment in Vancouver has shown promise in reducing pain, although the exact mechanisms are not well understood. It is believed this is due to the laser acting to inhibit inflammatory mediator secretion, giving an analgesic effect.

Resin Adhesive Curing

A less exciting common application of dental laser in orthodontics is to cure resin adhesives. These adhesives are used in a variety of ways, including attaching brackets to each tooth. The laser helps to quickly cure this adhesive, giving a strong, durable bond, in a shorter time frame than conventional curing system. This means less time spent in the orthodontic chair when getting braces or other orthodontic treatment.

These are just some of the common applications of dental lasers in orthodontic treatments. Your orthodontist will be able to explain to you what options will be best for your treatment.

Dr Wang

Dr. Wang, DDS, MSc, FRCD(C)

ORTHODONTIST

Orthodontic specialist, founder of PacificWest Dental Group. Helping people get the perfect smile since 1994!

Dr Kevin

Dr. Kevin Lee, DMD, MSc, FRCD(C)

ORTHODONTIST

Specialist in Orthodontics, UBC alumni. Love helping patients get a beautiful smile. Part-time clinical instructor at UBC. 

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