Effect of low-level laser therapy on stability during retention phase after orthodontic treatment: a randomized controlled trial

To explore the impact of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) during active orthodontic treatment on maxillary dentition stability in retention. A randomized controlled trial involved 20 participants who had received 6-month LLLT during the leveling and alignment stage. They were monitored for 12 months during the retention phase without further laser application. Alginate impressions were taken and dental casts were scanned using 3D modeling to measure Little’s Irregularity Index (LII), intermolar width (IMW), intercanine width (ICW), arch length (AL), overbite (OB), and overjet (OJ). LLLT had no significant effect on LII, ICW, OB, and OJ ( P > 0.05), but significantly affected IMW ( P = 0.038) and AL ( P = 0.019), with the laser group showing better stability. LLLT benefits IMW and AL, indicating potential for maintaining the stability of specific arch dimensions (IMW and AL). Clinically, LLLT can be a valuable addition to orthodontics, enhancing treatment outcomes by improving stability.