Effects of low-level laser therapy on osteoblastic bone formation and relapse in an experimental rapid maxillary expansion model.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on osteoblastic bone formation and relapse during expansion of rat palatal sutures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-two Wistar rats were randomly allocated into two groups of 16 rats each. In the first group, LLLT was applied 4 days after expansion commenced. Seven days after expansion, retainers were applied for 10 days. The second group was similarly treated, with the exception of laser therapy. All rats were sacrificed on day 7 (n = 1) (the end of the expansion period; laser group (LG) 1 [LLLT 1] and control group (CG) 1 [control 1]) and day 17 (n = 8) (the end of the retention period; LG 2 [LLLT 2] and CG 2 [control 2]) for histological assessment. RESULTS: The LLLT 1 group had significantly higher numbers of osteoclasts than did the control 1 group (P = 0.036). No significant between-group difference in osteoblast cell or capillary numbers was evident when day 7 and 17 data were compared. CONCLUSION: Histologically, LLLT stimulated bone formation, as revealed by analysis after the retention period. LLLT during expansion may accelerate bone healing.