Benefits and Effects of Laser-Based Techniques in Complementary Maxillary Expansion: A Narrative Review

Transversal maxillary deficiency is a prevalent skeletal issue that can be addressed using various devices and methods, including rapid maxillary expansion (RME) and surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion (SARME). These techniques involve the separation and regeneration of the midpalatal suture (MPS). Laser therapies, such as low-level laser therapy (LLLT) and photobiomodulation (PBM), have been proposed to improve biological wound or bone healing. The research sought to systematically evaluate the evidence regarding the advantages and effects of laser-based techniques in conjunction with RME or SARME. An electronic search was conducted through September 2024 in the PubMed database utilizing relevant Medical Subject Headings, without any time constraints. A total of 78 publications were identified with the keywords ''Orthodontics'', ''Laser Therapy'', ''Palatal Expansion Technique'', ''Maxillary Expansion'' and ''Photobiomodulation''. Only 17 were included in this research (11 were clinical trials, and six were systematic reviews). In addition, a secondary manual literature search was performed from the references of included articles and existing systematic reviews, adding one extra article. Despite the varying intervention protocols used in each study, they consistently demonstrated that laser techniques can improve bone regeneration after RME or SARME procedures. Although the available evidence is somewhat sparse, these methods seem to offer a promising solution for alleviating pain during MPS expansion. To establish definitive outcomes and develop a reliable clinical protocol, longer randomized clinical trials are essential to ensure the practicality of this technique.