THE EFFECTIVENESS OF PHOTOBIOMODULATION ON ORTHODONTIC MOVEMENT, RELAPSE, AND STEM CELL ACTIVATION: A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW

Lila Muntadir; Eka Setyawardana; Tontowi Ashari; Windy Yuliartanti; Marisa Elvi Dayan; Wanda Karisma Dian Sari; Rizqi Aulia Kusuma Andini; Reni Puspa Daniati

doi:10.61796/jmgcb.v3i3.1657

Authors

Lila Muntadir
lilamuntadir@umsida.ac.id
Muhammadiyah University of Sidoarjo, Indonesia
Eka Setyawardana Muhammadiyah University of Sidoarjo, Indonesia
Tontowi Ashari Muhammadiyah University of Sidoarjo, Indonesia
Windy Yuliartanti Muhammadiyah University of Sidoarjo, Indonesia
Marisa Elvi Dayan Muhammadiyah University of Sidoarjo, Indonesia
Wanda Karisma Dian Sari Muhammadiyah University of Sidoarjo, Indonesia
Rizqi Aulia Kusuma Andini Muhammadiyah University of Sidoarjo, Indonesia
Reni Puspa Daniati Muhammadiyah University of Sidoarjo, Indonesia

Vol. 3 No. 3 (2026): Journal of Medical Genetics and Clinical Biology

Articles

January 31, 2026

Downloads

VIEW ARTICLE

Abstract
How to Cite
Metrics
References
License

Objective: This systematic review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of LLLT with wavelengths of 650 nm and 660 nm in supporting orthodontic tooth movement, reducing post-treatment relapse, and stimulating stem cell activation involved in the regeneration of supporting tissues. Method: Literature search was conducted on PubMed and Scopus databases for articles published in the last five years. Studies were selected based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. A total of 58 relevant articles were analyzed qualitatively. Results: The literature review findings indicate that LLLT consistently contributes to accelerating orthodontic tooth movement, reducing post-treatment relapse risk, and enhancing stem cell activation and proliferation, which supports the remodeling of periodontal tissues. Novelty: LLLT with wavelengths of 650 nm and 660 nm has proven to be effective and safe as an adjunct therapy in orthodontic treatment, with the 660 nm wavelength demonstrating superior tissue penetration, potentially enhancing long-term stability and tissue regeneration through stem cell activation.

Muntadir, L., Setyawardana, E., Ashari, T., Yuliartanti, W., Dayan, M. E., Sari, W. K. D., Andini, R. A. K., & Daniati, R. P. (2026). THE EFFECTIVENESS OF PHOTOBIOMODULATION ON ORTHODONTIC MOVEMENT, RELAPSE, AND STEM CELL ACTIVATION: A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW. Journal of Medical Genetics and Clinical Biology, 3(3), 247–279. https://doi.org/10.61796/jmgcb.v3i3.1657

Download Citation

H. Yang, J. Liu, and K. Yang, "Comparative Study of 660 and 830 nm Photobiomodulation in Promoting Orthodontic Tooth Movement," Photobiomodulation, Photomedicine, and Laser Surgery, vol. 37, no. 6, pp. 349–355, 2019, doi: 10.1089/photob.2018.4615.

A. A. Foggiato, D. F. Silva, and R. C. F. R. Castro, "Effect of photodynamic therapy on surface decontamination in clinical orthodontic instruments," Photodiagnosis and Photodynamic Therapy, vol. 24, pp. 123–128, 2018, doi: 10.1016/j.pdpdt.2018.09.003.

M. P. Uliana, A. da Cruz Rodrigues, B. A. Ono, S. Pratavieira, K. T. de Oliveira, and C. Kurachi, "Photodynamic Inactivation of Microorganisms Using Semisynthetic Chlorophyll and Derivatives as Photosensitizers," 2022. doi: 10.3390/molecules27185769.

V. Rizzi et al., "A comprehensive investigation of amino grafted mesoporous silica nanoparticles supramolecular assemblies to host photoactive chlorophyll and in aqueous solution," Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology A: Chemistry, vol. 377, pp. 149–158, 2019, doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jphotochem.2019.03.041.

R. O. Adnan and H. A. Jawad, "Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy using a low-power 650 nm laser to inhibit oral Candida albicans activity: an in vitro study," Journal of Medicine and Life, vol. 17, no. 1, pp. 28–34, 2024, doi: 10.25122/jml-2023-0285.

G. Tenore et al., "Evaluation of Photodynamic Therapy Using a Diode Laser 635 nm as an Adjunct to Conventional Chemo-Mechanical Endodontic Procedures against Enterococcus faecalis Biofilm: Ex-Vivo Study," 2020. doi: 10.3390/app10082925.

S. Alexeree, H. E. ElZorkany, Z. Abdel-Salam, and M. A. Harith, "A novel synthesis of a chlorophyll b-gold nanoconjugate used for enhancing photodynamic therapy: In vitro study," Photodiagnosis and Photodynamic Therapy, vol. 35, p. 102444, 2021, doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pdpdt.2021.102444.

J. Bai et al., "Low level laser therapy promotes bone regeneration by coupling angiogenesis and osteogenesis," Stem Cell Research and Therapy, vol. 12, no. 1, pp. 1–18, 2021, doi: 10.1186/s13287-021-02493-5.

F. Adnane, E. El-Zayat, and H. Fahmy, “The Combinational Application of Photodynamic Therapy and Nanotechnology in Skin Cancer Treatment: a Review,” Tissue and Cell, vol. 77, p. 101856, Oct. 2022, doi: 10.1016/j.tice.2022.101856.

S. D. Astuti et al., "Antimicrobial Photodynamic Effectiveness of Light Emitting Diode (LED) for Inactivation on Staphylococcus aureus Bacteria and Wound Healing in Infectious Wound Mice," Journal of Physics: Conference Series, vol. 1505, no. 1, 2020, doi: 10.1088/1742-6596/1505/1/012060.

I. Imelda, S. D. Astuty, P. L. Gareso, Z. Dwyana, N. F. Arifin, and S. D. Astuti, "Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles using Moringa oleifera: Implementation to Photoantimicrobial of Candida albicans with LED Light," Trends in Sciences, vol. 21, no. 9, p. 8032, 2024, doi: 10.48048/tis.2024.8032.

S. Saberi et al., "Efficacy of synthesized cubic spirulina platensis photosensitizer in anticancer photodynamic therapy: An in vitro study," Photodiagnosis and Photodynamic Therapy, vol. 42, no. January, p. 103511, 2023, doi: 10.1016/j.pdpdt.2023.103511.

L. M. Escobar, M. Grajales, Z. Bendahan, S. Jaimes, and P. Baldión, "Osteoblastic differentiation and changes in the redox state in pulp stem cells by laser treatment," Lasers in Medical Science, vol. 39, no. 1, 2024, doi: 10.1007/s10103-024-04016-z.

S. Shahbazi, S. Esmaeili, M. Feli, and M. Asnaashari, "Photodynamic Therapy in Root Canal Disinfection: A Case Series and Mini-Review," Journal of Lasers in Medical Sciences, vol. 13, pp. 1–6, 2022, doi: 10.34172/jlms.2022.19.

S. A. Mosaddad et al., "Photodynamic Therapy in Oral Cancer: A Narrative Review," Photobiomodulation, Photomedicine, and Laser Surgery, vol. 41, no. 6, pp. 248–264, 2023, doi: 10.1089/photob.2023.0030.

J. Won Kim and H. S. Lim, "Effect of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy with Radachlorin and a 660 nm diode laser on Pseudomonas aeruginosa: An in vitro study," Photodiagnosis and Photodynamic Therapy, vol. 31, no. July, p. 101931, 2020, doi: 10.1016/j.pdpdt.2020.101931.

S. D. Astuty, Suhariningsih, A. Baktir, and S. D. Astuti, "The efficacy of photodynamic inactivation of the diode laser in inactivation of the Candida albicans biofilms with exogenous photosensitizer of papaya leaf chlorophyll," Journal of Lasers in Medical Sciences, vol. 10, no. 3, pp. 215–224, 2019, doi: 10.15171/jlms.2019.35.

M. A. AlSarhan et al., "Short-term improvement of clinical parameters and microbial diversity in periodontitis patients following Indocyanine green-based antimicrobial photodynamic therapy: A randomized single-blind split-mouth cohort," Photodiagnosis and Photodynamic Therapy, vol. 35, no. March, p. 102349, 2021, doi: 10.1016/j.pdpdt.2021.102349.

S. Bourbour, A. Darbandi, N. Bostanghadiri, R. Ghanavati, B. Taheri, and A. Bahador, "Effects of Antimicrobial Photosensitizers of Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) to Treat Periodontitis," Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, vol. 25, no. 10, pp. 1209–1229, 2023, doi: 10.2174/1389201024666230720104516.

Z. Li et al., "A Multifunctional Nanosystem Based on Bacterial Cell-Penetrating Photosensitizer for Fighting Periodontitis Via Combining Photodynamic and Antibiotic Therapies," ACS Biomaterials Science and Engineering, vol. 7, no. 2, pp. 772–786, 2021, doi: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.0c01638.

S. Wang et al., "Carbon Dots in Photodynamic/Photothermal Antimicrobial Therapy," Nanomaterials, vol. 14, no. 15, 2024, doi: 10.3390/nano14151250.

M. G. Moro, V. F. de Carvalho, B. A. Godoy-Miranda, C. T. Kassa, A. C. R. T. Horliana, and R. A. Prates, "Efficacy of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) for nonsurgical treatment of periodontal disease: a systematic review," Lasers in Medical Science, vol. 36, no. 8, pp. 1573–1590, 2021, doi: 10.1007/s10103-020-03238-1.

L. M. Abdelgawad, Y. G. M. I. Salem, and E. S. A. A. El Tayeb, "Impact of Photobiomodulation and Melatonin on Periodontal Healing of Periodontitis in Immunosuppressed Rats," Journal of Lasers in Medical Sciences, vol. 15, 2024, doi: 10.34172/JLMS.2024.39.

A. Del Vecchio, G. Tenore, D. Pergolini, F. Rocchetti, G. Palaia, and U. Romeo, "The Role of the Laser Photobiomodulation (PBM) in the Management of Patients at Risk or Affected by MRONJ," Oral, vol. 2, no. 1, pp. 7–15, 2022, doi: 10.3390/oral2010002.

G. Garcia de Carvalho et al., "Photodynamic inactivation using a chlorin-based photosensitizer with blue or red-light irradiation against single-species biofilms related to periodontitis," Photodiagnosis and Photodynamic Therapy, vol. 31, no. July, p. 101916, 2020, doi: 10.1016/j.pdpdt.2020.101916.

M. El Mobadder, Z. Grzech-Lesniak, W. El Mobadder, M. Rifai, M. Ghandour, and S. Nammour, "Management of Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw with Photobiomodulation and Minimal Surgical Intervention," Dentistry Journal, vol. 11, no. 5, pp. 1–9, 2023, doi: 10.3390/dj11050127.

S. E. M. 1 Astuti S.D.1, Nashichah R.1, Widiyanti P.1, W. , Amir M.S.1, Apsari A.2, and A. N. 4 Hermanto E.2, Susilo Y.3, Yaqubi A.K.1, Nurdin D.Z.I.1, "Aluminum phthalocyanine nanoparticles activation for local fluorescence spectroscopy in dentistry," Biomedical Photonics, vol. 7, no. 3, pp. 4–20, 2018, doi: 10.24931/2413.

S. S. Hashemikamangar1 and N. C. , Shadi Pourahmadi2, "Effect of Photodynamic Therapy with Four Light- Sensitive Materials on the Bond Strength of Fiber Posts to Root Dentin," Journal of Lasers in Medical Sciences, vol. Volume 15, 2024, doi: 10.34172/jlms.2024.16.

Mohammad Reza Karimi1 and N. H. , Shahrzad Abdollahi1, Ardavan Etemadi1* ID, "Investigating the Effect of Photobiomodulation Therapy With Different Wavelengths of Diode Lasers on the Proliferation and Adhesion of Human Gingival Fibroblast Cells to a Collagen Membrane: An In Vitro Study," Journal of Lasers in Medical Sciences, vol. Volume 15, 2024, doi: 10.34172/jlms.2024.53.

F. Sayar, A. Garebigloo, S. Saberi, and A. Etemadi, "In Vitro Photobiomodulation Effects of Blue and Red Diode Lasers on Proliferation and Differentiation of Periodontal Ligament Mesenchymal Stem Cells," Journal of Lasers in Medical Sciences, vol. 15, p. e5, 2024, doi: 10.34172/JLMS.2024.05.

A. S. Chan, A. G. Chan, J. M. Dawes, A. J. Chan, and A. Chan, "Quantifying light energy from 450 nm, 650 nm, 810 nm, and 980 nm wavelength lasers delivered through dental hard tissue," Lasers in Dental Science, vol. 6, no. 2, pp. 89–97, 2022, doi: 10.1007/s41547-022-00154-1.

A. R. Ahmadinia and F. Staji, "Comparison of the effect of wavelength 660 with 808 nm diode as a low level laser on non-surgical periodontal treatment in chronic periodontitis: a double-blind split-mouth randomized controlled clinical trial," Lasers in Dental Science, vol. 7, no. 3, pp. 103–109, 2023, doi: 10.1007/s41547-023-00185-2.

Y. W. Chen, O. Hsieh, Y. A. Chen, L. L. Chiou, and P. C. Chang, "Randomized controlled clinical effectiveness of adjunct 660-nm light-emitting diode irradiation during non-surgical periodontal therapy," Journal of the Formosan Medical Association, vol. 119, no. 1P1, pp. 157–163, 2020, doi: 10.1016/j.jfma.2019.01.010.

G. A. M. D. da Fonseca et al., "Laser-photobiomodulation on titanium implant bone healing in rat model: comparison between 660- and 808-nm wavelength," Lasers in Medical Science, vol. 37, no. 4, pp. 2179–2184, Jun. 2022, doi: 10.1007/s10103-021-03481-0.

H. A. Soliman and D. Mostafaa, "Clinical evaluation of 660 nm diode laser therapy on the pain, size and functional disorders of recurrent aphthous stomatitis," Open Access Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences, vol. 7, no. 9, pp. 1516–1522, 2019, doi: 10.3889/oamjms.2019.268.

M. Ahmadi, A. M. Shirani, S. Z. Farhad, M. Khosravi, and M. Mir, "Comparison of 660-nm low-level and defocused 810-nm high-power laser for treatment of herpes labialis," Lasers in Dental Science, vol. 6, no. 4, pp. 211–218, 2022, doi: 10.1007/s41547-022-00164-z.

Y. H. Gao et al., "Synthesis and evaluation of novel chlorophyll and derivatives as potent photosensitizers for photodynamic therapy," European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, vol. 187, p. 111959, 2020, doi: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2019.111959.

D. G. Ramírez et al., "Osteogenic potential of apical papilla stem cells mediated by platelet-rich fibrin and low-level laser," Odontology, vol. 112, no. 2, pp. 399–407, 2024, doi: 10.1007/s10266-023-00851-8.

M. Gojkov-Vukelic, S. Hadzic, I. M. Jahic, E. Pasic, and A. Muharemovic, "Comparative evaluation of the effects of diode laser and desensitizing agents on the treatment of dentin hypersensitivity: A clinical study," Medical Informatics Act, vol. 29, no. 2, pp. 125–129, 2021, doi: 10.5455/AIM.2021.29.125-129.

F. Abesi and N. Derikvand, "Efficacy of Low-Level Laser Therapy in Wound Healing and Pain Reduction After Gingivectomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis," Journal of Lasers in Medical Sciences, vol. 14, 2023, doi: 10.34172/jlms.2023.17.

R. Elgadi, Y. Sedky, and R. Franzen, "The effectiveness of low-level laser therapy on orthodontic tooth movement: a systematic review," Lasers in Dental Science, vol. 7, no. 3, pp. 129–137, 2023, doi: 10.1007/s41547-023-00190-5.

M. Grajales, N. Ríos-Osorio, O. Jimenez-Peña, J. Mendez-Sanchez, K. Sanchez-Fajardo, and H. A. García-Perdomo, "Effectiveness of photobiomodulation with low-level lasers on the acceleration of orthodontic tooth movement: a systematic review and meta-analysis of split-mouth randomised clinical trials," Dec. 2023, Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH. doi: 10.1007/s10103-023-03870-7.

J. Yong et al., "Photobiomodulation therapy assisted orthodontic tooth movement: potential implications, challenges, and new perspectives," Journal of Zhejiang University: Science B, vol. 24, no. 11, pp. 957–973, 2023, doi: 10.1631/jzus. B2200706.

X. Wang, Q. Liu, J. Peng, W. Song, J. Zhao, and L. Chen, "The Effects and Mechanisms of PBM Therapy in Accelerating Orthodontic Tooth Movement," Biomolecules, vol. 13, no. 7, pp. 1–30, 2023, doi: 10.3390/biom13071140.

H. Yang, J. Liu, and K. Yang, "Comparative Study of 660 and 830 nm Photobiomodulation in Promoting Orthodontic Tooth Movement," Photobiomodulation, Photomedicine, and Laser Surgery, vol. 37, no. 6, pp. 349–355, 2019, doi: 10.1089/photob.2018.4615.

S. S. Othman et al., "Ameliorating orthodontic relapse using laser bio-stimulation and mesenchymal stem cells in rats," Journal of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, vol. 22, no. 1, p. 100331, 2024, doi: 10.1016/j.jgeb.2023.100331.

A. B. R. Mirzaei, V. Arash, M. Rahmati-Kamel, F. Abesi, "Evaluation of the Effects of Low-Level Laser Therapy on the Rate of Relapse of Mandibular Incisors after Fixed Orthodontic Treatment: A Randomized Controlled Trial," Journal of Babol University of Medical Sciences, vol. 25, no. 1, pp. 152–159, 2023.

S. H. Abdelwassie, M. A. Kaddah, A. E. El-Dakroury, D. El-Boghdady, M. A. El-Ghafour, and N. F. Seifeldin, "Effectiveness of low-level laser therapy in facilitating maxillary expansion using bone-borne hyrax expander: A randomized clinical trial," Korean Journal of Orthodontics, vol. 52, no. 6, pp. 399–411, 2022, doi: 10.4041/kjod22.095.

A. Farsaii and T. Al-Jewair, "Insufficient Evidence Supports the Use of Low-Level Laser Therapy to Accelerate Tooth Movement, Prevent Orthodontic Relapse, and Modulate Acute Pain During Orthodontic Treatment," Journal of Evidence-Based Dental Practice, vol. 17, no. 3, pp. 262–264, 2017, doi: 10.1016/j.jebdp.2017.06.008.

S. H. Lee, K. A. Kim, S. Anderson, Y. G. Kang, and S. J. Kim, "Combined effect of photobiomodulation with a matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor on the rate of relapse in rats," Angle Orthodontist, vol. 86, no. 2, pp. 206–213, 2016, doi: 10.2319/022515-118.1.

J. Zhao, Q. Liu, C. Zhang, K. Zhang, and P. Xin, "The effects of fulvic acids and low-level laser therapy on orthodontic retention in rats," BMC Oral Health, vol. 24, no. 1, p. 1155, 2024, doi: 10.1186/s12903-024-04943-x.

D. A. Zahra, C. Christnawati, and C. A. Farmasyanti, “Effect of Blue-light-emitting Diode Exposure on Osteoprotegerin Level During Orthodontic Relapse in Rats,” Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, vol. 19, pp. 58–64, 2023.

Z. Shan, K. W. F. Wong, C. McGrath, M. Gu, and Y. Yang, "Comprehensive Effects of Photobiomodulation Therapy as an Adjunct to Post-orthodontic Treatment Care: A Systematic Review.," Oral health & preventive dentistry, vol. 19, no. 1, pp. 203–216, 2021, doi: 10.3290/j.ohpd.b1075107.

O. A. Ayach, R. Hadad, and O. Hamadah, “Evaluation of Efficiency of Low-Level Laser on Relapse After Orthodontic Treatment: a Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial,” Journal of Stomatology, vol. 74, no. 3, pp. 140–146, 2021, doi: 10.5114/JOS.2021.108838.