The Current Use of Soft Tissue Lasers in Orthodontic Practices

Abstract

This study investigated the use of soft tissue lasers in orthodontic practices, specifically whether the orthodontist demographics and practice characteristics influenced the use of soft tissue laser within an office. The study also examined whether the use of soft tissue laser had an impact on the number of referrals out of the office to other specialists for soft tissue procedures. A survey was sent to members of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) to collect this data. Based on the results of this survey, there were no significant associations between orthodontist demographics and soft tissue laser use, practice characteristics and soft tissue laser use, or soft tissue laser use and the number of referrals out of the office to other providers. This study did find, however, that individuals who were trained on laser use by sales staff or manufacturers or who had attended continuing education courses regarding soft tissue laser use were significantly more likely to utilize lasers. Similarly, orthodontists with no training on soft tissue laser use were significantly less likely to use a laser in their practice. The results of this study also suggested that while many orthodontists believe that there are benefits to using soft tissue lasers in orthodontic settings, many still have not incorporated this technology into their own offices.