Mulder, RiaanMelman, GeoffreyKaric, Vesna2017-09-042017-09-042017Mulder, R. (2017). Application of lasers in orthodiontics. South African Dental Journal, 72(6): 276 - 2771029-4864http://ref.scielo.org/6pfvr9http://hdl.handle.net/10566/3170Laser is the acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation, a usage that dates back to approximately 50 years ago. In 1960, the first functioning laser was built by the American physicist Maiman at the Hughes Research Laboratories by using a synthetic ruby crystal made of aluminum oxide and chromium oxide. In general, lasers are composed of the three principal parts: an energy source, an active medium and a set of two or more mirrors that form a resonator. Properties such as wavelength are determined primarily by the active medium, which can be a gas, crystal or a solid-state conductor.enThis file may be freely used for educational uses. No commercial reproduction or distribution of this file is permitted without written permission of the South African Dental Association (SADA). Note that the SADA retains all intellectual property rights in the article.Light amplification by stimulated emission of radiationLaserPhotobiomodulating (PBM)Orthodontic practiceArticle