Pain in orthodontics. A review and discussion of the literature

Comparison of the Perception of Pain during Fixed Orthodontic Treatment with Metal and Ceramic Brackets

Introduction:

Pain is experienced by patients during various fixed orthodontic procedures such as placement of separators, insertion of arch wire and its activations, orthopedic appliances such as headgear, and debonding of the appliance. This study was formulated with the background that the level of pain sensation differs between conventional metal and ceramic brackets, arch wire being the same.

Materials and Methods:

The sample comprised 40 patients. The patients were separated into two groups: Group A (metal brackets) and Group B (ceramic brackets). In Group A, the brackets were bonded with 0.022” conventional stainless steel brackets (Unitek Gemini, 3M, Monrovia, California). In Group B, the brackets were bonded with ceramic brackets (Unitek Gemini Clear Brackets, 3M, Monrovia, California). The bonding of the brackets was carried out according to the conventional etching, priming, and curing technique. A 0.016” NiTi (nickel titanium) arch wire was used as the first arch wire. The intensity of pain was documented in a figure containing two 100-mm visual analog scales (VASs).

Results:

The level of pain reduced in intensity in due course. During 1 month, VAS scores increased at the end of day 1 (24 h) for the metal and ceramic group. The pain then decreased for up to 5 days. The average pain intensity reached 4.44 in the ceramic group, whereas it was 2.7 in the metal group for the upper anterior region. It decreased up to 1 in the ceramic and 0.22 in the metal group.

Conclusion:

Patients bonded with ceramic brackets experienced a higher and more severe pain of longer duration than individuals treated with conventional brackets.

A randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of verbal behavior modification and acetaminophen on orthodontic pain

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effectiveness of verbal behavior modification, acetaminophen, and the combined effectiveness of verbal behavior modification along with acetaminophen on orthodontic pain.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred and forty orthodontic fixed appliance patients were randomly assigned to four groups. Group A was administered acetaminophen, group B was given verbal behavior modification, group C was administered acetaminophen as well as verbal behavior modification, and group D was placebo-controlled. A visual analog scale was used to assess pain intensity after 1 week of separator placement.

RESULTS

Group A had less mean pain intensity when compared to group B at 6 hours (P < .001) and at 1 (P < .001) and 2 (P = .002) days. Group C patients encountered less mean pain intensity when compared to group B patients at 6 hours (P < .001) and at 1 (P < .001), 2 (P < .001), and 4 (P = .001) days. There was a statistically significant difference between groups A and C (group C experienced less pain intensity) after 6 hours (P = .004) and at day 4 (P = .009) after separator placement.

CONCLUSIONS

Acetaminophen is the main agent of orthodontic pain reduction after separator placement, with verbal behavior serving as an adjunct to it.

Effectiveness of different psychological interventions in reducing fixed orthodontic pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background/Objective

Pain induced by tooth movement is a common experience for orthodontic patients. The effectiveness of psychological intervention, as a new approach to control pain, has not been fully explored. Hence, this systematic review and meta-analysis is intended to evaluate the analgesic effect of psychological intervention within the week after fixed orthodontic initial arch wire placement.

Methods

A computerised literature search was conducted in the Medline (1966-2019), Embase (1984-2019), Cochrane Library (Issue 1 of 2019), CBMdisk (1978-2019) and CNKI (1994-2019) databases to identify randomised clinical trials (RCTs), which used psychological interventions to relieve pain during fixed orthodontic treatment. Specific inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied to identify relevant articles. The data were extracted independently by two reviewers and a quality assessment was carried out by using the Cochrane Collaboration ‘risk of bias’ tool. Meta-analyses were conducted with fixed or random effects models as appropriate. Statistical heterogeneity was also examined. The RevMan 5.3 software was used for data analysis.

Results

A total of 472 articles were identified, from which nine RCTs were finally included. A meta-analysis revealed that after initial arch wire placement, cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) and music therapy could significantly reduce pain within three days compared with a control group. In addition, there were no differences in pain reduction between CBT and music therapy within one week. Furthermore, a structured phone and text follow-up could significantly reduce and control pain and had the same effectiveness in pain reduction.

Conclusions

In the short term after initial arch wire placement, all psychological interventions could significantly reduce the intensity of pain without adverse effects. In the current study, there was no significant difference in pain relief between the different psychological interventions. In the future, more high-quality research with consistency in research design is needed for further evaluation.

Efficacy of Topical Anesthetics in Pain Perception During Mini-implant Insertion: Systematic Review of Controlled Clinical Trials

The focus of this systematic review is to assess the efficacy of several commonly utilized anesthetic techniques for reducing pain during the placement of mini-implants. An electronic search was conducted in the databases PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Medline Complete, Cochrane, Trials Central, and Clinical Trials, without limitations on year of publication or language. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and controlled clinical trials (CCTs) were considered. Two reviewers of articles independently evaluated the results of the study, and the risk of bias of included articles was evaluated according to the Cochrane Scale. Five eligible articles (3 RCTs and 2 CCTs) were included. The quality of the body of evidence was considered low because of the presence of multiple methodological problems, high risks of bias, and heterogeneity in the articles included. There was evidence that the efficacy of the analgesia of infiltrative anesthesia was most effective in promoting a lower perception of pain compared to the other anesthetic agents, although an injection was required. Among topical anesthetics, compound topical anesthetics with 20% lidocaine were more effective than compound topical anesthetics with low lidocaine concentration and conventional topical anesthetic with 20% benzocaine.

Perception of mini-screw anchorage devices by patients

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate how mini-screw anchorage are perceived by patients as well as their degree of satisfaction regarding their orthodontic treatment.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A questionnaire was handed out to the study population which comprising 137 patients all undergoing orthodontic treatment, without exclusion criteria.

RESULTS

Out of the total number of 230 questionnaires distributed to patients, only 137 (60%) questionnaires were returned (sample 1) bearing in mind that 29 patients (21.2%) were fitted with a mini-screw (sample 2). In sample 2, 86.20% of patients showed no sign of mini-screw instability during treatment. The majority of patients (62.10%) reported no pain when the mini-screws were inserted (62.1%) and among the 37.9% who did feel pain, 60% were boys and 26.3% were girls, without significant difference, P<0.11. Post-op pain decreased steadily between day 1 and day 7 regardless of the orthodontic technique used (P>0.5). When pain was felt during the 7-day period, it was significantly greater for initial tooth alignment than for micro-implant surgery (P<0.05). Most patients declared themselves satisfied with the orthodontic treatment using anchorage devices, with a 72.4% satisfaction rate.

CONCLUSION

Overall, the use of mini-screw anchorage devices during orthodontic treatment is well accepted by patients. The stability rate is high with predictable results. Post-op pain is significantly lower than orthodontic alignment pain.

Pain perception among patients treated with passive self-ligating fixed appliances and Invisalign® aligners during the first week of orthodontic treatment

Objective

This study was performed to compare the perception of pain between patients treated with passive self-ligating fixed appliances and those treated with Invisalign aligners.

Methods

This prospective study conducted in Saudi Arabia used an estimated sample of 64 patients from a private dental clinic. After obtaining written informed consent, the patients were divided into two groups; one group (n = 32) was treated using passive self-ligating fixed appliances and the other group (n = 32) using Invisalign^® aligners. Immediately after fitting the appliances, the patients' perception of pain was evaluated through a close-ended and coded self-administrated questionnaire by using a visual analog scale (VAS). Their responses were recorded at 4 hours, 24 hours, day 3, and day 7. Mann-Whitney U-test, Kruskal-Wallis test, and Pearson's chi-square test were performed for statistical analysis.

Results

A lower percentage of patients treated with Invisalign aligners reported pain than did patients treated with passive self-ligating fixed appliances, and these differences were statistically significant (p = 0.001). Similarly, the mean VAS score for the Invisalign group was significantly lower than that for the passive self-ligating fixed appliance group at different intervals during the first week of treatment. The intensity of pain with both appliances peaked at 24 hours (mean VAS score, 3.87) and was lowest (mean VAS score, 1.62) on day 7.

Conclusions

During the first week of orthodontic treatment, patients treated with Invisalign aligners reported lower pain than did those treated with passive self-ligating fixed appliances.

Low-level laser therapy (830 nm) on orthodontic pain: blinded randomized clinical trial

The objective of this research was to compare the effect single low-level laser therapy (LLLT) irradiation on pain perception in patients having fixed appliance treatment in the clinic of orthodontics. Sixty-two patients were recruited to participate in this randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study. The patients were assigned to four groups: group I-laser on the right side; group II-placebo on the right side; group III-laser on the left side; group IV-placebo on the left. The laser or placebo was applied before separation, 24 and 48 h after separation of their first permanent molars in the lower arch. Just after the separation, the average of the pain for the placebo group was 1.6, significantly greater than the average of 1.1 registered for the laser group (p = 0.013). After 24 h and before the new irradiation, the values registered among the different groups did not show any differences. In relation to the gender, only after the first irradiation in placebo group, the female had a level of pain (0.1) significantly higher (p = 0.04) compared to male, and after 48 h, the group where the laser was applied had a difference (p = 0.04) among the gender with a value of lower pain for men (0.6) than for women (1.6).The laser irradiation to minimize the pain was only effective when applied immediately after treatment and separation. In general way, there were no differences between the genders, except after the first placebo group irradiation in which the female had a significantly higher level of pain compared to male and after 48 h. The pain cycle observed in this study had its peak in 24 h, both for laser's and placebo's group.

Is the main goal of mastication achieved after orthodontic treatment? A prospective longitudinal study

Objective:

To investigate the masticatory and swallowing performances in patients with malocclusions before and after orthodontic treatment, comparing them to an age- and gender-matched control group with normal occlusion.

Methods:

Twenty-three patients with malocclusions requiring orthodontic treatment were included in this prospective study. One month after appliance removal, seventeen patients completed a follow-up examination and the data were compared with those of a control group with thirty subjects with normal occlusion. Masticatory performance was determined by the median particle size for the Optocal Plus^® test food after 15 chewing strokes, and three variables related to swallowing were assessed: a) time and b) number of strokes needed to prepare the test-food for swallowing, and c) median particle size of the crushed particles at the moment of swallowing.

Results:

At the baseline examination, the malocclusion group had a significantly lower masticatory performance and did not reach the particle size reduction at the moment of swallowing, when compared with the control group. After treatment, the masticatory performance significantly improved in the malocclusion group and the particle size reduction at swallowing reached the same level as in the control group.

Conclusions:

The present results showed that the correction of malocclusions with fixed appliances can objectively provide positive effects in both mastication and deglutition processes, reinforcing that besides aesthetic reasons, there are also functional indications for orthodontic treatment.

Potential risks of orthodontic therapy: a critical review and conceptual framework

This review examines some of the potential risks of orthodontic therapy along with their evidence base. The risks of orthodontic treatment include periodontal damage, pain, root resorption, tooth devitalization, temporomandibular disorder, caries, speech problems and enamel damage. These risks can be understood to arise from a synergy between treatment and patient factors. In general terms, treatment factors that can influence risk include appliance type, force vectors and duration of treatment whilst relevant patient factors are both biological and behavioural. Hence, the natural variation between orthodontic treatment plans and patients gives rise to variations in risk. A good understanding of these risks is required for clinicians to obtain informed consent before starting treatment as well as to reduce the potential for harm during treatment. After considering each of these risks, a conceptual framework is presented to help clinicians better understand how orthodontic risks arise and may therefore be mitigated.

Discomfort associated with Invisalign and traditional brackets: A randomized, prospective trial

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate differences in discomfort levels between patients treated with aligners and traditional fixed orthodontic appliances.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This blinded, prospective, randomized equivalence two-arm parallel trial allocated 41 adult Class I nonextraction patients to either traditional fixed appliance (6 males and 12 females) or aligner (11 males and 12 females) treatment. Patients completed daily discomfort diaries following their initial treatment appointment, after 1 month and after 2 months. They recorded their levels of discomfort at rest, while chewing, and while biting, as well as their analgesic consumption and sleep disturbances.

RESULTS

Both treatment modalities demonstrated similar levels of initial discomfort. There were no significant sex differences. Patients in the traditional fixed appliances group reported significantly (P < .05) greater discomfort than patients in the aligner group during the first week of active treatment. There was significantly more discomfort while chewing than when at rest. Traditional patients also reported significantly more discomfort than aligner patients after the first and second monthly adjustment appointments. Discomfort after the subsequent adjustments was consistently lower than after the initial bonding or aligner delivery appointments. A higher percentage of patients in the fixed-appliance group reported taking analgesics during the first week for dental pain, but only the difference on day 2 was statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients treated with traditional fixed appliances reported greater discomfort and consumed more analgesics than patients treated with aligners. This trial was not registered.

Bone-anchored intermaxillary elastics in an asymmetric Class II malocclusion: A case report

PURPOSE

A 13-year-old male patient, presenting a Class II, division 1 malocclusion and crowding was treated by an innovative technique.

METHODS

After rapid palatal expansion by a Hyrax appliance, the teeth were bonded with straightwire brackets. Two miniscrews were inserted, one per side, in the mandibular buccal bone between the roots of the mandibular first molar and the second premolar. On the right side, the miniscrew implant was connected to the hook clamped on a 0.021×0.028″ SS wire with a twisted SS ligature in order to maintain the inclination of the frontal incisors during the Class II mechanics. On the left side, where the Class II relationship was more marked, intermaxillary elastics were applied from the upper left hook clamped on the archwire to the lower first molar and a power chain (100g) was stretched from the lower left hook to the miniscrew implant. Class II correction was accomplished using sequential Class II elastics of progressive strength coupled with rectangular stainless steel wires.

RESULTS

After 22 months of active treatment, the results were balanced facial esthetics and a good occlusion.

CONCLUSIONS

This dual anchorage set-up of Class II elastics reinforced with TADs produced protrusive action on the mandible with minimal side effects and with no significant change in the vertical dimension during the sagittal correction of the Class II malocclusion.

The effect of a lidocaine/prilocaine topical anesthetic on pain and discomfort associated with orthodontic elastomeric separator placement

Background

The initial placement of orthodontic elastomeric separators can be uncomfortable and painful. Therefore, it is important to relieve this disturbing sensation to create a discomfort or pain-free orthodontic visit. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a lidocaine/prilocaine topical anesthetic on pain and discomfort associated with the placement of orthodontic elastomeric separators.

Methods

Fifty subjects aging between 20–35 years were included in this study. In the maxillary arch, a lidocaine/prilocaine topical anesthetic was placed around the ginigval margins of the premolar and molar on side. On the other side, a placebo agent was placed around the ginigval margins of the premolar and molar. After two minutes, an elastomeric separator was placed between the premolar and molar on both sides. The subjects were then asked to report their findings on a Verbal Scale and a Visual Analogue Scale every second minute for a period of 10 min. The subjects were also given a questionnaire to evaluate the overall impression on the topical anesthetic use.

Results

The overall mean discomfort/pain score was found to be significantly lower (p < 0.001) with the topical anesthetic than with the placebo. Repeated measures ANOVA with a Greenhouse-Geisser correction determined that mean pain scores were statistically significantly low with the 10-min time duration (F_(1.54,42.2) = 40.7, p = 0.001), with an estimated grand mean (8.37, 95% CI 6.75–9.98). The questionnaire responses revealed that 87% of the subjects reported an overall satisfaction and agreement with the topical anesthetic than with the placebo or no difference (13%) after the initial separator placement.

Conclusions

The discomfort and pain resulting from the initial placement of orthodontic elastomeric separators can be significantly reduced with the lidocaine/prilocaine topical anesthetic.

Pain and distress induced by elastomeric and spring separators in patients undergoing orthodontic treatment

Aims and Objectives:

The objective of the present investigation is to evaluate patients’ pain perception and discomfort, the duration of pain and the level of self-medication over time during tooth separation, and the effectiveness of elastomeric and spring types of orthodontic separators in Saudi population.

Materials and Methods:

The study group consisted of 30 female adolescent patients who had elastomeric/spring separators as part of their orthodontic treatment. A self-administrated questionnaire comprising 16 multiple choice questions and another with visual analog scale were used to record the patient's pain perceptions at 4 hours, 24 hours, 3 days, 5 days, and 7 days from the time of insertion. The level of pain and discomfort during these time periods were assessed by a visual analog scale. After a separation period of 7 days, the amount of separation was measured with a leaf gauge. Type and frequency of analgesic consumption was also recorded. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 (IBM SPSS -Chicago, IL: SPSS Inc.,) was used for statistical analysis.

Results:

The data showed significant increase in the level of pain at 4 hours, 24 hours, and 3 days from separator placement. The elastomeric separators produced significantly more separation than the spring separators and also caused maximum pain during the first 3 days after insertion. However, there was no significant difference between the score of pain between two separators at all time intervals.

Conclusion:

Both elastomeric and spring separators showed comparative levels of pain and discomfort during the early phase of separation. Elastomeric separators were found to be more effective in tooth separation than spring separators. However, further studies are necessary to substantiate this preliminary observation.

Pain and discomfort during the first week of rapid maxillary expansion (RME) using two different RME appliances: A randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate and compare perceived pain intensity, discomfort, and jaw function impairment during the first week with tooth-borne or tooth-bone-borne rapid maxillary expansion (RME) appliances.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifty-four patients (28 girls and 26 boys) with a mean age of 9.8 years (SD 1.28 years) were randomized into two groups. Group A received a conventional hyrax appliance and group B a hybrid hyrax appliance anchored on mini-implants in the anterior palate. Questionnaires were used to assess pain intensity, discomfort, analgesic consumption, and jaw function impairment on the first and fourth days after RME appliance insertion.

RESULTS

Fifty patients answered both questionnaires. Overall median pain on the first day in treatment was 13.0 (range 0-82) and 3.5 (0-78) for groups A and B, respectively, with no significant differences in pain, discomfort, analgesic consumption, or functional jaw impairment between groups. Overall median pain on the fourth day was 9.0 (0-90) and 2.0 (0-71) for groups A and B, respectively, with no significant differences between groups. There were also no significant differences in pain levels within group A, while group B scored significantly lower concerning pain from molars and incisors and tensions from the jaw on day 4 than on the first day in treatment. There was a significant positive correlation between age and pain and discomfort on the fourth day in treatment. No correlations were found between sex and pain and discomfort, analgesic consumption, and jaw function impairment.

CONCLUSIONS

Both tooth-borne and tooth-bone-borne RME were generally well tolerated by the patients during the first week of treatment.

Non-pharmacological interventions for alleviating pain during orthodontic treatment

BACKGROUND

Pain is prevalent during orthodontics, particularly during the early stages of treatment. To ensure patient comfort and compliance during treatment, the prevention or management of pain is of major importance. While pharmacological means are the first line of treatment for alleviation of orthodontic pain, a range of non-pharmacological approaches have been proposed recently as viable alternatives.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of non-pharmacological interventions to alleviate pain associated with orthodontic treatment.

SEARCH METHODS

Cochrane Oral Health's Information Specialist searched the following databases: Cochrane Oral Health's Trials Register (to 6 October 2016), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (the Cochrane Library, 2016, Issue 9), MEDLINE Ovid (1946 to 6 October 2016), Embase Ovid (1980 to 6 October 2016) and EThOS (to 6 October 2016). We searched ClinicalTrials.gov and the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform for ongoing trials. No restrictions were placed on the language or date of publication when searching the electronic databases.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing a non-pharmacological orthodontic pain intervention to a placebo, no intervention or another non-pharmacological pain intervention were eligible for inclusion. We included any type of orthodontic treatment but excluded trials involving the use of pre-emptive analgesia or pain relief following orthognathic (jaw) surgery or dental extractions in combination with orthodontic treatment. We excluded split-mouth trials (in which each participant receives two or more treatments, each to a separate section of the mouth) and cross-over trials.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

At least two review authors independently assessed risk of bias and extracted data. We used the random-effects model and expressed results as mean differences (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). We investigated heterogeneity with reference to both clinical and methodological factors.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 14 RCTs that randomised 931 participants. Interventions assessed included: low-level laser therapy (LLLT) (4 studies); vibratory devices (5 studies); chewing adjuncts (3 studies); brain wave music or cognitive behavioural therapy (1 study) and post-treatment communication in the form of a text message (1 study). Twelve studies involved self-report assessment of pain on a continuous scale and two studies used questionnaires to assess the nature, intensity and location of pain.We combined data from two studies involving 118 participants, which provided low-quality evidence that LLLT reduced pain at 24 hours by 20.27 mm (95% CI -24.50 to -16.04, P < 0.001; I² = 0%). LLLT also appeared to reduce pain at six hours, three days and seven days.Results for the other comparisons assessed are inconclusive as the quality of the evidence was very low. Vibratory devices were assessed in five studies (272 participants), four of which were at high risk of bias and one unclear. Chewing adjuncts (chewing gum or a bite wafer) were evaluated in three studies (181 participants); two studies were at high risk of bias and one was unclear. Brain wave music and cognitive behavioural therapy were evaluated in one trial (36 participants) assessed at unclear risk of bias. Post-treatment text messaging (39 participants) was evaluated in one study assessed at high risk of bias.Adverse effects were not measured in any of the studies.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Overall, the results are inconclusive. Although available evidence suggests laser irradiation may help reduce pain during orthodontic treatment in the short term, this evidence is of low quality and therefore we cannot rely on the findings. Evidence for other non-pharmacological interventions is either very low quality or entirely lacking. Further prospective research is required to address the lack of reliable evidence concerning the effectiveness of a range of non-pharmacological interventions to manage orthodontic pain. Future studies should use prolonged follow-up and should measure costs and possible harms.

Smart Bracket for Multi-dimensional Force and Moment Measurement

Atraumatic, well-directed, and efficient tooth movement is interrelated with the therapeutic application of adequately dimensioned forces and moments in all three dimensions. The lack of appropriate monitoring tools inspired the development of an orthodontic bracket with an integrated microelectronic chip equipped with multiple piezoresistive stress sensors. Such a ‘smart bracket’ was constructed (scale of 2.5:1) and calibrated. To evaluate how accurately the integrated sensor system allowed for the quantitative determination of three-dimensional force-moment systems externally applied to the bracket, we exerted 396 different force-moment combinations with dimensions within usual therapeutic ranges (± 1.5 N and ± 15 Nmm). Comparison between the externally applied force-moment components and those reconstructed on the basis of the stress sensor signals revealed very good agreement, with standard deviations in the differences of 0.037 N and 0.985 Nmm, respectively. We conclude that our methodological approach is generally suitable for monitoring the relatively low forces and moments exerted on individual teeth with fixed orthodontic appliances.

A Protocol for Treatment of Minor Orthodontic Relapse During Retention

OBJECTIVES

Successful orthodontic treatment presupposes that the esthetic and functional outcomes are maintained. Bonded retainers on the incisors and canines provide this stability. Failure of one or two units exposes the teeth to a relapse. This article describes the use of a retainer wire and an elastic device to provide rapid, effective and esthetic correction of incipient crowding.

CLINICAL ASPECTS

After removing the retainer, a fixed appliance comprising a replacement retainer and a clear elastic are positioned. This device exerts a free tipping force on malpositioned teeth. The space required to realign the contact points is obtained by stripping. When the misaligned teeth are corrected, they are bonded to the retainer and the height of the incisal edges is equalized.

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of a new elastic-activated retainer and stripping makes it possible to ensure rapid and effective correction of moderate relapsed crowding.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

This article demonstrates the efficacy of a retainer used to correct incipient relapsing crowding. The esthetics of the anterior alignment is restored by means of an almost invisible device. This solution also permits functional guidance to be restored with minimal intervention on the dental tissues while avoiding conventional esthetic techniques involving lingual brackets. (J Esthet Restor Dent 28:359-366,2016).

Efficacy of different methods to reduce pain during debonding of orthodontic brackets

OBJECTIVE

To determine pain during debonding and the effects of different pain control methods, gender, and personal traits on the pain experience.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients who had fixed orthodontic treatment with metal brackets, but no surgical treatment or craniofacial deformity, were included. Sixty-three patients (32 female, aged 17.2 ± 2.9 years; 31 male aged, 17.2 ± 2.5 years) were allocated to three groups (n = 21) according to the pain control method: finger pressure, elastomeric wafer, or stress relief. Pain experience for each tooth was scored on a visual analogue scale (VAS), and general responses of participants to pain were evaluated by Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS). Multiple linear regression analysis, the Mann Whitney U-test, and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient analysis were used to analyze the data.

RESULTS

When the VAS scores were adjusted, finger pressure caused a 47% reduction overall, 56% in lower elastomer wafer total, 59% in lower right arch, 62% in lower left, and 62% in lower anterior compared with the elastomeric wafer. In the elastomer wafer group, upper and lower anterior scores were higher than posterior scores, respectively. Females had higher VAS (lower left and anterior) and total PCS scores than males. Regardless of the pain control method, total PCS scores were correlated with total (r = .254), upper total (r = .290), right (r = .258), left (r = .244), and posterior (r = .278) VAS scores.

CONCLUSIONS

The stress relief method showed no difference when compared with the other groups. Finger pressure was more effective than the elastomeric wafer in the lower jaw. Higher pain levels were recorded for the anterior regions with the elastomeric wafer. Females and pain catastrophizers gave higher VAS scores.

Insight into orthodontic appliance induced pain: Mechanism, duration and management

Most of the orthodontic patients experience pain during treatment and this significantly influences their attitudes and the approach towards treatment. A number of factors that influence pain response include age, gender, personal pain threshold, mood and stress level of the person, cultural differences and types of orthodontic treatment. Pain is a often overlooked subject by orthodontists, it is nevertheless important to understand the source and mechanism of the pain that occurs during treatment, as well as the methods for managing and controlling this pain. This review attempts to overview the mechanism, duration and current management strategies of orthodontic treatment.

Effects of Danggui-Shaoyao-San on the Influence of Spatial Learning and Memory Induced by Experimental Tooth Movement

BACKGROUND

The pain caused by orthodontic treatment has been considered as tough problems in orthodontic practice. There is substantial literature on pain which has exactly effected on learning and memory; orthodontic tooth movement affected the emotional status has been showed positive outcomes. Danggui-Shaoyao-San (DSS) is a Traditional Chinese Medicine prescription that has been used for pain treatment and analgesic effect for orthodontic pain via inhibiting the activations of neuron and glia. We raised the hypothesis that DSS could restore the impaired abilities of spatial learning and memory via regulating neuron or glia expression in the hippocampus.

METHODS

A total of 36 rats were randomly divided into three groups: (1) Sham group (n = 12), rats underwent all the operation procedure except for the placement of orthodontic forces and received saline treatment; (2) experimental tooth movement (ETM) group (n = 12), rats received saline treatment and ETM; (3) DSS + ETM (DETM) group (n = 12), rats received DSS treatment and ETM. All DETM group animals were administered with DSS at a dose of 150 mg/kg. Morris water maze test was evaluated; immunofluorescent histochemistry was used to identify astrocytes activation, and immunofluorescent dendritic spine analysis was used to identify the dendritic spines morphological characteristics expression levels in hippocampus.

RESULTS

Maze training sessions during the 5 successive days revealed that ETM significantly deficits in progressive learning in rats, DSS that was given from day 5 prior to ETM enhanced progressive learning. The ETM group rats took longer to cross target quadrant during the probe trial and got less times to cross-platform than DETM group. The spine density in hippocampus in ETM group was significantly decreased compared to the sham group. In addition, thin and mature spine density were decreased too. However, the DSS administration could reverse the dendritic shrinkage and increase the spine density compared to the ETM group. Astrocytes activation showed the opposite trend in hippocampus dentate gyrus (DG).

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment with DSS could restore the impaired abilities on ETM-induced decrease of learning and memory behavior. The decreased spines density in the hippocampus and astrocytes activation in DG of hippocampus in the ETM group rats may be related with the decline of the ability of learning and memory. The ability to change the synaptic plasticity in hippocampus after DSS administration may be correlated with the alleviation of impairment of learn and memory after ETM treatment.

Intensity of pain due to separators in adolescent orthodontic patients

Objective:

To investigate the intensity of pain adolescent orthodontic patients experience following the insertion of separators.

Materials and Methods:

Elastomeric separators were placed mesially and distally to the first molars in 62 adolescents (20 male, 42 female, age 12–15 years), and the participants were given self-administrated questionnaires to document perceived pain, pain upon chewing, and the severity of pain's affecting daily life, using a visual analog scale for seven days.

Results:

The mean perceived pain scores out of 100 on the first 3 days were 54.6 ± 32.7, 51.7 ± 29.9, and 32.3 ± 28.4, respectively; chewing pain scores were: 61.9 ± 35.3, 52.6 ± 30.4, and 39.5 ± 32.1, respectively; the pain's affecting daily life scores were 24.9 ± 35.5, 21.1 ± 30.9, and 11.9 ± 23.7, respectively. A Kruskal–Wallis test showed a statistically significant difference in the reported pain between the three studied parameters. A Mann–Whitney U-test showed an insignificant difference between male and female adolescents.

Conclusion:

Pain perception varies among adolescent patients, but it decreases significantly after the first 2 days, with no gender differences.

Evaluation of the use of low-level laser therapy in pain control in orthodontic patients: A randomized split-mouth clinical trial

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of using low-level laser therapy (LLLT) to control pain and discomfort during orthodontic treatment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A randomized, split-mouth clinical trial was conducted with 30 volunteers in need of orthodontic treatment, of both genders, aged between 18 and 40 years, who were randomly divided into two groups. One hemiarch was considered the exposed group (EG) and the other, the placebo group (PG). Both groups had elastic separators placed mesially and distally to the first molars of the two hemiarches at different times. The EG received an AIGaAs diode LLLT (810 nm, 100 mW, 2J/cm(2)) application for 15 seconds per point (interdental papilla at the mesial, distal, and near the root apex) immediately after separator placement on the maxillary right side. The PG also had elastics placed around the maxillary right molars, but received only simulated LLLT application. The elastics were left in place for 5 days, and after a waiting period of 1 week, they were inserted on the left side in both groups; however, the order of laser application was changed. While the separator remained in place, the patient marked his degree of perceived discomfort on a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) at 5 minutes (T0), 24 hours (T1), and 120 hours (T2), after LLLT application.

RESULTS

A statistically significant difference was observed (P < .005) in reducing discomfort in the exposed group compared with the placebo group. This reduction of discomfort in the EG was observed at all time intervals.

CONCLUSIONS

A sincle AIGaAs diode LLLT application may be indicated for the control or reduction of pain in the early stages of orthodontic treatment.

A randomized controlled trial of self-perceived pain, discomfort, and impairment of jaw function in children undergoing orthodontic treatment with fixed or removable appliances

OBJECTIVE

To compare patients' perceptions of fixed and removable appliance therapy for correction of anterior crossbite in the mixed dentition, with special reference to perceived pain, discomfort, and impairment of jaw function.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Sixty-two patients with anterior crossbite and functional shift were recruited consecutively and randomized for treatment with fixed appliances (brackets and archwires) or removable appliances (acrylic plates and protruding springs). A questionnaire, previously found to be valid and reliable, was used for evaluation at the following time points: before appliance insertion, on the evening of the day of insertion, every day/evening for 7 days after insertion, and at the first and second scheduled appointments (after 4 and 8 weeks, respectively).

RESULTS

Pain and discomfort intensity were higher for the first 3 days for the fixed appliance. Pain and discomfort scores overall peaked on day 2. Adverse effects on school and leisure activities were reported more frequently in the removable than in the fixed appliance group. The fixed appliance group reported more difficulty eating different kinds of hard and soft food, while the removable appliance group experienced more speech difficulties. No significant intergroup difference was found for self-estimated disturbance of appearance between the appliances.

CONCLUSIONS

The general levels of pain and discomfort were low to moderate in both groups. There were some statistically significant differences between the groups, but these were only minor and with minor clinical relevance. As both appliances were generally well accepted by the patients, either fixed or removable appliance therapy can be recommended.

Prediction of pain in orthodontic patients based on preoperative pain assessment

AIM

To investigate whether pretreatment assessment of experimental pain can predict the level of pain after archwire placement.

METHODS

One hundred and twenty-one general university students seeking orthodontic treatment were enrolled in this study. A cold pressor test was performed to estimate the pain tolerance of subjects before treatment. Self-reported pain intensity was calculated using a 10 cm visual analog scale during the 7 days after treatment. The relationship between pain tolerance and orthodontic pain was analyzed using Spearman's correlation analysis.

RESULTS

The maximum mean level of pain intensity occurred at 24 hours after bonding (53.31±16.13) and fell to normal levels at day 7. Spearman's correlation analysis found a moderate positive association between preoperative pain tolerance and self-reported pain after archwire placement (P<0.01). There was no significant difference in pain intensity between male and female patients at any time point (P>0.05).

CONCLUSION

A simple and noninvasive preoperative sensory test (the cold pressor test) was useful in predicting the risk of developing unbearable pain in patients after archwire placement. Self-reported pain after archwire placement decreased as individual pain tolerance increased.

Effect of single-dose low-level helium-neon laser irradiation on orthodontic pain: a split-mouth single-blind placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial

Background

Pain is the most common complication of orthodontic treatment. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has been suggested as a new analgesic treatment free of the adverse effects of analgesic medications. However, it is not studied thoroughly, and the available studies are quite controversial. Moreover, helium neon (He-Ne) laser has not been assessed before.

Methods

This split-mouth placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial was performed on 16 male and 14 female orthodontic patients requiring bilateral upper canine retraction. The study was performed at a private clinic in Sari, Iran, in 2014. It was single blind: patients, orthodontist, and personnel were blinded of the allocations, but the laser operator (periodontist) was not blinded. Once canine retractor was activated, a randomly selected maxillary quarter received a single dose of He-Ne laser irradiation (632.8 nm, 10 mw, 6 j/cm² density). The other quarter served as the placebo side, treated by the same device but powered off. In the first, second, fourth, and seventh days, blinded patients rated their pain sensed on each side at home using visual analog scale (VAS) questionnaires. There was no harm identified during or after the study. Pain changes were analyzed using two- and one-way repeated-measures ANOVA, Bonferroni, and t-test (α = 0.01, β > 0.99). This trial was not registered. It was self-funded by the authors.

Results

Sixteen males and 11 females remained in the study (aged 12–21). Average pain scores sensed in all 4 intervals on control and laser sides were 4.06 ± 2.85 and 2.35 ± 1.77, respectively (t-test P < 0.0001). One-way ANOVA showed significant pain declines over time, in each group (P < 0.0001). Two-way ANOVA showed significant effects for LLLT (P < 0.0001) and time (P = <0.0001).

Conclusions

Single-dose He-Ne laser therapy might reduce orthodontic pain caused by retracting maxillary canines.

Orthodontic post-adjustment pain control with acupuncture

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the analgesic efficacy of systemic acupuncture therapy on the pain caused after orthodontic adjustments.

Methods

An initial sample of 30 orthodontic patients with fixed appliances monthly adjusted was selected; however, only 11 participants completed the study. For this reason, final sample comprised these patients' data only. Initially, average pain levels were assessed at different periods by means of an analogue visual scale (VAS) for three months without acupuncture. In the following three months, the volunteers were submitted to systemic acupuncture sessions on Hegu (LI4) and Jiache (St6) points,before orthodontic adjustments were carried out.

Results

Results revealed statistically significant reduction in pain level indexes both for men (P = 0.030) and women (P = 0.028) when acupuncture therapy was performed prior to orthodontic adjustment. Patients did not present any side effects.

Conclusion

Acupuncture is a safe and effective method in reducing orthodontic post-adjustment pain.

Novel universal system for 3-dimensional orthodontic force-moment measurements and its clinical use

INTRODUCTION

Orthodontic treatment is an important part of dental health care in Europe: the percentages of the population undergoing therapy vary from 10% to 55%. Therefore, quantifying effective orthodontic loads is a challenging topic with regard to the predictability of tooth movements and the reduction of traumatic side effects.

METHODS

A customized measuring platform was developed and used for detecting orthodontic forces in a range between 0.1 and 2 N. The system consists of 6 load cells, each equipped with 6 strain gauges. The tests were conducted on a 3-dimensional printed malocclused mouth model and on a plaster cast. Four types of superelastic ligation and 2 types of invisible aligners were tested to analyze, respectively, a malocclusion with a high maxillary canine, and the effects on the axial rotation of a maxillary central incisor with and without a divot in the invisible aligners.

RESULTS

Optimal treatment forces are exerted by low-friction wires, especially if they are partially engaged. Moreover, by reducing the treatment force, there is less necessity of anchoring to surrounding teeth, thus decreasing the side effects. The efficacy of using invisible aligners with a divot was validated.

CONCLUSIONS

This platform allowed measurement, at the radicular level, of the resultant forces of orthodontic treatments performed with different orthodontic appliances. In addition to customizing and calibrating the therapy for each patient, this platform could be used to develop new specific instruments able to exert lower treatment forces, thus preventing irreversible damages.

Does low level laser therapy relieve the pain caused by the placement of the orthodontic separators?--A meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Pain caused by orthodontic treatment can affect patient's compliance and even force them to terminate treatments. The aim of this meta-analysis is to evaluate of the analgesic effect of low level laser therapy (LLLT) after placement of the orthodontic separators.

METHODS

Five databases: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane library, China Biology Medicine disc (SinoMed CBM), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) were searched for all the appropriate studies in June, 2014. Two reviewers screened the research results under our inclusion criteria and evaluated the risk of bias independently. Then the data of the included studies was extracted for quantitative analysis by the Review Manager 5.1 software.

RESULTS

Six studies were included in our meta-analysis finally. Comparing to the placebo group, the LLLT has good analgesic effect at 6 h, 1d, 2d, 3d after placement of separators which is of statistical significance. While at 2 h, 4d, 5d after the placement, the results tend to support LLLT, but not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

Based on current included studies, LLLT can reduce the pain caused by the placement of separators effectively. However, because of the high heterogeneity, well designed RCTs are required in the future.

Discomfort associated with fixed orthodontic appliances: determinant factors and influence on quality of life

Objective

To investigate the determinant factors of discomfort attributed to the use of fixed orthodontic appliance and the effect on the quality of life of adolescents.

Material and Methods

Two hundred and seventy-two individuals aged between 9 and 18 years old, enrolled in public and private schools and undergoing orthodontic treatment with fixed appliance participated in this cross-sectional study. The participants were randomly selected from a sample comprising 62,496 individuals of the same age group. Data was collected by means of questionnaires and an interview. Discomfort intensity and bio-psychosocial variables were assessed using the Oral Impact on Daily Performance questionnaire. Self-esteem was determined using the Global Negative Self-Evaluation questionnaire. Statistical analysis involved the chi-square test and both simple and multiple Poisson regression analyses.

Results

Although most individuals did not present discomfort, there was a prevalence of 15.9% of impact on individuals' daily life exclusively due to the use of fixed orthodontic appliance . Age [PR: 3.2 (95% CI: 1.2-8.5)], speech impairment [PR: 2.2 (95% CI: 1.1-4.6)], poor oral hygiene [PR: 2.4 (95% CI: 1.2-4.8)] and tooth mobility [PR: 3.9 (95% CI: 1.8-8.1)] remained independently associated with a greater prevalence of discomfort (P ≤ 0.05).

Conclusions

Discomfort associated with the use of fixed orthodontic appliances exerted a negative influence on the quality of life of the adolescents comprising the present study. The determinants of this association were age, poor oral hygiene, speech impairment and tooth mobility.

Self-reported pain after orthodontic treatments: a randomized controlled study on the effects of two follow-up procedures

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of a follow-up text message and a telephone call after bonding on participants' self-reported level of pain.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Eighty-four participants were randomly assigned to one of three trial arms. Randomization was performed by the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics of IRCCS G.Gaslini. Participants were enrolled from patients with a permanent dentition who were beginning fixed no extraction treatment at the Orthodontic Department, Gaslini Hospital. Participants completed baseline questionnaires to assess their levels of pain prior to treatment. After the initial appointment, participants were completed a pain questionnaire at the same time, daily, for 7 days. The first group, served as control, did not receive any post-procedure communication; the second group received a structured text message; and the third group received a structured telephone call. Participants were blinded to group assignment.

LIMITATIONS

A larger sample size should have been considered in order to increase the ability to generalize this study's results.

RESULTS

Participants in both the telephone call group and the text message group reported lower level of pain than participants in the control group with a larger and more consistent effect for the telephone call group. Most participants reported a higher level of pain during the first 48 hours post-bonding. The analgesic's consumption significantly correlated with the level of pain during the previous 24 hours. Female participants appeared to be more sensitive to pain than male participants.

CONCLUSIONS

A telephone follow-up after orthodontic treatment may be an effective procedure to reduce participants' level of pain.

PROTOCOL

The research protocol was approved by the Italian Comitato Etico Regionale della Liguria-sezione 3^ c/o IRCCS- Istituto G.Gaslini 845/2014.

REGISTRATION

182 Reg 2014, 16/09/2014 Comitato Etico Regione Liguria, Sez.3.

Comparison of personality traits, attitude toward orthodontic treatment, and pain perception and experience before and after orthodontic treatment

OBJECTIVE

To compare personality traits, attitude toward orthodontic treatment, and pain perception and experience before and after orthodontic treatment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred subjects (50 male and 50 female) were included in this study. The mean (SD) age was 17.5 (2.05) years at T1 and 19.15 (2.32) years at T2. The instruments for data collection were questionnaires that included assessment of patients' personality traits, attitudes toward orthodontic treatment, and pain perception/experience. Subjects completed the questionnaires at two different times: before orthodontic treatment (T1) and after fixed orthodontic treatment (T2). Subjects were treated by fixed orthodontic appliances for an average (SD) period of 18.64 (0.35) months. Paired sample t-test and chi-square test were used to detect any differences.

RESULTS

Significant changes in personality traits were detected after orthodontic treatment irrespective of gender. Neuroticism, openness, agreeableness, and conscientiousness scores were improved (P < .001). A positive attitude toward orthodontic treatment was reported at T1 (4.31 [±1.26]) and improved at T2 (3.98 [±1.16]) irrespective of gender (P < .05). The average (SD) expected pain score (T1) was 4.73 (1.88) and the average (SD) experienced pain score (T2) was 4.63 (1.58). Significant difference in the expected and experienced pain scores was not detected (P  =  .11).

CONCLUSIONS

Personality traits and attitude toward orthodontic treatment improved after orthodontic treatment. Reported actual pain experience during orthodontic treatment was similar to that expected before treatment.

Cognitive behavioral therapy eases orthodontic pain: EEG states and functional connectivity analysis

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of CBT on electroencephalogram activity in patients with orthodontic pain.

METHODS

We recruited 24 young (18-28 years), healthy individuals with matched baseline characteristics, including pain intensity, anxiety levels, personality traits, and life-quality scores. Participants were randomly assigned to either the CBT intervention group (n = 12) or the blank control group (n = 12). Multichannel continuous electroencephalogram signals and visual analog scale (VAS) scores were recorded before and after initial archwire placement for 1 week. A 1-month follow-up was conducted, when participants' daily VAS scores were recorded.

RESULTS

The overall EEG spectral power of the CBT group was lower than that of the control group, especially in the theta (4-7 Hz) and beta (14-30 Hz) bands during the treatment period. An enhanced coupling of theta and beta frequencies was observed in frontal and occipital electrodes, respectively. The EEG power in delta and theta bands correlated positively with pain intensity. Network coherence for the CBT group exhibited higher connectivity in the theta band.

CONCLUSIONS

Specific cerebral responses to CBT instructions could be detected with continuous electroencephalograms and related to orthodontic pain processing, which may provide a new insight in exploring CBT for orthodontic pain control.

A multicenter randomized controlled trial to compare a self-ligating bracket with a conventional bracket in a UK population: Part 2: Pain perception

OBJECTIVE

To compare pain experience between self-ligating and conventional preadjusted edgewise appliance systems with a two-arm parallel trial.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A prospective multicenter randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted in three hospital orthodontic departments. Subjects were randomly allocated to receive treatment with either a self-ligating (3M SmartClip™) or conventional (3M Victory™) bracket system with stratification for operator and center. Standardized protocol was followed for bracket bonding procedure and archwire sequence. Subject pain was recorded using a Verbal Rating Scale to assess discomfort felt on the teeth and soft tissues at the time of the appointment and 1, 3, and 5 days after each archwire change up to the working archwire. Multilevel modeling was used to analyze the data by blinded assessors.

RESULTS

One hundred thirty-eight subjects (mean age 14 years 11 months) were enrolled in the study, of which 135 subjects (97.8%) completed the study and 113 (82%) returned the required data regarding pain/discomfort. Perceived pain was statistically higher with the SmartClip™ system compared to the Victory™ system, but this difference was not deemed to be clinically significant. Discomfort was greatest after placement of the initial 0.014-inch nickel-titanium archwire, compared with subsequent wires, and was greatest on day 1, less on day 3, and much less on day 5 after each archwire change. Age and gender did not affect the level of discomfort experienced by subjects undergoing fixed appliance treatment.

CONCLUSION

No clinically significant difference in pain experience was found between patients treated with a self-ligating bracket system compared to those treated with a conventional ligation system.

Pain and discomfort perceived during the initial stage of active fixed orthodontic treatment

Background and objectives

As the most common complication of orthodontic treatment, pain can negatively impact quality of life and cause patients to discontinue treatment. However, few studies have evaluated pain during orthodontic treatment, with controversial findings. This study assessed the intensity and duration of pain and discomfort caused by active orthodontic treatment.

Methods

This descriptive cross-sectional study examined 67 patients (22 men, 45 females; age range: 18–32 years) undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment. Patients were interviewed after the active treatment stage to assess their perceived pain and discomfort at different sites during different activities by a visual analogue scale. Frequency and duration of pain in different areas were analyzed by the chi-squared and chi-squared goodness-of-fit tests (α = 0.05).

Results

Among the 67 patients, 65.7% experienced general dentogingival pain or discomfort and 34.3% had localized dentogingival pain or discomfort (p = 0.010, chi-squared goodness-of-fit test). Masticating soft foods reduced discomfort (p = 0.000, chi-squared) in the tongue, cheeks, and in or around the teeth and gingivae. Pain and discomfort were mostly moderate while masticating sticky, fibrous, and firm foods. Mild pains were mostly reported during tooth brushing and while consuming soft foods (p < 0.05, chi-squared). Pain and discomfort tended to last for more than 4 weeks, except in the tongue, where pain and discomfort lasted less than 4 weeks (p < 0.05, chi-squared goodness-of-fit test).

Conclusions

Pain and discomfort occur for more than 4 weeks after beginning fixed orthodontic treatment. Changing diets to incorporate softer foods is recommended to alleviate pain.

Effects of laser-assisted cosmetic smile lift gingivectomy on postoperative bleeding and pain in fixed orthodontic patients: a controlled clinical trial

Background and objective

Diode lasers are becoming popular in gingival treatment following orthodontic treatments. Despite their merit and clinical implications, postoperative pain and bleeding after surgery with diode lasers are not assessed except in few controversial studies.

Method

This controlled clinical trial was conducted on 30 healthy orthodontic patients aged 17–29 years, needing esthetic-only gingivectomy in the anterior maxilla. The patients were randomly divided into two groups of 15 each: experimental (laser-assisted surgery) and control (traditional surgery using scalpels). The bleeding rate following the surgery was assessed using the bleeding criteria established by the World Health Organization. The postsurgical pain level was recorded using visual analog scales immediately after the surgery and in patients who consumed analgesics, also 2 h after the analgesic consumption. The data were analyzed using the independent-samples t, Mann-Whitney U, and chi-square tests (α = 0.05).

Results

The average bleeding rates were 1.15 and 0.36 in the conventional and laser groups, respectively (Mann-Whitney U P < 0.05). Experimental patients had no postsurgical pain (VAS1 and VAS2 = 0). In the control group, the average VAS1 pain was 5.2 out of 10. The difference between VAS1 values in the control/experimental groups was significant (Mann-Whitney U P < 0.001).

Conclusion

940-nm diode laser seems promising in reducing postoperative bleeding and pain of patients needing cosmetic smile lift surgeries.

Low-level laser therapy for orthodontic pain: a systematic review

This review aimed to evaluate the clinical outcome of different lasers management on orthodontic pain. Cochrane Library (Issue 7, 2014) and MEDLINE (1966-2014.7) were searched to collect randomized controlled trials on lasers for orthodontic pain. Studies meeting the inclusion criteria were systematically evaluated. The Cochrane Collaboration tools RevMan5.1.7 and GRADEpro 3.6 were used in this systematic review and meta-analysis. As a result, 11 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) studying on low-level laser therapy (LLLT) for orthodontic pain control were included. Meta-analysis and risk of bias assessment were implemented using RevMan5.1.7, and level of evidence assessments was measured by GRADEpro 3.6. In the outcome of the score of the most painful day, the comparison of laser versus placebo (pain associated with tooth movement) demonstrated that LLLT reduced the pain score significantly compared with placebo groups (MD = -4.39, 95% CI range -5.9--2.88, P < 0.00001). In the same way, the most painful day was significantly brought forward in laser versus control group (MD = -0.42, 95% CI range -0.74--0.10, P = 0.009). Furthermore, the outcome of the end of pain day showed a trend of pain termination earlier in laser versus control and placebo groups, but without statistical significance (MD = -1.37, 95% CI range -3.37-0.64, P = 0.18 and MD = -1.04, 95% CI range -4.22-2.15, P = 0.52). However, for the reason of downgrade factors, all the GRADE level of evidences of eight comparisons for three outcomes showed a very low quality. Therefore, for the methodological shortcomings and risk of bias of RCTs included, insufficient evidence was submitted to judge whether LLLT was effective in relieving orthodontic pain. Further and more perfect researches should be done in order to recommend LLLT as a routine method for orthodontic pain.

A randomized controlled trial to assess the pain associated with the debond of orthodontic fixed appliances

Objective: To determine patient experience of pain during treatment with fixed orthodontic appliances, expectations of pain during debond and whether biting on a soft acrylic wafer during debond decreases pain experience.

Design: Multicentre randomized controlled trial.

Setting: Three UK hospital based orthodontic departments: Mid-Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham Dental Hospital and University Hospital of North Staffordshire.

Materials and methods: Ninety patients were randomly allocated to either the control (n = 45) or wafer group (n = 45). A visual analogue scale-based questionnaire was completed pre-debond to determine pain experience during treatment and expectations of pain during debond. The appliances were debonded and those in the wafer group bit on a soft acrylic wafer. A second questionnaire was completed post-debond to assess the pain experienced.

Results: Biting on an acrylic wafer significantly reduced the pain experienced when debonding the posterior teeth (P≤0·05). Thirty-nine per cent found the lower anterior teeth the most painful. The expected pain was significantly greater than that actually experienced (P≤0·0001). Greater pain during treatment correlated with increased expectations and increased actually experienced pain (P≤0·0001).

Conclusions: Biting on a soft acrylic wafer during debond of the posterior teeth reduces the pain experienced. The lower anterior teeth are the most painful. The pain expected is significantly greater than actually experienced. Patients who had greater pain during treatment expected and experienced greater pain at debond.

Assessment of pain experience in adults and children after bracket bonding and initial archwire insertion

INTRODUCTION

Ninety five percent of orthodontic patients routinely report pain, due to alterations in the periodontal ligament and surrounding soft tissues, with intensity and prevalence varying according to age.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to assess toothache and buccal mucosal pain in adults and children during two initial phases of the orthodontic treatment.

METHODS

The intensity of toothache and buccal mucosal pain reported by 20 patients, 10 children (11-13 years) and 10 adults (18-37 years) was recorded with the aid of a Visual Analog Scale (VAS), during 14 days--7 days with bonded brackets only and 7 days with the initial archwire inserted.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in pain intensity among adults and children. After bracket bonding, 50% of the children and 70% of the adults reported pain. 70% of both groups reported pain after initial archwire insertion. While adults reported constant, low intensity, buccal mucosal pain, the children showed great variation of pain intensity, but with a trend towards decreasing pain during the assessment period. After initial archwire insertion the peaks of toothache intensity and prevalence occurred 24 hours in children and 48 hours in adults.

CONCLUSIONS

In general, children reported pain less frequently than adults did, though with greater intensity.

Satisfaction with orthodontic treatment outcome

OBJECTIVES

To examine factors associated with treatment outcome satisfaction in a group of adolescent patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred and twenty patients (60 girls and 60 boys; mean age, 14.3 years; standard deviation [SD], 1.73 years) were consecutively recruited. The inclusion criteria for all patients were as follows: adolescents with a permanent dentition in need of orthodontic treatment and a treatment plan involving extractions (two or four premolars) followed by fixed appliances in both jaws. Questionnaire 1, concerning treatment motivation and expectations, was assessed prior to treatment start. Questionnaire 2 was assessed after active treatment and included questions about satisfaction with treatment outcome, quality of care and attention, and perceived pain and discomfort during active treatment.

RESULTS

One hundred and ten patients completed the trial (54 boys and 56 girls; mean age, 16.9 years; SD, 1.78 years). Median values for satisfaction with treatment outcome were generally high. There was a clear correlation (P ≤ .001) between satisfaction with treatment outcome and patients' perception of how well they had been informed and cared for during treatment. Pain and discomfort during treatment also strongly affected treatment satisfaction. Sex, treatment time, and Peer Assessment Rating index pre- and posttreatment as well as expectations for future treatment showed no correlation with treatment satisfaction.

CONCLUSIONS

Care and attention was the variable showing the highest correlation with satisfaction with treatment outcome. Patients' perceptions of pain and discomfort during treatment had an overall negative correlation with treatment satisfaction. Satisfaction with treatment outcome is a complex issue and requires further exploration in future research.

An assessment of conventional and self-ligating brackets in Class I maxillary constriction patients

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate two different treatment systems with regard to incisor position, transverse dimension changes in maxillary arch, changes in maxillary molar inclinations, clinical periodontal parameters, and pain intensity in patients with a Class I malocclusion.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Seventeen patients (with a mean age of 14.5 years) underwent orthodontic treatment with the Roth prescribed edgewise bracket systems after expanding the maxillary arch with a quad-helix appliance, and 16 patients (with a mean age of 14.8 years) underwent orthodontic treatment with the Damon 3MX bracket system. Each subject's lateral cephalometric and posteroanterior radiographs and dental casts were obtained at the beginning of the treatment and after debonding. In addition to these, the periodontal index and pain scores were taken.

RESULTS

Cephalometric data showed that in both treatment systems, overjet value decreased and maxillary and mandibular incisors proclined. Posteroanterior measurements demonstrated a greater increase in the maxillary molar inclination in the Damon group. Significant increase of maxillary intercanine, interpremolar, and intermolar widths was shown in both systems. Periodontal index and pain score changes between different observation periods were the same.

CONCLUSIONS

The conventional and Damon systems were found similar with regard to the incisor position, transverse dimension changes in maxillary arch, clinical periodontal parameters, and pain intensity. The only significant difference was that the Damon system inclined the maxillary molars more buccally than the conventional group.

Acceptance of orthodontic miniscrews as temporary anchorage devices

OBJECTIVE

To study the patient's acceptance, expectation, and experience of pain with orthodontic temporary miniscrews.

METHODS

Questionnaires were distributed to 165 potential temporary orthodontic miniscrew recipients or their parents. Using the numeric rating scale, patients who received miniscrews as part of their orthodontic treatment were also asked to rate the pain or discomfort experience after miniscrew placement.

RESULTS

A total of 165 subjects completed the first set of questions. There was a significant relationship between level of education and prior knowledge about orthodontic miniscrews (P=0.029). Even though only 12.7% had heard about miniscrews, 82.4% agreed to have miniscrews placed to facilitate orthodontic tooth movement. Eighty-three subjects who needed miniscrews as part of their orthodontic treatment completed two more sets of questions after 6 and 24 hours of miniscrew insertion. After 6 hours of miniscrew insertion, there was a significant difference in pain perception between men (mean =2.6±2.2) and women (mean =2.1±1.5; P=0.03). After 24 hours, there was no difference between men (0.2±0.4) and women (0.2±0.5; P>0.05). Postplacement, 32.5% did not require any pain medication, while 59.1% required a single dose and only 8.4% required two doses. A total of 76 patients (91.6%) said that they would recommend this procedure.

CONCLUSION

Patients do accept miniscrew as a treatment option in orthodontics. Postoperative pain is significantly low. The acceptance of miniscrews was not related to patient's previous knowledge of the device, and patients preferred miniscrews to extractions.

Pain, masticatory performance and swallowing threshold in orthodontic patients

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess pain, masticatory performance and swallowing threshold of patients undergoing orthodontic treatment. METHODS: Ten patients of both genders (mean age of 17.25 ± 5.21 years), with complete permanent dentition, who underwent orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances were evaluated. The masticatory performance and the swallowing threshold were assessed by patient's individual capacity of fragmenting an artificial test food (Optocal) which was chewed and had the resulting particles processed by a standardized sieving method, presenting the median particle size (MPS) of crushed units. The intensity of pain / discomfort during chewing was evaluated by means of a visual analog scale. All tests were performed at the following times: T0 - before activating the orthodontic appliance; T1 - 24 hours after activation, and T2 - 30 days after activation. RESULTS: The results showed a significant increase in pain at T1 (T0 - 0.60 ± 0.70 mm; T1 - 66.2 ± 34.5 mm), returning to baseline values at T2 (3.20 ± 3.82 mm). Masticatory performance was also reduced in T1 (MPS 10.15 ± 1.1 mm²) in comparison to T0 (MPS 7.01 ± 2.9 mm²) and T2 (MPS 6.76 ± 1.3 mm²). However, particle size was not affected in the swallowing threshold test (T0 - 5.47 ± 2.37 mm²; T1 - 6.19 ± 2.05 mm²; T2 - 5.94 ± 2.36 mm²). CONCLUSION: The orthodontic appliances did not interfere in the size of the particles that would be swallowed, even in the presence of pain.

The analgesic effect of benzocaine mucoadhesive patches on orthodontic pain caused by elastomeric separators, a preliminary study

OBJECTIVES

To study the effect of benzocaine mucoadhesive patches (20%) on orthodontic pain caused by elastomeric separators.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

A split-mouth design was used in 30 patients (12 female, 18 male, aged 23 ± 3.75 years). They were instructed to apply benzocaine and placebo patches randomly for right or left first permanent molars of maxillary/mandibular arches for 20 min and repeat this procedure every 6 h with a similar type patch. A 10 cm Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) was used for pain perception assessment in patients who were given benzocaine (benzocaine group) or placebo (placebo group) patches. Pain perception (VAS) was recorded immediately after separator placement and after 2, 6, 12, 18, 24, 48 and 72 h.

RESULTS

The mean VAS (SD) for the placebo and benzocaine groups were 2.28 (1.08) and 1.63 (0.67), respectively. The pain peaked at 24 h. Significant pain perception differences were observed between groups at 2, 18, 24, 48 and 72 h. Pain perception was not different between genders or jaws investigated (p > 0.05). The Friedman test revealed significant differences in pain perception among various time intervals for benzocaine (χ (2) = 99.84, p = 0.000) and placebo (χ (2) = 102.361, p = 0.000) groups. Significant negative correlations (ρ) were found only between pain perception scores and patient's ages in the placebo group at 18 (-0.438), 24 (-0.526), 48 (-0.565) and 72 h (-0.458).

CONCLUSION

The recorded mean VAS values were relatively low; however, the benzocaine 20% patches significantly reduced the post-separation orthodontic pain.