Abstract
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.
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