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

Abstract

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. Materials 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. (Angle Orthod. 2016;86:324-330.)

An evaluation of oral health-related quality of life in orthodontic patients treated with fixed and twin blocks appliances

“…[2223] This is due to the fact that removable appliances reduce and change the intraoral space, thus impeding the tongue from articulating certain speech sounds. In addition, speech problems in the removable appliance group can also be a contributing factor to the negative effect on schoolwork and leisure activities reported.…”

“…[1718192021222324] Kurtz reported that females can express more the characteristics of the experiences they go through better than males. [2526] This study showed that the female group OHRQoL in the fixed appliances group showed less irritability and physical limitation in comparison to male patients and that there weas a noticeable improvement as the treatment reached T4.…”

An Evaluation of Oral Health-Related Quality Of Life in Orthodontic Patients Treated with Fixed and Twin Blocks Removable Appliances: Part 1

“…This is due to the fact that removable appliances reduce and change the intraoral space, thus precluding the tongue from articulating certain speech sounds. In addition speech problems in the removable appliance group can also be a contributing factor to the negative effect on schoolwork and leisure activities reported [20]. It is therefore not surprising that in our study the Twin block group demonstrated poorer quality of life at the beginning of the treatment since the appliance is bulky and hinders patients' speech.…”

“…The fixed appliance group experienced more pain than the Twin Block group when eating, since the latter were asked to remove the appliance during meals. Authors reported that patients with removable appliances group experienced more issues with speech during treatment and had negative effects on schoolwork and leisure activities [20]. This is due to the fact that removable appliances reduce and change the intraoral space, thus precluding the tongue from articulating certain speech sounds.…”

Efficacy of ketoprofen lysine salt and paracetamol/acetaminophen to reduce pain during rapid maxillary expansion: A randomized controlled clinical trial

“…Pain is dependent upon such factors as age, gender, stress, individual pain threshold, cultural differences, in addition to the amount of force applied. Researchers have already reported that pain associated with orthodontic treatment has a potential impact on daily life, mainly as psychological distress . Orthodontists often suggest to parents to eventually give children, in the first day after visit, drugs for pain that might be caused by the appliances used for orthodontic and orthopaedic treatment .…”