Comparison of Pain Levels on Patients Undergoing Fixed Orthodontic Treatment with 2 Different Self-Ligating Bracket Systems

Abstract

Objective: Comparison of pain levels of patients treated with 2 different passive self-ligating bracket systems right after initial archwire placement. Methods: A total of 34 patients with mild crowding were allocated randomly to 2 groups to be treated using 2 different self-ligating brackets. 0.014 inch copper nitinol and 0.014 inch superelastic nitinol archwires were selected as the initial archwire for Damon Q and SmartClip SL3 systems respectively. Seven page questionnaires that consisted of 3 visual analogue scales were handled to patients to mark their pain levels while chewing, biting with anterior teeth, and biting with posterior teeth at 2 nd hour, 6 th hour, 2 nd day, 3 rd day, and 7 t h day time intervals. Pain scores were measured manually using a ruler and noted. Results: The SmartClip group reported less pain at the 2 nd and the 6 th hours while chewing. Pain levels were the highest at the 6 th h and the 2 nd day for the Damon Q and SmartClip SL3 groups respectively. The SmartClip group reported more pain for the first two days, and after the 2 nd day, pain scores were very similar to the Damon group. No statistically significant differences were reported between the groups. Conclusion: The highest pain sensation was reported for the 2 nd day and decreased toward the 7 th day. The SmartClip SL3 group reported lower pain scores in the first two days, but the levels were equaled on the 2 nd day and after.