Pain Perception during Orthodontic Treatment with Fixed Appliances

Abstract

The present study aimed to determine the intensity of pain perception in patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment. We analyzed the severity of pain concerning four routine procedures: the placement of separating elastics, ring cementations, arch activations, and elastic tractions. Our study consisted of a sample of 100 patients between 12 and 35 years old during the initial months of orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances. The patients completed a questionnaire meant to assess their pain sensation perception. The study sample was divided according to age and sex. By determining the intensity of pain felt during the four orthodontic procedures, we found that the most painful one was the ring cementation in all four age groups. The therapeutic-arch-activation procedure ranked second, with a higher mean value (2.66) in the 18–24 age group; the least painful was considered the elastic traction procedure, with a higher value (1.33) in the group over 30 years old. The most painful period was during the first 3–4 days after procedures. Most patients showed moderate pain after following the studied orthodontic interventions and required analgesic medication, the most frequently used being Nurofen, ketonal or paracetamol. The level of pain felt was significantly higher in men than in women. Patients suffer differently from the intensity of perceived pain as they grow older.

Comparison of the Effects of Nano Micelles Curcumin and Ibuprofen on Pain Reduction After Initial Arch Wire Placement: A Double-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial Study

“…Orthodontic tooth displacement in periodontal ligament space creates areas of compression and traction that consequently provokes the particular periodontium and oral inflammatory responses, which stimulate the release of a variety of biochemical mediators that produce the sensation of pain. [2][3][4] Subsequent to the placement of an archwire, pain starts within 4 h and then grows over the following 24 h, reaching its highest level in 1-3 days and decreasing upon the seventh day as the orthodontic tooth movements begin. 5 Various pain-controlling methods were trialed on orthodontic patients that include pharmacological procedures similar to the application of NSAIDs and anesthetic gels, as well as nonpharmacological approaches such as chewing gum, vibratory stimulation, low-level laser therapy, plastic wafers, and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation.…”

“…Orthodontic tooth displacement in periodontal ligament space creates areas of compression and traction that consequently provokes the particular periodontium and oral inflammatory responses, which stimulate the release of a variety of biochemical mediators that produce the sensation of pain. 2–4 Subsequent to the placement of an archwire, pain starts within 4 h and then grows over the following 24 h, reaching its highest level in 1–3 days and decreasing upon the seventh day as the orthodontic tooth movements begin. 5…”

Special Issue on Dental Materials: Latest Advances and Prospects—Volume II

“…Patients suffered differently from the intensity of perceived pain as they grow older; most of them showed moderate pain after following the studied orthodontic interventions and required analgesic medication. The least painful procedure was the elastic traction procedure, while the most painful period was the first 3-4 days after procedures [10].…”