Evaluating of clinical factors related to initial pain of orthodontic treatment by visual analogue scales (VAS) / 实用口腔医学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective: To evaluate the initial pain and influential factors in orthodontic treatment by VAS(visual analogue scales),and explore the way to alleviate the pain. Methods:107 subjects(47 male and 60 female) were selected. Following insertion of the first archwire (0.36 mm Chinese NiTi wire), visual analogue scale(VAS) was used to record the severity of pain at 4,12,24 h and on day 3,5,7. All the subjects were randomly divided into two groups by ligature with elastomeric rings (in 51 patients) or stainless steel wires (in 56 patients).In all the 107 patients, 30 people need to extract their tooth for relieving crowding while the other 77 were non-extraction cases. Results:No significant differences of pain were found between elastomeric rings ligature cases and stainless steel wires ligature cases at each stage; as well as between extraction and non-extraction cases. But the adults perceived more pain than the adolescents. Patients who were asked to chew gum or to do something (watching TV or listening to music) for distraction perceived less pain.The differences were statistically significant between different groups. Conclusion:The orthodontist should make a good communication with patient about initial pain before the orthodontic treatment, especially for adults.