Experience of pain during an orthodontic procedure

This study investigated pain experiences during a common orthodontic treatment. Fifty-five patients (12-18 yr) starting treatment due to crowding were included. Molar elastic separators were inserted bilaterally, and telephone interviews were made during evenings for a week. Pain intensity was assessed on a VAS scale, and pain medications were recorded. Forty-eight patients (87%) reported pain the first evening. The highest intensity of pain was reached the day after placement of separators (VAS mean = 43.7). At day 7, 42% of the patients still reported pain. Pain medication was used by 27% of the patients during the first 2 d, after which no patients used painkillers. While motivational factors and reasons for seeking treatment did not influence pain assessments, patients taking pain medication made significantly higher pain ratings during the days medication was used. Girls made significantly higher pain ratings during the later phase (day 3-7) of the follow-up week. Statistically significant relationships were found between 'late' VAS assessments and reported level of previous general pain experiences. The perceived pain from separators was comparable to previous general and dental pain experiences. It was concluded that pain is common after a simple procedure such as placement of molar separators. The experience of pain varied substantially among subjects. The intensity of pain was gradually reduced, but still more than 40% of the teenagers reported some pain after 1 week.