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Pain experience during initial alignment with a self-ligating and a conventional fixed orthodontic appliance system.
P S Fleming1, A T Dibiase, G Sarri
1Royal London Hospital, London, UK. padhraigfleming@hotmail.com
The Angle Orthodontist
|January 7, 2009
Summary
Orthodontic bracket type did not affect pain after initial placement. However, the SmartClip appliance caused more discomfort during archwire removal and insertion compared to the Victory appliance.
Area of Science:
- Orthodontics
- Biomaterials Science
Background:
- Pain perception is a significant factor in patient compliance and satisfaction during orthodontic treatment.
- Self-ligating brackets are often marketed for improved patient comfort, but clinical evidence comparing them to conventional brackets is varied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the pain experience between self-ligating (SmartClip) and conventional (Victory) orthodontic brackets during the first week post-placement.
- To evaluate differences in pain during archwire removal and insertion between the two bracket systems.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 66 patients comparing SmartClip and Victory brackets.
- Pain was assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS) at multiple time points after appliance placement and during archwire manipulation.
- Statistical analysis included independent t-tests, ANCOVA, and Mann-Whitney U-test.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in pain was found between bracket types in the week following initial placement.
- A statistically significant difference in pain was observed during archwire removal (P = .001) and insertion (P = .013).
- Patients reported greater discomfort with the SmartClip system during archwire changes.
Conclusions:
- The type of orthodontic bracket (SmartClip vs. Victory) does not influence pain during the initial week of wear.
- The SmartClip self-ligating bracket system is associated with increased pain during archwire removal and insertion compared to conventional Victory brackets.
