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Use of the Operant Orofacial Pain Assessment Device (OPAD) to Measure Changes in Nociceptive Behavior
Published on: June 10, 2013
Pain perception during miniplate-assisted orthodontic therapy.
Yu-Chuan Tseng1, Chun-Ming Chen, Huang-Chi Wang
1Department of Orthodontics, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Taiwan.
The Kaohsiung Journal of Medical Sciences
|December 4, 2010
Summary
Miniplate devices offer efficient orthodontic skeletal anchorage. While initial pain is noted, patient-reported discomfort significantly decreases over time, with most willing to undergo the procedure again.
Area of Science:
- Orthodontics
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Biomaterials
Background:
- Miniplate and screw devices are standard for fracture repair and osteotomy fixation.
- These systems are increasingly utilized as orthodontic skeletal anchorage.
- Patient apprehension exists regarding miniplate procedures due to pain concerns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess pain perception using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) in patients undergoing orthodontic treatment with miniplates.
- To evaluate the efficacy and patient tolerance of miniplates as skeletal anchors.
Main Methods:
- Thirty miniplates were surgically placed in the maxilla for orthodontic skeletal anchorage.
- Pain perception was measured using the VAS (0-100 mm) at various time points: post-insertion, 24 hours post-insertion, during orthodontic force application (3 months), post-removal, and 3 months post-removal.
- Patient willingness for future treatment was surveyed.
Main Results:
- Mean VAS scores were 36.3 mm (day 1 post-insertion) and 58 mm (24 hours post-insertion).
- VAS scores decreased to 20 mm (eating) and 15 mm (speaking) after 3 months of orthodontic force application.
- Mean VAS score at 24 hours post-removal was 41.3 mm, decreasing to 5 mm after 3 months.
Conclusions:
- The miniplate system is effective as a skeletal anchor in orthodontic treatment.
- Patients can tolerate the pain and discomfort associated with miniplate procedures.
- 88% of patients expressed willingness to undergo these efficient orthodontic treatment modalities again.
