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Published on: June 10, 2013
Pain control in orthodontics using a micropulse vibration device: A randomized clinical trial
Wendy D Lobre1, Brent J Callegari2, Gary Gardner3
1a Orthodontic Resident, Tri-Service Orthodontic Program, Air Force Postgraduate Dental School, JBSA-Lackland, Tex.
Objective:
To investigate the relationship between a micropulse vibration device and pain perception during orthodontic treatment.
Materials And Methods:
This study was a parallel group, randomized clinical trial. A total of 58 patients meeting eligibility criteria were assigned using block allocation to one of two groups: an experimental group using the vibration device or a control group (n = 29 for each group). Patients used the device for 20 minutes daily. Patients rated pain intensity on a visual analog scale at appropriate intervals during the weeks after the separator or archwire appointment. Data were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance at α = .05.
Results:
During the 4-month test period, significant differences between the micropulse vibration device group and the control group for overall pain (P = .002) and biting pain (P = .003) were identified. The authors observed that perceived pain was highest at the beginning of the month, following archwire adjustment.
Conclusion:
The micropulse vibration device significantly lowered the pain scores for overall pain and biting pain during the 4-month study period.
