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Evaluating pain perception caused by conventional fixed orthodontic treatment and aligners: A comparative study
Jnananjan Chattopadhyay1, Nitya Shrivastava2, Anurag Tiwari3
1Department of Dentistry, Murshidabad Medical College, Berhampore, Murshidabad, West Bengal, India.
Bioinformation
|April 15, 2025
Summary
Clear aligners significantly reduce orthodontic pain compared to traditional braces, especially early in treatment. This makes clear aligners a more comfortable choice for patients seeking pain management during orthodontic care.
Area of Science:
- Orthodontics
- Pain Management
- Dental Technology
Background:
- Orthodontic treatments, including conventional fixed braces, often cause significant patient discomfort and pain.
- Clear aligners represent an alternative orthodontic approach with a perceived lower pain profile.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare patient-reported pain perception between clear aligner therapy and conventional fixed orthodontic treatment.
- To evaluate the impact of orthodontic modality on pain experienced during tooth movement.
Main Methods:
- Patient self-reported data on pain levels were collected.
- Statistical analyses were performed to compare pain scores between treatment groups.
- Significance was determined at a p-value less than 0.05.
Main Results:
- Patients undergoing clear aligner treatment reported significantly less pain than those with conventional fixed orthodontics.
- The difference in pain perception was most pronounced during the initial phases of orthodontic treatment.
Conclusions:
- Clear aligners offer a more comfortable orthodontic experience compared to traditional braces.
- Patients prioritizing pain reduction may find clear aligners to be a suitable orthodontic option.

