title: A randomized controlled trial of self-perceived pain, discomfort, and impairment of jaw function in children undergoing orthodontic treatment with fixed or removable appliances.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To compare patients' perceptions of fixed and removable appliance therapy for correction of anterior crossbite in the mixed dentition, with special reference to perceived pain, discomfort, and impairment of jaw function.
  
  
  METHODS
  Sixty-two patients with anterior crossbite and functional shift were recruited consecutively and randomized for treatment with fixed appliances (brackets and archwires) or removable appliances (acrylic plates and protruding springs). A questionnaire, previously found to be valid and reliable, was used for evaluation at the following time points: before appliance insertion, on the evening of the day of insertion, every day/evening for 7 days after insertion, and at the first and second scheduled appointments (after 4 and 8 weeks, respectively).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Pain and discomfort intensity were higher for the first 3 days for the fixed appliance. Pain and discomfort scores overall peaked on day 2. Adverse effects on school and leisure activities were reported more frequently in the removable than in the fixed appliance group. The fixed appliance group reported more difficulty eating different kinds of hard and soft food, while the removable appliance group experienced more speech difficulties. No significant intergroup difference was found for self-estimated disturbance of appearance between the appliances.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The general levels of pain and discomfort were low to moderate in both groups. There were some statistically significant differences between the groups, but these were only minor and with minor clinical relevance. As both appliances were generally well accepted by the patients, either fixed or removable appliance therapy can be recommended.
authors.affiliation: a  Research Fellow, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Skane University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden.
authors.forename: Anna-Paulina
authors.initials: AP
authors.lastname: Wiedel
authors.affiliation: b  Professor and Head, Department of Orthodontics, School of Dentistry, University of Malmö, Sweden.
authors.forename: Lars
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Bondemark
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D003818:Dentition, Mixed; D006801:Humans; D007568:Jaw / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008310:Malocclusion / Q000628:therapy*; D009967:Orthodontic Appliances / Q000145:classification*; D009968:Orthodontic Appliances, Removable; D010146:Pain; D010147:Pain Measurement
keywords: Discomfort; Orthodontic; Pain; Treatment