Pain control in orthodontics using a micropulse vibration device: A randomized clinical trial.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the relationship between a micropulse vibration device and pain perception during orthodontic treatment.


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.


CONCLUSIONS
The micropulse vibration device significantly lowered the pain scores for overall pain and biting pain during the 4-month study period.
a   Orthodontic Resident, Tri-Service Orthodontic Program, Air Force Postgraduate Dental School, JBSA-Lackland, Tex.
Wendy D
WD
Lobre
b   Program Director, Tri-Service Orthodontic Program, Air Force Postgraduate Dental School, JBSA-Lackland, Tex.
Brent J
BJ
Callegari
c   Senior Orthodontic Training Officer, Tri-Service Orthodontic Program, Air Force Postgraduate Dental School, JBSA-Lackland, Tex.
Gary
G
Gardner
d   Air Force Consultant in Orthodontics, Tri-Service Orthodontic Program, Air Force Postgraduate Dental School, JBSA-Lackland, Tex.
Curtis M
CM
Marsh
e   Clinical Research Administrator and Epidemiologist, Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center, JBSA-Lackland, Tex.
Anneke C
AC
Bush
f   Air Force Consultant in Materials, Devices and Investigations, JBSA-Lackland, Tex.
William J
WJ
Dunn
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009970:Orthodontics; D010146:Pain; D059408:Pain Management; D010147:Pain Measurement; D014732:Vibration; D055815:Young Adult
Orthodontics; Pain; Vibration