Self-reported and Experimental Pain in Patients Undergoing Orthodontic Treatment

Description

Pressure Pain Threshold (PPT) is defined as the minimum force applied to an area that is perceived as pain. PPT is considered an objective measurement tool to assess pain levels. Studies have assessed the difference in pain levels between clear aligners and fixed appliances using subjective pain scales. No study has utilized PPT to evaluate the difference in pain between aligners and fixed braces at different time points. This study will aim to compare the self- reported and experimental pain perception between the clear aligner and fixed appliance therapies during the phase of crown alignment and to assess how long pain is perceived in the following five days from the adjustment of the appliance.

Conditions

Pain

Study Overview

Study Details

Study overview

Pressure Pain Threshold (PPT) is defined as the minimum force applied to an area that is perceived as pain. PPT is considered an objective measurement tool to assess pain levels. Studies have assessed the difference in pain levels between clear aligners and fixed appliances using subjective pain scales. No study has utilized PPT to evaluate the difference in pain between aligners and fixed braces at different time points. This study will aim to compare the self- reported and experimental pain perception between the clear aligner and fixed appliance therapies during the phase of crown alignment and to assess how long pain is perceived in the following five days from the adjustment of the appliance.

Comparison of Self-reported and Experimental Pain Outcomes Between Clear Aligners and Fixed Appliances in Patients Undergoing Orthodontic Treatment

Self-reported and Experimental Pain in Patients Undergoing Orthodontic Treatment

Condition
Pain
Intervention / Treatment

-

Contacts and Locations

Downers Grove

Midwestern University, Downers Grove, Illinois, United States, 60515

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

For general information about clinical research, read Learn About Studies.

Eligibility Criteria

  • * consecutive consented patients (\> 14 years old) beginning an orthodontic treatment on both arches, either with aligners or fixed appliance at the Midwestern University, Multidisciplinary Clinic;
  • * patients in possession of an email address and Internet connection.
  • * patients with generalized systemic conditions known to affect the overall body pain and pressure pain threshold assessment (e.g., fibromyalgia, autoimmune conditions such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis),
  • * untreated dental caries.

Ages Eligible for Study

14 Years to

Sexes Eligible for Study

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Collaborators and Investigators

Midwestern University,

Study Record Dates

2025-08