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. 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.