Method: a sample of 30 orthodontic patients with fixed appliances, monthly adjusted, was selected. Firstly, an average of pain level during different periods was taken using an analogue visual scale (VAS), during three months without the acupuncture therapy practice. In the following three months the volunteers were submitted to systemic acupuncture sessions using Hegu (LI4) and Jiache (St6) points, before the orthodontic adjustment.
Result: The average of pain results showed a statistically significant reduction in pain level indexes both for men (p= 0,030) and women (p= 0,028) after acupuncture therapy prior to orthodontic adjustment and there were no side effects.
Conclusion: Acupuncture is a safe and effective method in reducing pain after orthodontic adjustment.