Pain and discomfort caused by orthodontic treatment may discourage subjects seeking treatment or might affect patients’ cooperation. The aim of this study is to find out which initial arch wire is more comfortable for orthodontic patients.
Methods:
In this Randomized clinical trial, 114 fixed orthodontic patients were randomly assigned into three groups. In these three groups Coaxial 15, NiTi 12 and NiTi 14 arch wires were applied. The degree of pain and discomfort in the determined intervals was determined by questionnaires based on VAS and analgesic consumption and was compared between the groups by Kruskal-Wallis test.
Results:
In the upper arch at 3-11 days, patients with Coaxial 15 reported the least discomfort and with NiTi 14 the most discomfort (P<0.1). In the lower arch at 4, 5 and 6 days Coaxial 15 group had the least discomfort and NiTi 14 the most discomfort. At 7 day Coaxial 15 and NiTi 12 groups had less discomfort. At 10 and 11 days NiTi 12 group had the least discomfort and NiTi 14 group experienced the most discomfort (P<0.1).
Conclusions:
As the initial orthodontic arch wire, Coaxial 15 and NiTi 12 are more comfortable for orthodontic patients than NiTi 14. However selection of the initial arch wire depends on the treatment approach and biomechanical considerations for each patient.