Abstract:

Pain is an all too common experience of patients undergoing any form of dental treatment, to the extent that 77% of a patient population reported some degree of pain from a visit to the dentist. In orthodontics, a mechanical stimulus is introduced by placing fixed appliances on the teeth resulting in tooth movement. To achieve this movement, forces are applied to the dentoalveolar complex resulting in inflammation or ischemia to the periodontal ligament (PDL) with subsequent release of histamine, bradykinin, prostaglandins, substance P, and serotonin. These mediators stimulate local nerve endings and send pain signals to the brain. Many methods have been used to alleviate pain arising from orthodontic origins. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) are the most common method employed for pain relief. Other methods include low-level laser therapy, acupuncture,transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, vibratory stimulation of the PDL,viscoelastic bite wafers, and even chewing gum. This paper highlights use of vibratory stimulation for reduction in perception of pain. 

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