Clinical Research Directory

Comparison Between the Effectiveness of Low-Grade Laser Therapy vs. Conventional Analgesics for Pain Reduction During Orthodontic Treatment in Malay Female Population

All patients will be treated using the fixed appliance on the upper and lower arches. 0.014" Niti archwire is used to ensure all patients will receive the same force. All participants will receive a pain diary. In the pain diary, they are required to complete a KAP questionnaire regarding pain before the procedure. They are also required to record the pain VAS score at different times (before procedure, 6 hours, 12 hours, 24 hours, 3 days, 5 days and 7 days after procedure). For PCM 650mg group, 1 tablet will be given 1 hour before the procedure and every 6 hours for 24 hours (5 doses in total) (Nik et al., 2016) as pain begins two hours after activation, peak at 24 hours and reduces after two days (Nik et al 2016). Paracetamol if taken more than 4g per day may cause serious liver damage. United State of Food and Drugs Administration recently suggested a maximum daily dose of 3g to reduce risk of overdosing (Kim et al, 2020, FDA, 2011). Based on literature, 1000mg PCM is more efficient as postoperative analgesics 1000mg vs 650mg vs placebo (SPRID6 score of 529.4 vs 427.3 vs 60.0) (Qi et al, 2012). However, this study reported a single dose application (up to 6 hours). In view of continuous pain sensation experience by orthodontic patients (peak at 24 hours), we concluded that 650mg 6 hourly is more appropriate to control pain experienced by participants. For LLLT group: ezlase diode laser beam (Biolase, USA) for soft tissue operated at 940nm wavelength will be applied using a quadrant-sized probe that covers region form central incisor to first molar at the level of cervical third of the root, perpendicular and in light, direct contact with the buccal and palatal mucosa for the upper arch and buccal and lingual mucosa for the lower arch from UR6-UL6 and LR6- LL6 for 30 seconds each site (AlSayed Hasan et al., 2018; Qamruddin et al., 2021). Patients will be monitored up to 1 hour after the LLLT application for any adverse reactions. All procedures will be conducted in the morning session from 9am- 11am. Due to variability of pain experienced throughout the day (Aviram et al, 2015), patients are advised to record pain in the morning to reduce the variability in VAS score. All the procedures and baseline score will also be conducted and recorded in the morning. During the follow-up appointment (1 month after bond-up) Patients are required to re-answer the KAP questionnaire (post bond-up) in the pain diary. Pain diary will be collected for data analysis.

Comparative Outcomes of Damon Ultima vs Pitts 21 Pro Bracket Systems

Title Comparative Evaluation of Treatment Outcomes between Damon Ultima and Pitts 21 Pro Bracket Systems; A Randomized Clinical Trial Abstract Background: The primary advantages of self-ligation brackets include faster archwire removal and ligation, reduced or eliminated need for chairside assistance, secure archwire engagement, and lower bracket-archwire friction, which collectively contribute to a substantial reduction in resistance to sliding and are theorized to enhance the efficiency of initial tooth alignment. This randomized controlled trial (RCT) will be conducted to assess differences in treatment outcomes with these two different self-ligation bracket systems. Subjects/Materials and Methods: This randomized clinical trial included 40 participants with full permanent dentition (excluding third molars) exhibiting Angle Class I malocclusion with moderate crowding. Patients who were scheduled to undergo orthodontic treatment were allocated into two groups: Damon Ultima and Pitts 21 Pro. The total treatment duration will be measured in months from the bonding day to the completion of treatment, in addition to the number of visits. Pre-treatment, post-alignment, and post-treatment records were obtained, including intraoral scans (IOS) for assessing alignment efficiency and arch parameters. Periapical radiographs of the upper and lower incisors were taken before and after treatment to measure the amount of root resorption. Treatment outcomes were evaluated using the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO) grading system. Additionally, pain perception and patient treatment perception were assessed.

Pain Control During Braces Removal Using Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation and High-Frequency Vibration

This study aims to find the best method to reduce pain during braces removal. We are comparing transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), high-frequency vibration, and a control group with no additional intervention. People who have completed orthodontic treatment and need their braces removed can take part. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of the three groups. The vibration device will be applied during the braces removal, while TENS will be applied just before the procedure. Before the procedure, participants' anxiety will be measured using the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS). During and after the procedure, pain will be assessed using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) from 0 to 100, and participants will rate their satisfaction using a Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) from 0 to 10. The purpose of this research is to help orthodontists identify the method that makes braces removal less uncomfortable, more tolerable, and more satisfying for patients.