Comparison of Pain Perception and Discomfort with Three Types of Nickel–Titanium Arch Wires during the Initial Alignment with Fixed Orthodontic Treatment in Lower Arch: An Observational Study

Abstract

Introduction: This observational study with the random sampling was done to locate maximum discomfort and pain experienced with three different nickel–titanium (NiTi) arch wires during the initial leveling and aligning phase of orthodontic treatment in moderate crowding in mandibular arch, and variations in pain and discomfort level associated with area, gender, and age. Materials and Methods: This observational survey was conducted on a sample of 60 orthodontic patients (20 in each group of arch wire) taking little’s irregularity (moderate 4–6 mm) crowding as criteria. The survey has started on the day of bonding along with three different types of initial arch wires (Superelastic NiTi, thermoelastic NiTi, or conventional NiTi), On the same day of bonding appointment and arch wire insertion, all participants were given the Modified Mc Gill pain questionnaire with the Visual Analog Scale and asked to fill and submit to the investigator on their next appointment positively. Results: The results were statistically insignificant in relation to the objectives of an observational study. Conclusion: Any of the three arch wires independent of age, gender, and area can be used by orthodontist during initial leveling and alignment phase of the treatment since the pain and discomfort level for all of them are same.