Do different orthodontic pliers used in bracket debonding have different effects on pain and sensitivity? A prospective split-mouth study

Abstract

The assessment of whether different orthodontic pliers used in bracket debonding have different effects on pain and sensitivity experience. Thirty-three patients (17 females, 16 males) with metal brackets were included in the study. Compressed air and freshly melted ice water were applied to each tooth (6-6) in upper and lower arch before bracket debonding (T0), just after debonding (T1), and 1week after debonding (T2). Bracket remover plier (BRP) and Weingart plier (WP) were used to debond brackets. A numeric rating scale (NRS) was used to assess sensitivity for each tooth at T0, T1, and T2. Tooth pain was assessed for each tooth using NRS during bracket debonding. Statistically higher pain scores were found in teeth U4 (upper first premolar) (p = 0.017) and L6 (lower first molar) (p = 0.026) in Weingart plier group. No statistically significant difference was found during debonding in the other teeth between groups. Statistically high sensitivity score was found at T1 time point in tooth U3 (upper canine) by applying air stimulus in Weingart plier group (p = 0.024). There was no statistically significant difference between the sensitivity scores measured at T2 time point by applying air and cold stimuli between groups. Although the debonding pain scores were statistically significant in two teeth and the sensitivity score in one tooth, there was no clinical significance between the two pliers in terms of pain and sensitivity. Both debonding pliers gave clinically similar results in terms of pain and sensitivity.