A randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of verbal behavior modification and acetaminophen on orthodontic pain.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effectiveness of verbal behavior modification, acetaminophen, and the combined effectiveness of verbal behavior modification along with acetaminophen on orthodontic pain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and forty orthodontic fixed appliance patients were randomly assigned to four groups. Group A was administered acetaminophen, group B was given verbal behavior modification, group C was administered acetaminophen as well as verbal behavior modification, and group D was placebo-controlled. A visual analog scale was used to assess pain intensity after 1 week of separator placement. RESULTS: Group A had less mean pain intensity when compared to group B at 6 hours (P < .001) and at 1 (P < .001) and 2 (P = .002) days. Group C patients encountered less mean pain intensity when compared to group B patients at 6 hours (P < .001) and at 1 (P < .001), 2 (P < .001), and 4 (P = .001) days. There was a statistically significant difference between groups A and C (group C experienced less pain intensity) after 6 hours (P = .004) and at day 4 (P = .009) after separator placement. CONCLUSIONS: Acetaminophen is the main agent of orthodontic pain reduction after separator placement, with verbal behavior serving as an adjunct to it.