ABSTRACT
Aim: This randomized controlled trial (RCT) aimed to compare the effectiveness of chewing sugar-free gum (SFG) versus taking ibuprofen (IBP) in reducing pain levels after the placement of fixed orthodontic appliances in patients undergoing orthodontic treatment.
Materials and methods: Patients were randomly assigned to two groups: chewing gum (CG) and IBP. Pain levels were measured using a visual analog scale (VAS) at 10 different intervals following the placement of the initial archwire. Statistical analyses were performed using Mann–Whitney test and independent t-test to determine any significant differences between the two groups.
Results: Although pain scores were lower in the IBP group than in the CG group at several time points, there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups. All patients completed the study with no lost to follow-up nor treatment discontinuation.
Conclusion: Our findings suggest that both CG and taking IBP have comparable effectiveness in reducing pain levels after the placement of fixed orthodontic appliances. The use of sugar-free gum (SFG) as a low-cost and easily accessible alternative to analgesic medications may be considered for patients who experience pain during orthodontic treatment.