Acetaminophen Versus Ibuprofen for the Control of Immediate and Delayed Pain Following Orthodontic Separator Placement

Acetaminophen Versus Ibuprofen for the Control of Immediate and Delayed Pain Following Orthodontic Separator Placement

The purpose of this research study is to compare pain control effectiveness of two medicines and a placebo (a dummy pill that does not contain any pain relieving medication) to see which one works better at preventing pain when taken both 1 hour before and 6 hours after orthodontic separators are placed. The research hypothesis is that there will be a significant difference in pain as measured by Visual Analogue Scales (VAS) over time and that this effect will differ for acetaminophen versus ibuprofen.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Orthodontic treatment requires banding of posterior teeth
• Orthodontic treatment requires the placement of two or more separators
• Able to swallow analgesic pills
• English speaking
• Age 9-17
• Minimum weight requirement of 88 pounds

Exclusion Criteria:

• Orthodontic appliances are present in the mouth
• Use of acetaminophen or ibuprofen is contraindicated (allergy, GI problems)
• Antibiotics or analgesics are currently in use
• History of systemic disease exists (arthritis, diabetes, cystic fibrosis)
• Significant cognitive impairment