Comparing the Effectiveness of Bite Wafers and Ibuprofen in Pain Management After Initial Orthodontic Arch-wire Placement

Abstract

Objective: This study compares the effectiveness of ibuprofen and bite wafer use on pain reduction after initial archwire placement.

Methodology: This study was conducted at the Department of Orthodontics, School of Dentistry, SZABMU, Islamabad. From October 2024 to March 2025. A total of 80 patients make up the sample (40 in each group). This comparative study involved patients who were placed under an arch wire and were randomly allocated by lottery method into two groups i.e. Ibuprofen Group (IBG) and Bite Wafer Group (BWG). Patients were given a bite wafer to chew on to relieve pain, or a 400 mg ibuprofen tablet to chew on at 8-hour intervals, for at least a week if pain persisted, after following all the study protocols. The pain intensity was assessed using a VAS questionnaire at home, and the results were analyzed at the end of the week.

Results: Out of 80 patients, 40 were males & 40 were females aged between 14 and 25 years. An independent sample t test revealed that ibuprofen initially worked better than bite wafers at 2 and 24 hours (P=0.01). However, at the end of the week, or on the seventh day, the results were not statistically significant (P=0.477). However, both the groups were satisfied with the treatment offered. Conclusion: Bite-wafers showed similar reduction in pain score after initial arch-wire placement as compared to ibuprofen over the 7 days period. Thus, offering bite wafers as an alternative to analgesics may be a reasonable solution for patients experiencing pain during orthodontic treatment.