The aims of this study were to investigate the intensity, location and duration of patients' discomfort following insertion of
orthodontic appliances, and to examine for interactions between patient age, gender, appliance type and the perception of
pain. After insertion of
orthodontic appliances, 170 patients received eight questionnaires, one they completed and returned after 4 h, then one daily for 7 days. The respondents' ages ranged from 8-53 years (median age 13 years 7 months); 45 per cent were male and 55 per cent female. Of the patients, 65 per cent reported
pain after 4 h and 95 per cent after 24 h. After 7 days, 25 per cent of the patients still reported discomfort. Patients'
pain intensity scores were significantly higher for the anterior than for the posterior teeth. On day 1, 16 per cent took
analgesics and 18 per cent reported being awakened the first night. Comparing a 2 x 4 appliance, a full appliance in one arch and in both arches, no statistical differences were found for reported
pain frequency, general intensity of
pain,
pain at the teeth, discomfort when biting and chewing and
analgesic consumption. The perception of general
pain intensity,
analgesic consumption,
pain when eating and the influence of discomfort on daily life were all significantly greater in girls than in boys. Patients younger than 13 years reported
pain significantly less frequently than the older patients. The highest frequency of
pain was found in the group of 13-16 year olds. The
pain intensity did not differ among the age groups.