Overview
The purpose of this study is to compare the effectiveness of a combined ibuprofen and acetaminophen regimen in controlling discomfort for 4 days after initial orthodontic appliance placement as compared to ibuprofen alone or a placebo. The hypothesis is that combined ibuprofen and acetaminophen therapy will effectively provide better pain control than ibuprofen alone or a placebo after orthodontic appliance placement.
Description
Orthodontic pain is often reported for the first 4 days after the appliances are attached. This study will investigate two modes of pain management versus a placebo. Consented subjects will be randomly assigned to one of 3 groups: Group A, a combined and simultaneous therapy of 200 mg ibuprofen and 650 mg acetaminophen (3 pills total) taken orally at set time intervals (0 h, 6 h, 12 h, and 24h, 48h, 72h, and 96h); Group B, ibuprofen alone (200 mg) taken orally at same time intervals (1 ibuprofen and 2 placebo pills); Group C, placebo taken orally at the same time intervals (3 placebo pills).
The study will be blinded for the investigators, patients, and statisticians.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- scheduled to begin comprehensive orthodontic treatment (banding/bonding of at least 10 teeth in 1 arch and archwire placement in at least 1 arch);
- extractions, if required, performed at least 2 weeks before appliance and archwire placement;
- healthy with no significant medical findings;
- no prophylactic antibiotic coverage required;
- currently not taking antibiotics or analgesics;
- no contraindications to the use of acetaminophen or ibuprofen; and
- minimum age of 12 years
Exclusion Criteria:
- Under the age of 12 or over the age of 80,
- prisoners,
- pregnant women,
- decisionally challenged individuals,
- allergy to either medication,
- history of kidney disease,
- liver damage or disease,
- alcoholism/use of 3 or more alcoholic drinks during study period,
- use of blood thinners,
- stomach ulcers or
- stomach bleeding.