Efficiency of tens in controlling pain during separation using two different orthodontic separators

Pain is the most commonly cited negative effect of orthodontic treatment and is of major concern to patients as well as clinicians. Pain control during orthodontics is therefore an important aspect of patient compliance. The present study was carried out to assess the efficiency of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) in controlling pain during orthodontic separation. Thirty subjects were equally assigned to three groups -intraoral group, extraoral group, and control group. In each group, Kesling separators were placed mesial and distal to the left maxillary first molar and elastomeric separators on the right side. A scientific medical system physio-multi TENS STIM -2CH was used to deliver the electric current. Visual analog scale (VAS) was used to assess the pain. In all the 3 groups left sides (Kesling separator) mean VAS score was more than the right side (elastomeric separator) means VAS score. There was no statistically significant difference between intraoral TENS and extraoral TENS group. The TENS subjects reported significantly less pain than the control subjects. The present study suggests that TENS is an effective non-pharmacologic method of controlling post- separation orthodontic tooth pain.