Comparison of the efficacy of ibuprofen and Belladonna in the control of orthodontic separator pain

Abstract

Background: The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of ibuprofen and Belladonna in the control of orthodontic pain and to ascertain the pain relief by Belladonna in comparison with ibuprofen during orthodontic separation. Materials and Methods: Patients, between 20 and 35 years of age, 51 females and 21 males, were included in this study. Patients were randomly divided into two groups; one group was assigned to ibuprofen 400 mg and second group was allocated to Belladonna 6C group. Patients were given two doses of medication of their respective groups, 1 h before placement of elastomeric separators (Ormco Separators, Ormco Corporation, CA, USA) which was administered in the department and one dose 6 h after the placement. Pain scores recorded on visual analogue scale (VAS). VAS was a 10 cm scale with millimetre calibration to record their pain at the following intervals, 2 h after placement, 6 h after placement, bedtime, day 1 morning, day 2 morning, day 3 morning and day 5 morning. Results: Post hoc comparisons indicated that there was no difference between the two groups at 2 h (P = 0.77), 6 h (0.073), 1 day (P = 0.120), 2 days (P = 0.283), 3 days (P = 0.363), 5 days (P = 0.622) and 7 days. Conclusion: Ibuprofen and Belladonna 6C are effective and provide adequate analgesia with no statistically significant difference. Lack of adverse effects with Belladonna 6C makes it an effective and viable alternative.