A Split Mouth Study to Evaluate Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation as an Effective Non-pharmacological Approach in Managing Pain During Initial Orthodontic Treatment - A Randomized Controlled Trial

Orthodontic treatment often causes pain during the initial alignment stage which can lead to discomfort, reduced compliance, and slower treatment progress. Potential Solution: Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) is a non-invasive, non-pharmacological approach that uses mild electrical currents to stimulate nerves and potentially reduce pain. This study uses a split-mouth design, with each patient acting as their own control. One side of their mouth receives the TENS therapy, while the other receives a placebo treatment (minimum current below the therapeutic level). This allows for a direct comparison of TENS effectiveness without the influence of individual pain variations. Research Goal: The study aims to determine whether TENS can effectively manage pain during initial orthodontic treatment. This would offer a safe and natural alternative to pain medications, potentially improving patient comfort and treatment outcomes.