Estimation of pain perception during orthodontic tooth movement using transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation therapy

Objectives: This study aimed to assess pain perception in anterior teeth during orthodontic tooth movement and to evaluate the effectiveness of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) therapy for pain reduction. Methods: A randomized clinical study was conducted on 50 orthodontic patients undergoing initial alignment. Participants were divided into a TENS group (n=25) and a control group (n=25). Pain perception was assessed using a 10-cm Visual Analog Scale (VAS) before and after appliance activation and following TENS application. Results: Patients receiving TENS therapy demonstrated significantly reduced pain scores in the anterior segment at the 24-hour assessment compared to the control group. The intervention group reported faster pain relief and improved comfort during the early phase of orthodontic treatment. Conclusions: TENS therapy appears to be an effective, non-invasive modality for managing orthodontic pain. Further longitudinal studies are recommended to evaluate pain reduction at extended follow-up intervals and across different treatment stages.