Comparison of two analgesics used for pain relief after placement of orthodontic separators.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the possible effect of two analgesics: paracetamol (500 mg) and ibuprofen (400 mg) on pain and routine life of the patients after placement of orthodontic separators.

Methodology: Ninety patients aged 11-41 years undergoing fixed comprehensive orthodontic treatment requiring placement of different orthodontic separators participated in the study. Following placement of separators, the participants were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups: paracetamol (500 mg) given every 6 h for 3 days, ibuprofen (400 mg) given every 8 h for 2 days and control group in which no analgesic was given.