Comparison of self-rated pain and salivary alpha-amylase and cortisol levels during early stages of fixed orthodontic and clear aligner therapy.

Objectives: To compare self-rated orthodontic pain (OP) and whole salivary alpha-amylase (αA) and cortisol levels (CL) during early stages of fixed orthodontic and clear aligner therapy (CAT).

Methods: In groups 1 and 2, malocclusions were treated using fixed orthodontic appliances and CAT, respectively. In Group-3, individuals had normal occlusion and had never undergone orthodontic therapy.