Perception of pain varies greatly between individuals and it is not possible to give exact advice on which treatment causes a level of discomfort that would warrant the use of painkillers. We have adopted a policy of preparing everyone for pain after fixed appliances have been fitted. It also seems that the fitting of rings for use with braces causes discomfort. It is however the case that many of our patients come for the first inspection visit a month later and say that it was not so bad.
There are also examples of individuals that never seem to be happy with the appliances and who are very sensitive during the inspection visits and even cry at the slightest discomfort. The reason for these differences is not known. We seem to have differing pain thresholds. It also seems that individuals that are “sensitive” will generally find it more difficult to tolerate pain. In most instances it is sufficient for an orthodontics patient to use mild painkillers such as aspirin or paracetamol (Panodil or Paratabs) and we have recommended the above medicine.
Recent research has shown that medicine containing ibuprofen (Ibufen, Ibumetin, Nurofen) is much more effective in relieving pain from orthodontics, so we now recommend to our patients that they use medicine containing ibuprofen, rather than aspirin or paracetamol. It is possible to get a packet of 20 200 mg pills without a prescription. The dosage for children, according to the medicinal product information database is 20 mg/kg of body weight per day, given in 3 to 4 equal dosages. For children weighing less than 30 kg the dosage should not exceed 500 mg per day.
N.B.: It is stated on the pill container that the medicine should not be given to children younger than 12. If dosage according to weight is respected, then it is in order to give children the medicine.
Example:
- If the child weighs 30 kg – 20×30=600 mg which is equivalent to three 200 mg pills per day.
- If the child weighs 40 kg – 20×40=800 mg which is equivalent to four 200 mg pills per day.
- If the child weighs 50 kg – 20×50=1000 mg which is equivalent to five 200 mg pills per day.
- If the child weighs 60 kg – 20×60=1200 mg which is equivalent to six 200 mg pills per day.
Please note that these are maximum dosages. It is possible that your child will not need this much. As the risk of side effects increases in proportion to the size of the dosage, you should try to manage with the minimum required. Avoid taking the medicine on an empty stomach and drink a glass of water with the medicine. If the child is taking some other medication then one should consult the child’s doctor before taking the medicine.
For patients that feel anxiety about pain prior to visits we recommend the following: Take one 200 mg pill one hour before the visit and then as required after the visit.
SIDE EFFECTS – CONTRAINDICATIONS AND INTERACTIONS
Certain patients may experience allergic reactions to the medicine Those patients that have experience such reactions when using aspirin or paracetamol should avoid using the medicine. Digestive discomfort can result from taking the medicine.
Asthma can worsen with use of the medicine. There are also examples of giddiness and headaches.
The medicine is not intended for use by pregnant women. The medicine can increase the activity of other medicine such as anticoagulants and medicine for epilepsy.