Chewing gum or acupressure could replace painkillers for braces pain, study suggests

NCT ID NCT07638644

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This trial compares three simple methods to ease pain after getting braces tightened: acupressure (pressing a spot on the hand), ibuprofen, and chewing sugar-free gum. 105 people aged 15 to 35 will be randomly assigned to one of the three groups. They will rate their pain over the first week and report if they need extra pain medicine. The goal is to find a safe, effective way to manage discomfort without relying solely on medication.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

acupressure, ibuprofen, and chewing gum

What this could lead to

If successful, this could offer patients simple, low-cost options to manage pain after getting braces tightened.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-stage trial with only 105 participants. Results may not apply to everyone, and pain relief may be modest.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Malocclusion

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.