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.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 105 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Expected to start
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Jul 2026
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- Expected to finish
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Jul 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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15 to 35 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 15 to 35 years * Complete permanent dentition * Undergoing comprehensive fixed orthodontic treatment * Scheduled for initial archwire placement * Ability to comply with study procedures * Written informed consent provided (or parental/guardian consent for participants younger than 18 years) Exclusion Criteria: * Pregnant or lactating * Systemic disorders that may affect pain perception * Periodontal disease * Neurological abnormalities that may affect pain perception * Known sensitivity to chewing gum * Documented allergy to ibuprofen * Use of adjunctive orthodontic appliances * Use of analgesics, anti-inflammatory medications, or other medications that may affect pain perception within 24 hours before enrollment
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The official record
The full official record for this study. This one lists no contact details, but it is the first place any would appear.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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