Pain and discomfort associated with orthodontic separator placement in patients attending the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria

To determine the perception of pain and discomfort associated with orthodontic separator placement in patients attending the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria.Sixty four patients scheduled for treatment with fixed orthodontic appliances completed questionnaires before insertion of separators and after placement at 4 hours, 24 hours and 7 days. The level of pain and discomfort during these time periods was assessed by a visual analogue scale.There was a significant increase in the level of pain/discomfort 4 hours and 24 hours after placement of the separators for all the activities. The level of pain/discomfort peaked at 4 hours but did not return to baseline levels after 7 days. Patients more than 16 years old reported significantly more pain/discomfort over time than those 16 years and under. No significant difference in pain/discomfort was found between the sexes.Patients experience pain/discomfort following placement of orthodontic separators. Pretreatment counselling and analgesics are recommended.