Serum vitamin D levels and its association with orthodontic pain

The objective of this study was to find an association between serum Vitamin D levels and pain perception in orthodontic patients after initial bond-up. Materials and methods: Sixty four patients visiting the hospital for orthodontic treatment were included in this study. Serum vitamin D levels were checked before bondup using ELISA method. Maxillary arch bond-up was done and a 0.12 NiTI (Nickel Titanium) wire was placed for initial leveling and alignment. A Visual Analogue scale (VAS) was used for pain assessment on day1, 3 and 7 after initial bonding. Results: No significant correlation was found between serum vitamin D levels and Orthodontic pain perception on all three days. Patients with severe deficiency of vitamin D gave a higher mean pain score compared to patients with mild deficiency or optimum levels. Females reported higher pain than their male counterparts in 10-20 years age group. Female patients also displayed lower mean vitamin D levels than their male counterparts. Conclusion: There was no significant and direct correlation between serum Vitamin D levels and the perceived level of pain by orthodontic patients.