Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM: The transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) ion receptor is involved in the release of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), a major contributor to orthodontic pain. Approaches that attenuate expression of TRPV1 and CGRP may reduce orthodontic pain. We explored the ability of high-frequency interval vibration to reduce orthodontic pain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Orthodontic force (50 g) was applied to both maxillary first molars in 8-week-old Wistar rats (n=72). Vibration was applied at 125 Hz for 15 min/day. Duration of face grooming was assessed as a measure of orthodontic pain. Immunofluorescence and western blotting were used to assess TRPV1 and CGRP in the trigeminal ganglia. RESULTS: Compared to orthodontic force alone, application of vibration significantly decreased the duration of face grooming at 24 h and day 3 and reduced expression of TRPV1 and CGRP at 24 h. CONCLUSION: Vibration represents a promising mechanical approach to reduce orthodontic pain.