Materials and Methods: 30 males and 30 females in age group of 17-22yrs who underwent orthodontic treatment across various private clinics of Bangalore, karnataka were selected. The selected sample was allocated to three different archwire groups (0.014 inch Copper NiTi group, 0.014 inch NiTinol group, 0.014 inch Orthonol group) and two different treatment modalities. Degree of crowding was similar for all cases (3-5mm on Little’s irregularity index). Assessments of pain/discomfort were made on a daily basis over the first 7-day period after bonding by means of VAS (visual analog scale). The maximum pain score was recorded. The possible associations between age, gender, degree of crowding, teeth irregularity and the pain intensity were also examined.

Results: Among the three groups copper NiTi caused less pain and discomfort followed by Orthonol and NiTinol group in both males and females. No significant differences in pain perception were found in terms of gender, age, treatment modality (extraction or non-extraction).

Conclusions: copper NiTi caused less pain and discomfort followed by Orthonol and NiTinol group in males and females. Sex, age, the degree of crowding and treatment modality have no significant effect on pain caused by placement of initial arch wire in the three groups.