Munchies® Wired | How it works

How it works

Pain and discomfort are often reported in patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment.

Patients complain of pain interfering with their normal activities like biting, chewing, and sleep and some even consider terminating their treatment. Certain procedures like separator placement, placement and activation of arch wires and use of rubber bands are considered painful by the patients.

Pain sensation usually begins by 2-4 hours following the placement of wire, and peaks at 24 hours; it gradually disappears over next 7 days. Pain perceived by the patient during orthodontic treatment is often ignored by the orthodontist and the option of pain-free treatment is rarely considered.

Studies have shown that pain following arch wire placement is the response due to the combination of pressure, edema, inflammation and ischemia in compressed periodontal ligament (PDL). Research has shown that pain experienced by the patients can be reduced by making them chew on the device repetitively, particularly for the first 8 hours after the insertion or activation of any appliance.

Chewing on the Munchies Wired temporarily micro-moves the teeth, thus allowing blood flow in the compressed areas of PDL, which prevents the build-up of pain-inducing metabolites.