Sources of controversies over analgesics prescribed after activation of orthodontic appliances Acetylsalicylic acid or acetaminophen?

The wide range of available drugs raises questions about the desirable and undesirable effects on orthodontic movement. Could medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)—ASA, acetaminophen, diclofenac, ibuprofen, indomethacin and celecoxib—, corticosteroids and bisphosphonates have any impact on bone metabolism to the extent of interfering with orthodontic movement?3,18 When administered to control pain and discomfort after activation of the orthodontic appliance, what would be the influence of ASA and acetaminophen on tooth movement and the root resorption associated with it? To help in clarifying this question, Maldonado34 and his team set out to quantitatively determine the influence of ASA and acetaminophen on induced tooth movement and on root resorption by means of optical microscopy. In another study they described the history and action mechanisms of these two medications.14 However, when analyzing the literature on the subject, it appears that no work repeated the same experimental model of any other work. The appliance used to move a tooth, the force applied, the dosage and duration of drug use, route of administration, the experimental animal, the teeth that were moved, the types of tissue section and tooth movement assessment as well as many other details differ from study to study, thus precluding comparisons. Without comparisons and without relevant discussions grounded and based on relevant literature it becomes difficult to draw inferences for clinical applications.