Therapeutic Effects of Autonomic Sensory Meridian Response in Orthodontic Practice: Enhancing Patient Comfort and Well-Being

Autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR) is a sensory phenomenon characterized by tingling sensations triggered by specific auditory or visual stimuli, offering a novel approach to anxiety reduction and relaxation. This review explores the therapeutic potential of ASMR in orthodontics by examining its physiological and psychological benefits, neuroscientific basis, and its potential to enhance patient comfort, manage dental anxiety, and improve communication within orthodontic practice. A comprehensive literature review was conducted to evaluate studies on ASMR's physiological, psychological, and clinical effects, focusing on ASMR-induced relaxation, patient-specific triggers, and its integration into orthodontic settings. ASMR has been shown to lower heart rates, improve mood, and reduce stress across clinical and non-clinical populations. Functional MRI (fMRI) studies reveal brain activation in regions associated with reward and emotional processing during ASMR experiences. ASMR's impact on dental anxiety is promising, with studies suggesting its potential to distract patients and foster a sense of calm during procedures. Patient-specific triggers, such as whispering and tapping, can be tailored to individual preferences, offering a non-invasive, cost-effective method for anxiety reduction in orthodontic patients. Incorporating ASMR content during procedures and adopting ASMR-inspired communication techniques may further enhance patient comfort and compliance. By inducing a meditative state, ASMR distinguishes itself from traditional distraction methods like music or television. ASMR holds significant promise as a therapeutic tool in orthodontics, potentially improving patient experiences by reducing anxiety and discomfort. Further research is warranted to investigate its long-term effects, optimize trigger selection for specific populations, and explore its combination with other relaxation techniques.