Blake J Maxfield1, Ahmad M Hamdan2, Eser Tüfekçi3, Bhavna Shroff4, Al M Best5, Steven J Lindauer6. 1. Private practice, Salt Lake City, Utah. 2. Associate professor, Department of Child Dental Health and Orthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan. 3. Associate professor, Department of Orthodontics, School of Dentistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Va. 4. Professor, Department of Orthodontics, School of Dentistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Va. 5. Associate professor, Department of Orthodontics, School of Periodontics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Va. 6. Professor and chair, Department of Orthodontics, School of Dentistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Va. Electronic address: sjlindau@vcu.edu.
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Despite the many advances to improve the practice of orthodontics, white spot lesions, or decalcifications, remain a common complication in patients with poor oral hygiene. The purpose of this study was to assess the perceptions and level of awareness of patients, parents, orthodontists, and general dentists toward the development of white spot lesions during orthodontic treatment. METHODS: This was a prospective epidemiologic survey of the perceptions of orthodontic patients (n = 315), parents (n = 279), orthodontists (n = 305), and general dentists (n = 191) regarding the significance, prevention, and treatment of white spot lesions. RESULTS: All surveyed groups indicated that white spot lesions detracted from the overall appearance of straight teeth, attributed primary responsibility for the prevention of white spot lesions to the patients themselves, and thought that the general dentist should be responsible for treating white spot lesions. Patients regarded themselves as ultimately responsible for the prevention of white spot lesions (P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The patients, parents, orthodontists, and general dentists had similar perceptions regarding the significance, prevention, and treatment of white spot lesions. All groups indicated that patients were the most responsible for the prevention of white spot lesions. Communication among patients, parents, orthodontists, and general dentists needs to improve to decrease the incidence of white spot lesions in the orthodontic population.
INTRODUCTION: Despite the many advances to improve the practice of orthodontics, white spot lesions, or decalcifications, remain a common complication in patients with poor oral hygiene. The purpose of this study was to assess the perceptions and level of awareness of patients, parents, orthodontists, and general dentists toward the development of white spot lesions during orthodontic treatment. METHODS: This was a prospective epidemiologic survey of the perceptions of orthodontic patients (n = 315), parents (n = 279), orthodontists (n = 305), and general dentists (n = 191) regarding the significance, prevention, and treatment of white spot lesions. RESULTS: All surveyed groups indicated that white spot lesions detracted from the overall appearance of straight teeth, attributed primary responsibility for the prevention of white spot lesions to the patients themselves, and thought that the general dentist should be responsible for treating white spot lesions. Patients regarded themselves as ultimately responsible for the prevention of white spot lesions (P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The patients, parents, orthodontists, and general dentists had similar perceptions regarding the significance, prevention, and treatment of white spot lesions. All groups indicated that patients were the most responsible for the prevention of white spot lesions. Communication among patients, parents, orthodontists, and general dentists needs to improve to decrease the incidence of white spot lesions in the orthodontic population.
Authors: Peter Rechmann; Sona Bekmezian; Beate M T Rechmann; Benjamin W Chaffee; John D B Featherstone Journal: Clin Oral Investig Date: 2018-01-04 Impact factor: 3.573
Authors: A C R Tanner; A L Sonis; P Lif Holgerson; J R Starr; Y Nunez; C A Kressirer; B J Paster; I Johansson Journal: J Dent Res Date: 2012-07-26 Impact factor: 6.116
Authors: Derek A Hoffman; Andrew E Clark; Wellington J Rody; Susan P McGorray; Timothy T Wheeler Journal: Prog Orthod Date: 2015-08-13 Impact factor: 2.750