Mary A Bussell1, Lorraine S Barreto2. 1. Queen Victoria Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Queen Victoria Hospital, East Grinstead, UK. 2. Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Trust, Birmingham Dental Hospital, Birmingham, UK.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To establish the recommendation and provision of mouthguards for orthodontic patients attending hospital departments in the UK. DESIGN: Prospective, online questionnaire. SETTING: Hospital orthodontic departments in the UK. PARTICIPANTS: In total, 196 out of 254 consultant orthodontists completed a questionnaire (response rate 77%). METHOD: Consultants were asked to complete an online questionnaire regarding the recommendation and provision of mouthguards in their units. RESULTS: The majority of consultants (73%) routinely advise the use of a mouthguard to patients wearing fixed appliances whilst playing contact sports. Adaptable mouthguards are most frequently recommended, followed by custom-made and stock mouthguards. One hundred and eight consultants (55%) stated that they were able to provide custom-made mouthguards in their units. Thirty-four consultants charged for the service, at an average price of £37. The majority of consultants (63%) did not provide adaptable or stock mouthguards. In departments where adaptable or stock mouthguards were sold, the average price was £13. Thirty-eight consultants (20%) did not routinely give advice regarding the lifespan, or the possible need to replace the mouthguard. CONCLUSIONS: The recommendation and provision of mouthguards varies amongst consultants. The majority of consultant orthodontists provide custom-made mouthguards.
OBJECTIVE: To establish the recommendation and provision of mouthguards for orthodontic patients attending hospital departments in the UK. DESIGN: Prospective, online questionnaire. SETTING: Hospital orthodontic departments in the UK. PARTICIPANTS: In total, 196 out of 254 consultant orthodontists completed a questionnaire (response rate 77%). METHOD: Consultants were asked to complete an online questionnaire regarding the recommendation and provision of mouthguards in their units. RESULTS: The majority of consultants (73%) routinely advise the use of a mouthguard to patients wearing fixed appliances whilst playing contact sports. Adaptable mouthguards are most frequently recommended, followed by custom-made and stock mouthguards. One hundred and eight consultants (55%) stated that they were able to provide custom-made mouthguards in their units. Thirty-four consultants charged for the service, at an average price of £37. The majority of consultants (63%) did not provide adaptable or stock mouthguards. In departments where adaptable or stock mouthguards were sold, the average price was £13. Thirty-eight consultants (20%) did not routinely give advice regarding the lifespan, or the possible need to replace the mouthguard. CONCLUSIONS: The recommendation and provision of mouthguards varies amongst consultants. The majority of consultant orthodontists provide custom-made mouthguards.
Authors: Neal E Bastian; Lisa J Heaton; Raquel T Capote; Qing Wan; Christine A Riedy; Douglas S Ramsay Journal: Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop Date: 2020-04 Impact factor: 2.650