E Čirgić1, H Kjellberg1, K Hansen2, M Lepp3,4. 1. Department of Orthodontics, Institute of Odontology, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden. 2. Department of Orthodontics, University Clinics of Odontology, Public Dental Service, Gothenburg, Sweden. 3. Institute of Health and Care Sciences, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden. 4. Østfold University College, Halden, Norway.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: The aim of this qualitative study was to explore and describe adolescents' experiences of treatment with removable functional appliances. SETTING AND SAMPLE POPULATION: Public Dental Service, Gothenburg, Sweden. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Individual interviews focusing on adolescents' experiences of using a removable functional appliance were held with 21 adolescents (12 girls and nine boys). The mean age of the participants was 13.2 years (range 11-15, SD 1.25) at the interview occasion. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed according to a qualitative research approach, phenomenography. RESULTS: Outcomes of data analysis emerged in five categories with totally 12 subcategories that describe the adolescents' various conceptions of the treatment. The adolescent's experiences of using removable functional appliance appeared to have a large variation, comprising of the individual approach, feelings and strategies, the dentist role and receiving external support. CONCLUSION: Participants developed their own strategies of measurement to see improvement. An active involvement of the adolescents' in the treatment seems to be needed, supported by the dentist at coming appointments, using overjet measurement as a tool for motivation. Furthermore, efforts should be made by clinicians to listen and understand adolescents' needs and requirement before the treatment start.
RCT Entities:
OBJECTIVES: The aim of this qualitative study was to explore and describe adolescents' experiences of treatment with removable functional appliances. SETTING AND SAMPLE POPULATION: Public Dental Service, Gothenburg, Sweden. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Individual interviews focusing on adolescents' experiences of using a removable functional appliance were held with 21 adolescents (12 girls and nine boys). The mean age of the participants was 13.2 years (range 11-15, SD 1.25) at the interview occasion. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed according to a qualitative research approach, phenomenography. RESULTS: Outcomes of data analysis emerged in five categories with totally 12 subcategories that describe the adolescents' various conceptions of the treatment. The adolescent's experiences of using removable functional appliance appeared to have a large variation, comprising of the individual approach, feelings and strategies, the dentist role and receiving external support. CONCLUSION:Participants developed their own strategies of measurement to see improvement. An active involvement of the adolescents' in the treatment seems to be needed, supported by the dentist at coming appointments, using overjet measurement as a tool for motivation. Furthermore, efforts should be made by clinicians to listen and understand adolescents' needs and requirement before the treatment start.