Citation

Bussell MA, Barreto LS. J. Orthod. 2014; 41(2): 141-146.

Affiliation

1Queen Victoria Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Queen Victoria Hospital, East Grinstead, UK.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, British Orthodontic Society, Publisher Maney Publishing)

DOI

10.1179/1465313313Y.0000000082

PMID

24526716

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.

Language: en