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.