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.

Search results

The Recommendation and Provision of Mouthguards: A Survey of Consultant Orthodontists in the UK

The Role of Mouthguards in Preventing and Reducing Sports-Related Trauma