The recommendation and provision of mouthguards: a survey of consultant orthodontists in the UK
Mary A Bussell (StR in orthodontics) and Lorraine S Barreto (consultant orthodontist)
Birmingham Dental Hospital.
Summary
Objective: To establish the recommendation and provision of mouthguards for orthodontic patients attending hospital departments within the UK.
Design: Prospective, online questionnaire.
Setting: Consultant orthodontists working within the UK.
Subjects: 196 out of 254 consultant orthodontists completed the questionnaire (77% response rate).
Method: Consultants were asked to complete an online questionnaire relating to the recommendation and provision of mouthguards within their hospital department.
Results: The majority of consultants (73%) routinely advise the use of a mouthguard to patients wearing fixed appliances whilst playing contact sports. An adaptable mouthguard is most frequently recommended, followed by custom-made and stock mouthguards.
One hundred and eight consultants (55%) stated that they offer custom-made mouthguards in their departments. Thirty-four of these consultants charge for the service, and the mean cost was £37.
The majority of consultants (63%) do not provide adaptable or stock mouthguards in their departments. The mean cost of an adaptable or stock mouthguard was £13.
Thirty-eight consultants (20%) do not routinely give advice regarding the lifetime, or possible need to replace the mouthguard.
Conclusions: The recommendation and provision of mouthguards varies amongst consultants.
More hospital departments provide custom-made mouthguards compared to those providing adaptable or stock mouthguards.
