title: The recommendation and provision of mouthguards: a survey of consultant orthodontists in the UK.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To establish the recommendation and provision of mouthguards for orthodontic patients attending hospital departments in the UK.
  
  
  METHODS
  Prospective, online questionnaire.
  
  
  METHODS
  Hospital orthodontic departments in the UK.
  
  
  METHODS
  In total, 196 out of 254 consultant orthodontists completed a questionnaire (response rate 77%).
  
  
  METHODS
  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.
authors: Queen Victoria Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Queen Victoria Hospital, East Grinstead, UK.
authors: Mary A
authors: MA
authors: Bussell
authors: Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Trust, Birmingham Dental Hospital, Birmingham, UK.
authors: Lorraine S
authors: LS
authors: Barreto
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001914:Boxing; D003376:Counseling; D003796:Dental Service, Hospital; D004867:Equipment Design; D005538:Football; D006688:Hockey; D006801:Humans; D016139:Martial Arts; D009064:Mouth Protectors; D009970:Orthodontics; D011446:Prospective Studies; D015865:Racquet Sports; D012916:Soccer; D019876:Sports Equipment; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D006113:United Kingdom
keywords: Adaptable mouthguard; contact sport; custom-made mouthguard; mouthguards; stock mouthguard