Dental trauma is common in the UK, with more than one in ten children having experienced some form of dental trauma. In addition, one in ten patients have been reported to have experienced dental trauma before orthodontic treatment. A recent survey of orthodontists’ knowledge and experience of orthodontic management of traumatised teeth has highlighted large inconsistencies in management of traumatised teeth among UK orthodontists, highlighting the need for further information or training on orthodontic management of traumatised teeth. Therefore, the following guidelines have been developed in order to provide an evidence-based approach to treat this cohort of patients. The following guidance is based on the available literature, expert opinion and UK orthodontists’ consensus drawn from a recent survey.
Background/Aim
There is a lack of research into orthodontic movement and management strategies of traumatized teeth. The aim of this survey was to assess the knowledge of UK‐based orthodontists in the orthodontic management of traumatized teeth.
Materials/Methods
A 24‐item questionnaire survey was electronically distributed to all members of the British Orthodontic Society.
Results
A total of 213 respondents completed the survey with the majority of these being UK registered specialists in orthodontics. Three responses were excluded as one was not based within the UK and two were orthodontic trainees with <1 year of experience, leaving a total of 210 respondents. The majority had orthodontically treated up to three patients with a history of dental trauma in the preceding 3 months. Obtaining a trauma history was done by the majority of respondents. A wide variation in times waited by respondents before orthodontically treating teeth with different types of traumatic injuries was observed. Similarly, the preferred orthodontic management strategies of traumatized teeth differed substantially among respondents. Almost all respondents were interested in further training in the management of dental trauma.
Conclusions
The study showed a wide variation in the orthodontic management of traumatized teeth among UK‐based orthodontists. Further training and national guideline establishment are indicated for orthodontic management of traumatized teeth in the UK.
Severe root resorption is a rare, but serious, complication of orthodontic treatment, which can affect the long-term prognosis of the teeth affected. This case presents a young, healthy patient with severe root resorption affecting nearly all of her dentition. It was an incidental finding by her GDP 8 months after completion of her orthodontic treatment. The article aims to raise awareness about the importance of obtaining a valid consent at the start of each orthodontic treatment, and highlight the possible risk factors associated with severe root resorption, diagnostic methods, and interventions to prevent or manage it when it occurs. CPD/Clinical Relevance: Although developing severe root resorption as a result of orthodontic treatment is relatively uncommon, the consequences are serious. This article highlights the importance of identifying high-risk orthodontic patients, where possible, and obtaining valid, informed consent prior to every course of orthodontic treatment.
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