ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To compare young people's experiences of wearing a range of orthodontic appliances. DESIGN: A cross-sectional, qualitative study with purposive sampling. SETTING: UK dental teaching hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-six orthodontic patients aged 11-17 years. METHODS: Patients participated in in-depth semi-structured interviews. All interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically. RESULTS: Young people reported physical, practical and emotional impacts from their appliances. Despite these reported impacts, participants described 'getting used' to and, therefore, not being bothered by their appliance. Framework analysis of the data identified a multi-dimensional social process of managing everyday life with an appliance. This involves addressing the 'dys-appearance' of the body through physically adapting to an appliance. This process also includes psychological approaches, drawing on social networks, developing strategies and situating experiences in a longer-term context. Engaging in this process allowed young people to address the physical, practical and emotional impacts of their appliances. CONCLUSION: This qualitative research has identified how young people manage everyday life with an appliance. Understanding this process will help orthodontists to support their patients.
Subject(s)
Orthodontic Appliances, Functional , Orthodontic Appliances, Removable , Adolescent , Child , Cross-Sectional Studies , Emotions , Humans , Orthodontic Appliances , Orthodontic Appliances, Fixed , Orthodontic Retainers , Qualitative ResearchABSTRACT
Part 2 of this series of two articles addresses the Hall Technique for preformed metal crowns. It will discuss the need for an effective child and dentist friendly method to restore carious primary molars. The technique is described in detail and the evidence for its effectiveness and acceptance by children, parents, dentists and dental educators is presented. CPD/Clinical Relevance: Dentists and dental care professionals should be aware of the evidence to support the adoption of the Hall Technique.
