Orthodontic management of traumatised teeth: a national survey of UK orthodontists

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.