Questionnaire on White Spot Lesions to Orthodontist: Members of the British Orthodontic Society

Abstract

A bstrAct White spot lesions (WSLs) are a risk of fixed appliance orthodontic treatment (FAOT) with no consensus with regards to prevalence, risk factors, prevention, and treatment. The aim is to screen current clinical opinion by emailing a questionnaire to all orthodontists-members of the British Orthodontic Society. The response rate was 7.85% (115/1,464) and the fully completed questionnaires were 105/115 (91.30%). There was a big difference between the mean (43%) and median (20%) estimated risk for developing WSLs. For the majority of responders, the key factors related to WSLs are clinical examination, photographic records, fluoride, oral hygiene, diet, and duration of FAOT. Clinical relevance: Questionnaire-based study on current clinical practice and opinion with regards to WSLs developing during FAOT. Objective statement: There is a lack of consensus in the literature with regards to estimated risk, risk factors, prevention, and treatment of WSLs developing during FAOT. The reader will obtain a picture of the current clinical practice and opinion of orthodontists on WSLs.