Managing orthodontic appliances in everyday life: A qualitative study of young people's experiences with removable functional appliances, fixed appliances and retainers.

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.