Perception and Impact of White Spot Lesions in Young People Undergoing Orthodontic Treatment and Their Guardians: Protocol for a Mixed Methods Study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

White spot lesions (WSLs) are white marks that can form on teeth during orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances and become apparent once they are removed. About half of people who have fixed appliance treatment get WSLs. They are usually caused by poor toothbrushing around the brace. Although there have been studies that have investigated the prevention and treatment of WSL, there remain uncertainties about what young people and their parents or guardians know or feel about them. A Cochrane review concluded that patient-reported outcomes have been overlooked in WSL prevention studies.

Objective

The aim of this study is to explore young people's and their parents'/guardians' perceptions, attitudes, and feelings toward WSLs using a mixed methods study.

Method

SUBMITTER: Hassan AO 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12431786 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature