The Incidence and Prevention of Ocular Injuries in Orthodontic Practice

Abstract

A postal survey was conducted to determine the use of eye protection and incidence of ocular trauma in orthodontic practice. One-hundred-and-fifty-nine NHS orthodontic consultants and 203 specialist orthodontic practitioners were surveyed. Two-hundred-and-forty-one(66·5 per cent) replies were received. Some form of eye protection was routinely worn by 66·8 per cent of orthodontists, 64·3 per cent of patients, but only 33·6 per cent of DSAs. Eye protection was not offered to DSAs in 31·9 per cent of practices or to patients in 22·1 per cent. Forty-three per cent of orthodontists reported instances of ocular injury in their practices. The majority of these injuries (n = 104) occurred during debonding or trimming acrylic. Other incidents involved ligating materials, intra-oral polishing, and acid etching. Most injuries (83·5 per cent) were treated in the surgery without any long-term effects. The routine use of goggles or spectacles with side-pieces and plastic lenses, which conform to British Standard BS 2092, is recommended for staff and patients during all operative procedures in orthodontic practice.

Eye safety in operative dentistry — A study in general dental practice

“…8 Since tinted lenses used by the clinical team would hinder clinical practice if worn at all times, additional methods must be adopted, such as the use of wide orange filtration paddles when a dental light curing unit is in operation. 4,[9][10][11] As the restriction in colour vision does not have the same impact on patients they must be provided with shaded or colour tinted glasses for optimal protection. It is possible to have glasses treated with clear UV absorbing dyes but these are only effective up to 400 nm.…”

The influence of dental loupes on the quality of adhesive removal in orthodontic debonding

“…Dental loupes also offer eye protection. The majority of ocular traumata suffered by orthodontists occur while debonding and trimming acrylic [27].…”

“…Lupenbrillen schützen zudem die Augen. Die Mehrheit der Augenverletzungen bei Kieferorthopäden erfolgt während Debonding und Beschleifen von Kunststoffen [27].…”

“…Dental loupes also offer eye protection. The majority of ocular traumata suffered by orthodontists occur while debonding and trimming acrylic [27].However, studies on the efficiency of dental loupes in orthodontics treatment have not been reported in the literature. Whereas many aspects of orthodontic treatment rely on a good view of one or both dental arches at a time, some, such as bracket placement or adhesive removal after debonding, might profit from enhanced visual control by magnifying loupes.…”

The invisible risks: Spotting the hazards in your orthodontic practice: A review

“…The degree of risk might depend on several factors including age, personal susceptibility, and total daily exposure. The effects of dental sounds inducing hearing loss can be diminished by usage of insulation whenever possible, using ear plugs during laboratory procedures 6,7 . Occupational injuries of health professionals are another area of interest.…”