Patient experiences of orthodontic retainers using photo elicitation

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    Using photographic elicitation to explore patient experience of orthodontic retainers.

  • IRAS ID

    240992

  • Contact name

    Kelly Smorthit

  • Contact email

    kelly.smorthit@nhs.net

  • Sponsor organisation

    Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    3 years, 0 months, 1 days

  • Research summary

    Following orthodontic treatment, a retainer is required to prevent relapse of the new tooth positions. Historically research has focused on the efficacy of different retention methods, with limited research undertaken to understand the experience of retainer wear and how this may affect short, medium and long-term adherence. In this study we aim to use qualitative methods to explore young people’s experience of retention at three different time points.

    This study will explore the experience of orthodontic retention for young people aged 13-18 years, from two hospital orthodontic departments. Photograph elicitation has been chosen to facilitate the qualitative interview process to enable adolescents to guide the discussion. The sample will include male and female participants from across the age range and purposive sampling with a maximum variation sampling framework will be used to gain diversity in characteristics that may influence the experience of orthodontic retention.

    Interviews will take place 2 weeks after retainers have been given , again 6 months into treatment and finally at two years after treatment.

    An interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) approach will be used to describe and explain the experience of orthodontic retention. Data will be transcribed and analysed concurrently to assess for data saturation.

  • REC name

    East of England - Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Research Ethics Committee

  • REC reference

    18/EE/0140

  • Date of REC Opinion

    7 Jun 2018

  • REC opinion

    Further Information Favourable Opinion