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Utilization Of The Vacuum Form Machine: Custom Mouthguards Versus Esthetic Bleaching Trays, Jacqueline Michele Carney

Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: This study analyzed the percentage of Virginia practitioners utilizing vacuum form machines, types of appliances recommended, and types of patient information provided.Methods: Questionnaires were constructed and mailed to 2500 dentists.Results: 80% of dentists utilized vacuum form machines, 42.5% recommended mouthguards, 60.2% recommended home bleaching trays, 37.6% provided patient information on mouthguards, 37.1% provided patient information on home bleaching trays, 16.5% inquired on patient questionnaires about mouthguard protection during contact sports,and 17.3% inquired on patient questionnaires about tooth color satisfaction.Conclusions: Dentists use vacuum form machines for home bleaching trays more than mouthguards. General dentists and pediatric dentists provide patient information …