Perception of discomfort during orthodontic treatment with tongue spurs.

Aim: To evaluate patients' and parents' reactions to the orthodontic treatment of open bite patients with a mandibular lingual arch and spurs (MASP) and to compare any changes in anxiety and discomfort during treatment in different age groups and sexes.

Methods: Seventy-two patients completed a baseline questionnaire to assess their levels of discomfort and reaction to this appliance. The patients were divided into two groups: Group 1 consisted of 33 patients up to 14 years of age, and group 2 comprised 39 patients 15 years of age and older. A random group of 72 parents composed a special group. Parents' reactions were assessed through analysis of data gathered from an additional questionnaire with specific questions on their children's reactions.

Results: Ninety-eight percent of the patients accepted treatment with an MASP. The discomfort time was up to 10 days in the majority of patients. The younger group and the female group seemed to show higher tolerance to an MASP. Speech and chewing impairments were the most common functional problems associated with an MASP. Seventy-six percent of subjects did not feel a lack of confidence when wearing an MASP.

Conclusion: This treatment was well accepted by patients and parents. This positive result seems to be closely related to how informed they were. Speech and chewing impairments, the most common functional problems, were temporary.