Orthodontic management of a patient with cerebral palsy: six years follow-up.

AIM: Cerebral palsy (CP) is a disorder that affects muscle tone, movement and motor skills. CP can also lead to other health issues, including vision, hearing and speech problems, as well as learning disabilities and dental problems. A case report describing the successful orthodontic treatment of a 10-year-old boy with the dyskinesia type of CP and severe malocclusion is presented.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

A 10-year and 2-month old boy was presented by his parents for orthodontic treatment, complaining of his unsatisfactory occlusion and poor chewing efficacy. An extraoral examination showed a convex profle. An intraoral examination showed the patient to be in mixed dentition with a class II molar relationship, 10 mm overjet and 4 mm overbite. In addition, his maxillary and mandibular arches were severely crowded. Cephalometric analysis indicated a severe skeletal class II discrepancy, which was confrmed by an ANB of 12°. The frst phase of treatment involved the use of twin blocks with a headgear tube to attempt some growth modification and reduce the overjet. Once it was clear that the appliance was being well tolerated and the oral hygiene was satisfactory, the fxed appliance was used.

RESULTS

Because of the good participation of the patient and his parents, orthodontic treatment was successful in the patient, achieving a normal overjet in combination with successful orofacial therapy.

CONCLUSION

As demonstrated in our case report, the success of the treatment was dependent on the cooperation of the patient and his parents. Furthermore, this case illustrates the importance of the treatment by a dental team in patients with CP.