The orthodontic management of patients with profound learning disability.

The orthodontic management of patients with profound learning disability is described including a report of two cases. Close co-operation between the orthodontist and other providers of dental treatment is essential for the management of this group of patients, and a general anaesthetic may be needed to allow fixed appliances to be placed. The orthodontic treatment is co-ordinated with any necessary restorative or periodontal treatment. The moral and ethical questions raised by the treatment offered to this group of patients are discussed.