Orthodontic treatment for the special needs child

Special needs individuals are children or adults who are prevented by a physical or mental condition from full participation in the normal range of activities of their age groups. They usually exhibit high orthodontic treatment needs because of an increased prevalence and severity of malocclusions. Although their parents are highly motivated to improving the children's quality of life, by improving the appearance and the oral function, they are also the least likely to receive orthodontic treatment. The present article discusses orthodontic treatment for patients with developmental disability involving behavioral problems. It is based on the authors' earlier published studies and clinical experience in the treatment of this compromised minority group within the community. It aims to discuss the major obstacles that may preclude the delivery of orthodontic treatment or are encountered during treatment, the different management modalities that may be employed to overcome the behavioral limitations, and to provide guidelines, which may allow orthodontists to gain therapeutic access to these patients.