Download Treating Special Needs Orthodontic Patients

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Treating Special Needs
Orthodontic Patients
by Alan A. Curtis, DDS, MS, Editorial Director, Orthotown Magazine
One of the most rewarding subsets of my orthodontic practice is that of the special needs patient. These
patients range from mild cognitive deficits to severe
debilitating motor disorders. Not only is the dental and
skeletal malocclusion apart of their diagnosis, a thorough
understanding of their special needs condition allows
proper objectives and a reasonable treatment plan to be
developed. A phone call to the referring dental office can
allow you to see how past dental visits have gone.
As with all orthodontic patients, proper diagnosis
begins with records. Where able, both a set of full orthodontic photographs and a panoramic X-ray are taken.
These are discussed with the parents so that an open and
frank discussion can be had to determine the sought after
outcome. Where good oral hygiene is difficult to main-
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MAY 2014 // orthotown.com
tain without orthodontic appliances, it can be nearly
impossible with orthodontic appliances in place.
Orthodontic treatment may be the least of the dental
and medical concerns of the parents. Oftentimes these
patients have a life full of visits to doctors’ and therapists’
offices. Family will help you to determine whether the
hassle (and cost) of orthodontic is warranted. Success
with an orthodontic treatment plan depends upon the
objectives set out to be achieved. Many special needs
patients cannot wear braces as long as their teeth require.
This is ok. Not all patients need to be treated to an ideal
standard. Without a clear understanding of where you’re
going, it’s hard to know when you get there. Set reasonable (limited) treatment objectives, get in and get out.
Get consent from the family regarding these limited
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treatment objectives and have a plan to “cut bait” and
end treatment when the time is right.
It is important to charge the right fee so that you and
the family look forward to the orthodontic appointment.
Many of these parents are so incredibly grateful for a practitioner who is willing and able to see to their child’s care
that they are willing to pay a premium for excellent care.
As their title implies, these patients require special needs.
At times this may be additional staff, additional time or,
most importantly, additional patience.
Scheduling these patients is also an important factor
to consider. Scheduling at the beginning of your schedule or at the end of your morning will allow you and your
staff to deliver the quality attention that you and your
staff need to treat these special needs patients.
Venture out of you comfort zone and begin today
by discussing special needs patients with your pediatric dentists.
Below are examples of cases of special needs patients
treated with limited treatment objectives. Have you worked with patients with special needs? Share your experience online.
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“Success with an orthodontic treatment plan depends upon
the objectives set out to be achieved. Many special needs
patients cannot wear braces as long as their teeth require.
This is ok.”
orthotown.com \\ MAY 2014
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