Malocclusion and Disability
摘要
Malocclusion can lead to compromised oral function and stability along with the indirect effect of detracting from one’s appearance. These factors, in turn, might affect an individual’s social acceptability and integration. Despite having serious consequences to living with a malocclusion, orthodontic treatment is still considered elective. This can be attributed to the significant management challenges posed by individuals with disabilities to the treatment process. Orthodontic treatment may tend to be prolonged and requires a long-term commitment on part of the patient and parent. It also requires a proficient and experienced specialist to manage such cases for which they might not have been specifically trained. However, if patient and parent cooperation can be achieved, a skilled practitioner may be able to undertake such a treatment by adapting it to the needs of the individual patient and can aim to achieve reasonable outcomes.