Orthodontic Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Orthodontic, including details on braces, retainers, treatment.

Psychiatry in orthodontics. Part 2: Substance abuse among adolescents and its relevance to orthodontic practice.

Neeley WW, Kluemper GT, Hays LR

University of Texas Health Science Center School of Dentistry, San Antonio, Texas, USA. wendell_n@yahoo.com

Substance abuse by adolescents is a serious problem that will touch every orthodontic practice. Recent data show that 40% of tenth graders in the United States will use an illicit drug at some time, and 18% will do so in a 30-day period. These are significant figures that should impact orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning. The nature of orthodontic treatment is unique in that the orthodontist will see relatively healthy adolescent patients on a monthly basis over a period of years. The orthodontist is in a prime position to recognize potential substance abuse problems and make referrals. This article discusses various types of substance abuse, diagnosis, options for referral, and orthodontic implications.

Published 13 February 2006 in Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop, 129(2): 185-93.
Full-text of this article is available online (may require subscription).

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