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Orthodontic treatment in elderly patients.

Maspero C, Farronato D, Giannini L, Farronato G

MD, DDS, Department of Orthodontics, University of Milan, Orthodontic Department, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.

OBJECTIVE: In recent years there has been a significant increase in the number of elderly patients requesting orthodontist consultations. Masticatory performance is an important factor influencing the quality of life in independent healthy elderly subjects and only the restoration of skeletal and dental relationships in the three planes of space can assure oral health and functions with the consequential nutritional balance of the whole organism. The rehabilitation treatment in elderly subjects must comprehend orthodontic and prosthetic needs. This kind of treatment has two main goals: firstly, the restoration of oral function and secondly the restoration of facial morphology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this article three clinical cases treated with multidisciplinary approach are described showing an efficient procedure to a successful management of the elderly patients. RESULTS: The results obtained underlined an oral cavity in good condition which facilitates adequate nutritional intake, an essential factor in the health and well-being of elderly patients and it is important for preserving physical and mental health. CONCLUSIONS: With appropriate treatment planning and selection of the patients, the orthodontic therapy can be accomplished successfully elderly patients.

Published 9 June 2010 in Prog Orthod, 11(1): 62-75.
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