The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry defines Special Health Care Needs as “any physical, developmental, mental, sensory, behavioral, cognitive, or emotional impairment condition or limitation that requires medical management, health care intervention, and/or the use of specialized services or programs”. Currently, patients with special health needs present a higher survival rate and higher life expectancies. In addition, they present a higher prevalence and severity of malocclusion that negatively impact their general health and quality of life. The growing concern of parents and professionals for the aesthetic and functional aspect, has led to an increase in the demand for orthodontic treatment, however, the health care access still remains limited. A review of the available literature was performed aiming at describing the considerations in the orthodontic treatment of speci...

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry defines Special Health Care Needs as “any physical, developmental, mental, sensory, behavioral, cognitive, or emotional impairment condition or limitation that requires medical management, health care intervention, and/or the use of specialized services or programs”. Currently, patients with special health needs present a higher survival rate and higher life expectancies. In addition, they present a higher prevalence and severity of malocclusion that negatively impact their general health and quality of life. The growing concern of parents and professionals for the aesthetic and functional aspect, has led to an increase in the demand for orthodontic treatment, however, the health care access still remains limited. A review of the available literature was performed aiming at describing the considerations in the orthodontic treatment of speci...