Self-injurious behavior as a challenge for the dental practice: a case report

Patients who present self-injurious behavior (SIB) can be considered a treatment challenge in the dental office or hospital setting. Oral structures can play various roles in the process of self injury. In this paper, the authors report a case of SIB in the form of cheek-biting on an adolescent with a history of hydrocephalus and developmental delay, which was successfully treated with a modified standard maxillary orthodontic retainer. Early detection and intervention in SIB cases in patients with developmental disabilities influence the successful outcome of the therapeutic interventions, enhancing the patient's quality of life.