Extraction Orthodontic Treatment in an Autistic Patient

Autism is a condition that restricts brain development. Early diagnostic criteria are as follows: less responsive to social stimuli, inability to develop natural speaking skills, lack of communication skills, and limited and repetitive behaviors. Orthodontic treatment is a challenging process for doctors in autistic patients. The clinical and cephalometric examination of a 17-year and 7-month-old autistic patient revealed class I malocclusion, increased vertical dimensions, proclined upper and lower incisors, and inconsistent lip closure. The treatment plan involved four premolar extractions from each quadrant. Upper and lower 1. premolar extraction with fixed treatment caused reduction in vertical dimensions and significant improvement in lip closure and incisor inclination. Due to the increased metabolic activity in these patients, treatment was completed in 13 months. As a result, autistic patients can be successfully treated. In this process, it is important to include communication as a major part of treatment.