Background: Most children with ASD require orthodontic treatment to correct a malocclusion, to restore masticatory function, and for cosmetic reasons. The use of orthodontic devices,however, could lead to a distortion of the child’s routine, causing mood alterations, on the one hand,and a worsening of their oral hygiene status, on the other. The aim of this study is to evaluate theimpact of orthodontic therapy on the daily management and level of collaboration of children withASD determined using the Frankl scale. Materials and methods: An anonymous questionnaire wasadministered to 20 pairs of parents of children in which they were asked to evaluate any behavioralchanges and/or difficulties encountered at the beginning of orthodontic treatment as well as theirdegree of satisfaction with the level of information received from medical personnel. Results: In abouthalf of the sample, there were behavioral changes and difficulties in managing the treatment. Mostof the responses received indicated parental satisfaction both with regard to the emotional impacton the children with respect to the introduction of the treatment and with regard to the attentionreceived from the medical staff. Furthermore, there was a statistically significant increase (p = 0.001)in the Frankl scale score after treatment. Conclusions: Home management, which has always beenthe most difficult obstacle to overcome, with the support of a competent team can not only improvethe quality of life of patients affected by ASD but also improve their collaboration and state of oralhealth without altering their emotionality.
Orthodontic treatment in pediatric patients with autism spectrum disorder: compliance and satisfaction: pilot study
Denise Corridore;
2023-01-01
Abstract
Background: Most children with ASD require orthodontic treatment to correct a malocclusion, to restore masticatory function, and for cosmetic reasons. The use of orthodontic devices,however, could lead to a distortion of the child’s routine, causing mood alterations, on the one hand,and a worsening of their oral hygiene status, on the other. The aim of this study is to evaluate theimpact of orthodontic therapy on the daily management and level of collaboration of children withASD determined using the Frankl scale. Materials and methods: An anonymous questionnaire wasadministered to 20 pairs of parents of children in which they were asked to evaluate any behavioralchanges and/or difficulties encountered at the beginning of orthodontic treatment as well as theirdegree of satisfaction with the level of information received from medical personnel. Results: In abouthalf of the sample, there were behavioral changes and difficulties in managing the treatment. Mostof the responses received indicated parental satisfaction both with regard to the emotional impacton the children with respect to the introduction of the treatment and with regard to the attentionreceived from the medical staff. Furthermore, there was a statistically significant increase (p = 0.001)in the Frankl scale score after treatment. Conclusions: Home management, which has always beenthe most difficult obstacle to overcome, with the support of a competent team can not only improvethe quality of life of patients affected by ASD but also improve their collaboration and state of oralhealth without altering their emotionality.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
