A Reviewon Orthodontics For Elderly Patients

Abstract

The National Institute for Elderly Adults defined ‘Elderly’ as a person with a biological age of 60 years or more. With an increase in life expectancy in the last few decades, owing to better healthcare, sanitation and basic amenities, the elderly patients are now actively seeking healthcare facilities including dental treatment. Orthodontics in elderly patients is usually delved into for one of the two major reasons; adjunctive treatment for rehabilitative purposes or comprehensive treatment for function and aesthetics. Geriatric dentistry incorporates an interdisciplinary approach with focus on achieving functional goals rather than minor corrections via tooth movement. We need to take into consideration the compromised periodontal and systematic disease status in such cases. The expectations from the treatment also varies in elderly cases when compared with adolescent patients. This article is focused on shedding light upon the requisite considerations before planning the treatment of elderly patients.