Orthodontic treatment using maxillary distraction osteogenesis on a patient with cleft soft palate, maxillary hypoplasia, total crossbite and mental retardation

It has been reported that the treatment of patients with mental retardation is difficult because their ability to cooperate with the treatment has been insufficient. This case report describes a successful orthodontic treatment with a maxillary advancement and expansion using distraction osteogenesis in an adult female who was mentally retarded, with the intelligence of a person around 9 years old. She was diagnosed as having an Angle Class III malocclusion with a cleft soft palate, maxillary hypoplasia, total crossbite and a skeletal Class III jaw relationship. This case report indicates an effective application of sympathetic nursing care and therapeutic play intervention to patient's psychological stress symptoms during hospitalization, and the treatment results of maxillary distraction and orthodontic treatment.