Aim: This article describes the experiences associated with orthodontic treatment in all elderly (65+ years) patients treated by 1 orthodontist from 1990 to 1998. Until now, there has been no comprehensive study that deals with orthodontic treatment in a large group of elderly adults. Material and methods: Thirty-six patients, ranging from 65 to 82 years of age at the start of therapy, were treated with fixed appliances in 1 or both dental arches. The duration was generally about 1 year. All types of dental malocclusions were represented, but no surgical cases. Treatment plans and teeth selected for extraction were different from that in younger patients, and included uncommon and strategic removals. In 22 cases, a nonextraction plan was followed. The majority of these needed mesiodistal recontouring of teeth by grinding, for space reasons and to avoid loss of the interdental gingival papillae. There was a trend with increasing age of the patient to limit the treatment to 1 dental arch. Results: The observations made in this study were unconditionally positive from the patients, as well as from the orthodontists, points of view. It was even possible to perform extensive forms of tooth movement in all patients. The acceptance of the esthetic fixed appliances used was optimal, and treatment was not discontinued in any case. Conclusion: Orthodontic treatment is not limited by patient age. It is probably wise, however, not to extend the treatment goals beyond necessity and/or beyond the patients subjective need for correction. Judged from the favorable posttreatment reactions, the compromises made when planning treatment appeared to be justified. World J Orthod 2000;1:55–70.
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