Orthodontics in people with neurofibromatosis requires special care and planning. Neurofibroma is a type of benign nerve tumor that can grow in the mouth, jaw and soft tissues of the face, and is sometimes associated with bone and dental changes. These conditions make conventional orthodontic treatment simply impossible and require a detailed evaluation before starting, team collaboration with oral and maxillofacial specialists, and long-term follow-up.

The goal of orthodontics for people with neurofibromatosis is to straighten teeth, correct bite problems and maintain tissue health, but all treatment steps should be done with caution and attention to the risks associated with tumors and tissue sensitivity.

Neurofibromatosis is a rare genetic disorder that causes benign tumors to grow on the nerves. These tumors are known as neurofibromas and can appear on the skin, peripheral nerves, and even deeper tissues such as bone and internal organs. There are two main types of neurofibromatosis:

It is the most common type and is associated with brown spots on the skin, subcutaneous tumors and bone problems such as jaw and teeth. It is usually diagnosed in childhood or adolescence.

It is rarer and is associated with auditory nerve tumors (schwannomas), which can cause hearing and balance problems. Dental problems are less common, but checking the jaw and teeth is important.

This disease disrupts the growth of nerve cells and connective tissue, and as a result affects bone and dental structures. For this reason, oral and dental treatments, including orthodontics, require specialized planning and special care in these patients.

Can people with neurofibroma do orthodontics?

Yes, people with neurofibromatosis can usually have orthodontics, but with caution and under the supervision of a specialist, neurofibromas can affect the jawbone, tooth development and soft tissues of the mouth. Therefore, before starting the orthodontic treatment, the dentist or orthodontist must check the condition of the bones and tissues and consider any tumor or abnormality.

In some cases, orthodontic treatment may be performed with specific treatment modifications or the use of gentler methods so as not to put unnecessary pressure on the affected bones or tissues. Regular follow-up and periodic photography is also very important.

For patients with neurofibromatosis, the orthodontic pathway can be associated with certain challenges, including:

• Abnormal changes in the jaw bone and teeth: Neurofibromas may cause jaw abnormalities or change the position of the teeth and complicate the orthodontic treatment plan.
• Soft tissue sensitivity: Oral tissues may be more vulnerable or prone to swelling and bleeding, so excessive pressure from braces or Invisalign should be controlled.
• Asymmetrical growth of teeth and jaw: Abnormal bone growth or delayed tooth growth may prolong the treatment process.
• Need for close medical follow-up: Any change in the condition of neurofibromas can affect the treatment; Therefore, it is necessary to visit an orthodontist and doctor regularly.
• Management of pain and sensitivity: Patients may be more sensitive to orthodontic pressure and require more precise adjustments of orthodontic appliances.

Useful article: orthodontics for heart patients

Orthodontics can have many benefits for patients with neurofibromatosis, including:

1. Correction of dental and jaw abnormalities: Orthodontics can help correct misalignment of teeth, jaws, or improper spacing. This work can improve the patient's appearance and increase his self-confidence.
2. Improve chewing function: If neurofibromas are causing jaw misalignment or problems with chewing, orthodontics can correct these problems and improve the ability to chew and speak.
3. Reduced pressure on teeth and gums: When teeth are properly aligned, less pressure is placed on teeth and gums, which can prevent future problems such as decay or gum disease.
4. Improve Oral Hygiene: By aligning teeth, teeth are easier to clean and the chance of plaque or tartar build up is reduced, which contributes to overall oral health.
5. Improving appearance and self-confidence: One of the important benefits of orthodontics for people with neurofibromatosis is that it can improve the patient's appearance and increase self-confidence and feeling comfortable in groups and social situations.

Orthodontics can significantly increase the quality of life of patients with neurofibromatosis and help improve their oral and dental health, provided that a detailed treatment plan is carried out under expert supervision.

Orthodontics for patients with neurofibromatosis may have many benefits, but there are also certain challenges and disadvantages that must be considered. These disadvantages can include the following:

1. Skin problems and wounds: Neurofibromatosis causes skin tumors (neurofibromas) that may be located in different areas of the mouth and around the teeth. These tumors may come into contact with orthodontic brackets and wires and cause skin irritation, pain, or scarring.
2. Difficulty in carrying out treatment: In some cases, the presence of neurofibromas in or around the mouth can cause problems to install and adjust brackets. These tumors may prevent access to the teeth and complicate the treatment process.
3. More need for special care: Patients with neurofibromatosis usually need more careful monitoring in terms of oral and dental hygiene. These people may be more exposed to infections or gum diseases that require special care.
4. Longer treatment time: In some cases, jaw or dental problems related to neurofibromatosis may make orthodontic treatment more complicated and treatment time longer than usual.
5. Gradual progression of treatment: In some cases, neurofibromas can cause orthodontic treatment to not progress properly, especially if these tumors have damaged deep tissues or jawbone.
6. Sensitivity to damage and injury: Due to the specific characteristics of neurofibromatosis, patients may be more sensitive to minor injuries in the mouth and teeth, and orthodontic treatment may cause more discomfort.

Before starting orthodontic treatment, patients with neurofibromatosis should have a detailed and complete consultation with their orthodontic specialist and doctor so that all aspects of the treatment are properly examined and possible disadvantages are minimized.

Useful article: orthodontics for osteoporosis patients

Concluding remarks

Orthodontics in patients with neurofibromatosis requires special care and planning. These patients can benefit from the benefits of orthodontics to improve the appearance of teeth, chewing function and oral health, but at the same time, they must consider the specific challenges of this treatment, such as the sensitivity of oral tissues, problems related to skin tumors, and jaw changes.

For the success of the treatment, cooperation between different specialists such as orthodontists, dentists and doctors is necessary. The treatment plan should be designed according to the patient's individual condition and respecting all aspects of safety and health in order to achieve the best results and prevent problems and disadvantages. Finally, regular follow-up and special care can help patients with neurofibromatosis to fully benefit from the benefits of orthodontic treatment.