Behavioral disorders in adolescents and Orthodontics Attitude of orthodontists? How far to go?

Oral Surgeon, Behavioral Psychologist Former University Hospital Assistant, Lecturer Paris VII Member of the National Academy of Oral Surgery President-Founder SPOM-IFA Plus  

Address for correspondence: Marie-Claire Thery-Hugly – Les Petites Vignes – 11 route de Villeneuve – 89320 Vaumort. E-mail: marieclaire@hugly.fr

Received: 3 July 2017
Accepted: 2 August 2017

Abstract

Adults are often worried and somewhat shocked by teenagers’ behavior, and their way of learning, the so-called “Adolescence Disorders.”

The lack of assertiveness of adolescents is the most important issue in the management of orthodontic treatment. With the desirable attitude of empathy in mind, for the majority of teenagers, the orthodontist will manage treatment in a quiet and optimal way.

For 15% of them however, real problems such as anxiety, depression or personality disorders may appear. The use of CBT will be useful.

The orthodontist must be empathetic enough to guide these young teenagers in their development, through their “mouth,” this organ is psychologically invested to fundamental symbols of life and learning.