Orthodontic treatment in a patient with sickle cell anemia

Abstract

Sickle cell anemia is a common hereditary hematologic disease. It affects many systems and tissues in the body, including the mouth. Delayed tooth eruption, an uncommon degree of periodontitis, alterations in the cells of the tongue surface, hypomaturation and hypomineralization in enamel and dentin, pulp calcifications, hypercementosis, and bone alterations resulting in maxillary protrusion and formation of a thick trabecular pattern are some oral manifestations of the disease. The aim of this study was to report the orthodontic treatment of a patient with sickle cell anemia. Treatment consisted of correcting a Class II dental and skeletal pattern with an extraoral appliance combined with a fixed orthodontic appliance. From the orthodontic point of view, the results were satisfactory: the occlusion was normalized, and the patient's health was maintained throughout the entire treatment period.