Orthodontics in head and neck cancer patients: a literature review

Abstract

Introduction: Although head and neck cancer is associated with pain, disfiguration, dysfunction, psychosocial distress, and death, recent advances in treatment have brought improvements in outcomes. These advances include minimally invasive surgery, organ-sparing surgical procedures, precision radiotherapy with IMRT (Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy) and VMAT (Volumetric Modulated Radiotherapy), immune check-points inhibitors, and curative multimodal approaches. This is the reason why orthodontists are more and more consulted for adult and pediatric patients who have completed a successful therapy against head and neck cancer. Literature review: This review focuses on considerations to be followed when planning orthodontic treatment for long-term survivors after a head and neck cancer. The limited number of publications for this topic agrees that cancer process for each patient has to be adequately assessed and the essential aim of the orthodontic treatment has to be modified to obtain the general health and the well-being of the patient. Conclusion: Orthodontics must face different approaches in cancer patients cured. Orthodontic treatment has not to be started before 2 years after completion of the cancer therapy, the mechanics of the orthodontic treatment should be as simple as possible, they must minimize the risk of root absorption and to apply a low force application.