Bullying and malocclusion in adolescence: a case report

ABSTRACT Introduction: Adolescents with bad malocclusion can more often be victims of bullying and the improvement of their facial appearance through oral rehabilitation is nowadays an important issue. The aim of this case report was to describe the orthodontic treatment in a teenager with a dentoskeletal malocclusion exposed to bullying to correct his occlusal problems and improve facial esthetics and quality of life. Case presentation: The patient, a boy aged 13.5 years, had a class II, division 1, malocclusion with hyperdivergent pattern, mandibular asymmetry, constricted maxillary arch and molar crossbite, increased overjet, lower mild crowding and lip sucking. A two-phase approach was necessary to achieve proper occlusion, better esthetics and promote the patient\u27s self-esteem with consequent greater serenity of his family. Conclusion: Treatment of adolescent patients with severe dento-skeletal malocclusions is among the most difficult challenges for orthodontists. Orthodontic therapy cannot simply aim a simple occlusal correction but also have to establish a valid methodology to remove the "cause" of bullying and to treat the patient, together with appropriate psychological support