ORAL APPLIANCE ATTACHED TO A BUBBLE HELMET FOR PREVENTION OF SELF-INFLICTED INJURY

A six-year-old girl was referred to the Dental Clinic of Monroe Develo pmental Center by the New York State School for the Blind. She had a h istory of self-abusive behavior, particularly in biting her lower lip, and had previously had all primary teeth removed to prevent further d amage. The school psychologist was concerned about new injuries becaus e her permanent first molars were erupting and cheek lacerations were already present in those areas. An oral appliance attached to a bubble helmet was designed and fabricated. The patient tolerated it well. He r behavior improved with a change in psychotropic medication, and the lacerations of oral and peri-oral areas healed. At this time, more per manent teeth are present in the oral cavity.