Treatment modalities for self-injurious behaviors observed in the special-needs patient: 2 case reports.

Self-injurious behavior (SIB) is comprised of deliberate self-harm involving frequent and repetitive activities of a destructive nature. It is commonly observed in patients with developmental delay and a variety of syndromes. SIB frequently involves oral and facial tissues, requiring intervention from the dental team. The purpose of this case report was to compare and contrast the dental management of 2 patients exhibiting self-injurious behavior. The cases presented in this report discuss selection and application of fixed, semiremovable, and removable appliance therapy for SIB. Appliances utilized included fixed and removable "lip bumpers" as well as a novel semifixed splint to open the patient's bite to prevent SIB. It was important in both cases that the patients received regular follow-up exams so that the appliances could be appropriately altered as the patient adjusted.