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 Developmental Center by the New York State School for the Blind. She had a history of self-abusive behavior, particularly in biting her lower lip, and had previously had all primary teeth removed to prevent further damage. The school psychologist was concerned about new injuries because 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. Her behavior improved with a change in psychotropic medication, and the lacerations of oral and peri-oral areas healed. At this time, more permanent teeth are present in the oral cavity.