Geophagia: A Concealed Spring To Extinction of Orthodontic Treatment Progress – Case Report

Introductions  Geophagia is defined as the deliberately eating of soil, clay .i.e. eating of non-nutritive substances like metal pieces such as coins, wire needles. In South Africa it is socially permitted for pregnant women to eat to fulfill of mineral deficiencies, also it believed that along with mineral balance, vomiting during pregnancy can be avoided. These habits were seems to be hidden and undiagnosed, because usually patient doesn’t give history of geophagia. Case presentations 17 year old girl patient came with a complaint of forward place upper teeth, unable to close lips and excessive gum exposure. Intra oral examinations, molars were anlge class I relation with short clinical crowns, wear off deep facets. Incisors were proclaimed with increased over jet, impressions were taken for Study Model analysis and cephalometric analysis reveals that bimaxillary dentoalveolar protrusion with excessive gummy smile. Premaxillay setback was the treatment objective. Case was started with fixed appliance 0.022 inch slot brackets (Roath prescription) were placed in both mandibular and maxillary arches. On regular activation appointment, dislodgment of premolar and molar brackets with hard deposit in posteriors along with severely chewed TPA and bands were observed repeatedly. After counseling with previous medical history patient revealed history of eating clay. Conclusion  Geophagia psychological disorder helps to fulfill the mineral deficiencies in female body. Treatments were terminated with satisfying only first phase of pre surgical orthodontic treatment.