Orthodontic treatment with dsypraxia/sensory issues

[Dancergirl]

Hello, I'm new to this board but hoping to get some advice.

My middle dd is 13 and had (mild) dyspraxia and sensory issues. She doesn't like her teeth and is hoping to have orthodontic treatment. We saw someone last year who said it was too early, she didn't have enough adult teeth and to come back in 18 months time (which is this coming summer).

I'm wondering how she will cope with the process as I know it's a long slog and requires co-operation and commitment. She's particularly worried about having the impression done as some of her friends say that was horrible.

At the moment she finds seeing the dental hygienist a bit of a trial and hasn't managed to have her teeth cleaned properly yet. I'm worried how she'll cope with lots of invasive and tactile treatment....

[Meloncoley2]

I was totally amazed at how well my DD (has ASD) coped with having braces and lots of orthodontic appointments. I think the key was that she really really wanted her teeth sorted, so she was leading the process IYSWIM. At the initial appointment it was impressed upon her how important it was to comply with the treatment, and she took it on board from the outset. I was just an encouraging spectator to be honest.

[Dancergirl]

That's good to hear. Was the orthodontist patient with her? They are generally very busy practices and I don't know if they'll have time or patience if dd makes a fuss....

[frazzledbutcalm]

My dd aged 12 ASD is nearing the end of her orthodontic treatment. Like melon said, I am completely shocked and surprised at how well dd has coped! I too think it's because she wanted her teeth straight - if they want it done, it's much more likely to be a success. We told dd's orthodontist before her first appointment that she had ASD - he was absolutely lovely with her: he explained everything slowly, he showed her instruments he was going to use before he used them, he talked through what he was doing. Just lovely. As for the impression - dd gags very very easily, almost every day while brushing her teeth. The impressions were nowhere near as bad as we all thought they would be!

Good luck to you both!

[Meloncoley2]

Yes the orthodontist was very patient and explained everything really well. DD didn't actually make a fuss, so didn't test that aspect, but the whole process was pretty calm, so wasn't too stressful.

[Dancergirl]

Thank you. With the impression, how long do they have the thing in their mouth for? Dh told dd it helps to breathe through your nose.

[TheSecondOfHerName]

DS2 has ASD & sensory processing disorder and had fixed braces put on a week ago.

For the impressions, he focused on breathing slowly but regularly.

He said the braces felt very strange for a few days but is starting to get used to them now. For the first couple of days he had ibuprofen / paracetamol and ate soft food.

He has coped much better than I was expecting.