Orthodontic Treatment & Child With Aspergers

[joencaitlinsmum]

Took my DS (12) to the orthodontist yesterday and he has three major problem areas they need to treat.
At the moment they are undecided the best course of action but it looks like he will have to have two different types of braces one after the other and may have to have some teeth out. It will be a long process!

The xrays alone taken yesterday freaked him out and now I'm wondering how he will cope with the feeling of a mouth full of metal and plastic as he is highly sensitive and already doesnt like the feel of a gumshield in his mouth for sport.

The orthodontist was lovely and has said she has treated a few children with aspergers in the past and will take us both through all options etc right the way through but I cant help but feel anxious as I know I will be taking the flak at home.

Has anyone's child been through treatment and got any tips or advice?

TIA

No, but watching with interest as will probably be going down that road with ds ,11, with AS also. He has bad overcrowding but is a nightmare to get him to brush properly-he can spend up to 20 minutes 'brushing' but is actually just chewing the brush while lost in his own little world. I am constantly replacing toothbrushes and they look like he has just been sweeping the streets with them, the bristles are so worn. My dd,14,is currently having orthodontal work and has two braces and has had 4 teeth removed to alleviate overcrowding and accomodate braces, and it has not been easy for her. She is NT and very responsible as regards brushing etc, but it has been tough at times. The biggest problem really is when the brace /pieces of brace are initially fitted and can be painful for 24-48hours.After that ,she seems fine again and says she doesnt know its there most of the time. But I know ds will definitely know its there and am not sure how well he would tolerate it at all. As for brushing, God help us!.

Penneyanne - My DS is also a terror for cleaning his teeth he doesnt chew the brush its more of a case of actually getting him to do anything with a toothbrush and toothpaste!

For years I have tried to help him and kept telling him to put his teeth "together" now it seems he cant as he has a severe overbite - bad Mummy!

Its interesting isn't it? I hadn't given this any thought until now ,but I wonder if others have a similar experience with getting kids with AS to brush their teeth properly