self esteem problems - teenage daughter with braces and headgear!!!

[Chantal2009]

Hi, apologies but i hope you don't mind but out teenage daughter is started her orthodontic treatment earlier this year. We were at the doctor taking the moulds and X-rays last month and we went back getting updated on the treatment plan, costs etc. What Im trying to get a grip on is not on the actual treatment or medical advice, but more ideas on coping with the social, physical and feeling impact of orthodontic treatment which we are now struggeling with ...

I will explain as it all started off with the orthodontist telling her the different steps and phase, with getting plates, braces, etc.
The two things that came as surprise as i admit we do not know a lot about orthodontic techniques, but first was that she would need to wear elastic bands in her mouth for most if her treatment period...I looked this up and it seems common but she was not that happy about how they would look and then also feel. Even I felt a bit strange, queazy at the thought of having 4 elastics in ones mouth...how do patients and teenagers adapt?

Second which seemed less common was the need after her braces are fitted she would get something called a headgear. To be honest, when i saw the picture she was shown, i was with her her while she was the chair when it was explained, and I could see her reactions, her movements, and fidgeting, and her look, looking almost to see if anyone else would hear in the doctors room, poor child. Even I felt very uneasy. I kept a brave face trying to ask all the right questions, because all she could muster was the odd "ok" ok ... but i could see poor child, her eyes were eventually all glassy and I could sense she wanted to cry. How do you handle emotions and reactions like that?

She was then shown a metal object called Facebow that would be inserted into her mouth and held in place with bands and tubes on her back upper teeth. This would be for 14 to 16 hours a day. The bow would then curve around and protrude from her mouth and be hooked to these straps with elastic bands. The straps would go over the top of her head and around her neck. We were given an example Facebow to hold but i could see she was very uneasy and i know this may sound stupid but she snd I did not even want to hold it, let alone have it worn in her mouth...

The doctor was very helpful, explained everything, and that it would only be a bit sore in the beginning, she would soon get used to it all but it was not the medical side that was the main issue, it was more the emotional, social, and self-conscious aspects that made tough.

She has now been very withdrawn, distant over the last weeks, and we go week after next to start with her braces fitting. I tried to talk to her about it but it came out all wrong but i can see how worried she is about this and how it will feel for her, her self conscious , her friends, what about boys, etc. perhaps we just not good with this stuff but as a teenage it does not seem very pleasant ...can anyone help with this...

Apologies if this is too much but any experience you have had or ideas will be greatly appreciated...

[HoneyandRum]

Headgear is to correct bite before braces. In most countries there are alternatives to headgear as I mentioned above. Maybe if if this is on the NHS they don't spring for possibly more expensive alternatives. You may not have seen or heard of headgear, as the teens that need it wear it discreetly in their family homes in the evenings and will not be advertising it at school!

[CocoCha]

Please get a second opinion. This is so outdated it's ridiculous. Braces are common, headgear is barely used outside of facial disfigurements and after accidents.

[HoneyandRum]

What is called headgear is just to correct bite in preparation for braces and is not worn very long. As mentioned a few times now there are plenty of other appliances that do the same thing that can be bonded onto the teeth for say, six months until the teeth have moved back and then the braces can be applied. It is really not that unusual and gives a much better final result.

[MsPickle]

Hi I've not read the responses (too tired!) but couldn't see this without saying that I had one of those!

Yes, it's uncomfortable but I adapted. I never had to wear it apart from at night/at home. I had tracks top and bottom, elastic bands, headgear and then a retainer. I cannot say it was remotely enjoyable and I needed a lot of family/friend support. But I'm SO glad I made it through! Having straight teeth gave me so much more confidence. My smile has got me through lots of situations.

It helped (I had to travel to London for treatment, must have been a logistical nightmare for my parents!) to have small treats to look forward to after it was all tightened. Lots of TLC. I have a very special memory of my Dad reading me to sleep as if I were a small child rather than a miserable stroppy teenager.

For me, I was picked on for my 'buck teeth' but never for wearing braces.

Good luck, I hope it all goes well.

[StabInTheDark]

Groovee my 19 year old DD is having jaw surgery too. We are now six years down the line from the start of her treatment which included extractions, a twin block and now train track braces. She was completely overwhelmed when she was faced with it all but is taking it bit by bit. She seems absolutely fine now and is the one holding my hand during the appointments

If your DD has any questions, I'm sure my DD would be able to give pretty reassuring answers!

[IHaveSeenMyHat]

Please don't let her wear headgear to school. At home and at night was the norm when I had it (mid 90s).