Re: Aspergers child and braces

[Guest guest]

Kerri,

My daughter(ADD) went thru the same 2 processes. She wasn't quite as sensitive

as your dd sounds, but she did have a lot of issues with correct cleaning and

maintenance. She was not particularly co-operative with the dentist/orthodontist

on many occasions.

Her first appliance was put in at about 7, and it went on from there.

I personally don't think that the first " expander " was helpful, as she still had

to have a prolonged and extensive orthodontic treatment. Almost 3 years from

start to finish for stage 2. It is difficult to know, of course, but my ds has

had braces for the past year, didn't have any expander, and is on the way to

having them off before 18 months have elapsed.

I believe it is better to wait a little for her to mature, and appreciate why

the process has to be suffered. My dd is now 19 and has a beautiful smile(an

expensive one!) so it was all worth it in the long run.

Perhaps you can seek out an orthodontist with special needs training?

Kylie

>

> My almost 9 year old daughter needs braces. I sort of figured this due to the

fact you can't miss seeing her very crooked teeth! Well, her pediatric dentist

has suggested she see an orthodontist to have an expander put on her upper

palate. I guess the top of her mouth is too narrow to hold all the teeth that

will be coming in as she gets older. I knew this was going to have to happen,

but not at her young age! I did follow her advice and I brought my daughter

into an orhtodontist for a consultation. What was explained to me was her

braces would be a two part series. " Phase 1 " and in a few years " Phase 2 " .

Well, phase 1 alone is the exact cost of phase 2! And insurance does NOT

contibute twice. It is a one time lump sum, which is basically 1/3 of the cost.

>

> The " Phase 1 " is what I am concerned with. My daughter has sensory issues and

cannot even tolerate the bite wing x-rays when we go for cleanings. In fact,

she has not had bite wings taken in almost two years! So, I can only imagine

how many cavities are possibly present that we don't even know about. She also

can't handle " things " in her mouth. The nurse can't take an oral temperature on

her. She is too sensitive for using an electric toothbrush...how in the world

is she going to handle an expander in her mouth!! Another concern of mine is

the " turning of the key " each night to assit in the expanding of her palate.

With my overly sensitive child, I don't even see how this is possible.

>

> My thoughts are this. Why the " two phase " treatment, and would the world come

to an end if I skipped out on phase 1 and just started the braces when she is

around age 11 or 12. I am hoping by then she will be a little more " mature " and

cognitive of why she is having the treatment and understanding the outcome to be

positive. Because as of now, she fears the dentist and when I just discussed

the option of starting the expanding process, she all but freaked! Started

crying and begging me to not make her do it.

>

> Her first appt. was this afternoon, which I had to call and cancel. I just

feel in my " gut " that this is not right for her...at least right now.

>

> Does anyone else have experience with this and if so, please share with me! I

have been losing sleep over this!

>

> Thanks!

>

> Kerri

>

> PS. I should add that she recently had to have two teeth pulled due to lack

of room in her mouth, and the screaming could be heard loud and clear in the

waiting room. My heart sank and I couldn't help but cry myself! And I am an RN!

>

[Guest guest]

My son, 12, started the braces treatment last Jan. He is very sensitive and does not take care of his teeths. But I am glad we started now because they put on the expander and I was scare to death on how to handle this. The longer you wait it going to be more painful and problematic. Because he was so young, he did not have any pain and the palate expanded so quickly that the dentist told us to stop. They took it out in two months. Oral hygiene, well that is another issue. I have to be on his case to do a "half-ass" job.

I don't know about the two-step process, he is supposed to have them 2-3 years. Find a good and understanding orthodontist. Ours if very kid friendly and he does mind goind to see him.

Ide

From: KylieM <kyliemonty@...> Sent: Mon, October 11, 2010 6:41:17 PMSubject: ( ) Re: Aspergers child and braces

Kerri,My daughter(ADD) went thru the same 2 processes. She wasn't quite as sensitive as your dd sounds, but she did have a lot of issues with correct cleaning and maintenance. She was not particularly co-operative with the dentist/orthodontist on many occasions. Her first appliance was put in at about 7, and it went on from there.I personally don't think that the first "expander" was helpful, as she still had to have a prolonged and extensive orthodontic treatment. Almost 3 years from start to finish for stage 2. It is difficult to know, of course, but my ds has had braces for the past year, didn't have any expander, and is on the way to having them off before 18 months have elapsed. I believe it is better to wait a little for her to mature, and appreciate why the process has to be suffered. My dd is now 19 and has a beautiful smile(an expensive one!) so it was all worth it in the long run.Perhaps you can seek

out an orthodontist with special needs training?Kylie>> My almost 9 year old daughter needs braces. I sort of figured this due to the fact you can't miss seeing her very crooked teeth! Well, her pediatric dentist has suggested she see an orthodontist to have an expander put on her upper palate. I guess the top of her mouth is too narrow to hold all the teeth that will be coming in as she gets older. I knew this was going to have to happen, but not at her young age! I did follow her advice and I brought my daughter into an orhtodontist for a consultation. What was explained to me was her braces would be a two part series. "Phase 1" and in a few years "Phase 2". Well, phase 1 alone is the exact cost of phase 2! And

insurance does NOT contibute twice. It is a one time lump sum, which is basically 1/3 of the cost.> > The "Phase 1" is what I am concerned with. My daughter has sensory issues and cannot even tolerate the bite wing x-rays when we go for cleanings. In fact, she has not had bite wings taken in almost two years! So, I can only imagine how many cavities are possibly present that we don't even know about. She also can't handle "things" in her mouth. The nurse can't take an oral temperature on her. She is too sensitive for using an electric toothbrush...how in the world is she going to handle an expander in her mouth!! Another concern of mine is the "turning of the key" each night to assit in the expanding of her palate. With my overly sensitive child, I don't even see how this is possible. > > My thoughts are this. Why the "two phase" treatment, and would the world come to an end if I skipped out on phase 1 and just started the

braces when she is around age 11 or 12. I am hoping by then she will be a little more "mature" and cognitive of why she is having the treatment and understanding the outcome to be positive. Because as of now, she fears the dentist and when I just discussed the option of starting the expanding process, she all but freaked! Started crying and begging me to not make her do it.> > Her first appt. was this afternoon, which I had to call and cancel. I just feel in my "gut" that this is not right for her...at least right now. > > Does anyone else have experience with this and if so, please share with me! I have been losing sleep over this! > > Thanks!> > Kerri> > PS. I should add that she recently had to have two teeth pulled due to lack of room in her mouth, and the screaming could be heard loud and clear in the waiting room. My heart sank and I couldn't help but cry myself! And I am an RN!

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Kylie,

Thank you so much for your input. I guess it is just my " gut " instinct here

that she is not ready. (The begging and crying to NOT do it didn't help,

either). And in all honesty, I don't remember kids having braces back when I was

8-9 years old. I half wonder if this is a way for orthodontists to just make

more money, but doint it in 2 phases. And if this is " treatment " , then why

don't insurance companies cover it twice?? I undestand that kids palates are

more flexible the younger they are, but to have to go through braces TWICE? I

just see my daughter traumatized and then not wanting to go through the process

again as a preteen. And I don't think 11 is all that " old " . sigh...

We as parents want to do the " best " thing for our children, but sometimes, what

is that??!!

> >

[Guest guest]

Ide,

Did your son get the expander as a 12 year old and his palate expanded " quickly "

still? If so, this actually helps me make my decision! Please let me know.

Also, how long is he to have the braces on?

Thanks,

Kerri

>

> My son, 12, started the braces treatment last Jan.  He is very sensitive and

> does not take care of his teeths.  But I am glad we started now because they

put

> on the expander and I was scare to death on how to handle this.  The longer

you

> wait it going to be more painful and problematic.  Because he was so young,

he

> did not have any pain and the palate expanded so quickly that the dentist

told

> us to stop.  They took it out in two months.  Oral hygiene, well that is

another

> issue. I have to be on his case to do a " half-ass " job.

>

> I don't know about the two-step process, he is supposed to have them 2-3

years. 

> Find a good and understanding orthodontist.  Ours if very kid friendly and he

> does mind goind to see him.

>

> Ide

>

>

>

>

> ________________________________

[Guest guest]

We started braces Jan. 2010. He was still 11 (his birthday is early March). The first step was to put expander between his teeths and then they put the palate expanander at the end of January. He was supposed to have that on at least 6 months but like I said after a month we had to stop working it and the Doctor waiting a month and a half to take out just as a precaution.

People told me that when the are older, they have to actually "break" the palate bone and it is very painful.

I hope this helps you.

Ide

From: kerri <kerri_bak@...> Sent: Tue, October 12, 2010 6:45:47 AMSubject: ( ) Re: Aspergers child and braces

Ide,Did your son get the expander as a 12 year old and his palate expanded "quickly" still? If so, this actually helps me make my decision! Please let me know. Also, how long is he to have the braces on?Thanks,Kerri>> My son, 12, started the braces treatment last Jan. He is very sensitive and > does not take care of his teeths. But I am glad we started now because they put > on the expander and I was scare to death on how to handle this. The longer you > wait it going to be more painful and problematic. Because he was so young, he > did not have any pain and the palate expanded so quickly that the dentist told > us to

stop. They took it out in two months. Oral hygiene, well that is another > issue. I have to be on his case to do a "half-ass" job.> > I don't know about the two-step process, he is supposed to have them 2-3 years. > Find a good and understanding orthodontist. Ours if very kid friendly and he > does mind goind to see him.> > Ide> > > > > ________________________________

[Guest guest]

You probably have a good sense of what kind of cooperation you

will get from your child. We are waiting too. My daughter is 12

and we are waiting until she is older yet on the braces.

The upper and lower palate will expand as

she gets older. I guess by 14 growth really slows down in the jaw.

My daughter had a buckled tooth from crowding. It has improved

on her own as her palate grew.

Since my daughter only brushes regularly at night I don't see

her caring for her braces at 12 but perhaps by high school she

will be ready.

I had all her teeth sealed with sealants and I keep that up.

And we keep up with the cleaning visits.

At 12 she has been able to cope with xrays.

We see the same dental hygienist that takes it slow

and is willing to skip things that bother her if need be.

Pam

>

> My almost 9 year old daughter needs braces. I sort of figured this due to the

fact you can't miss seeing her very crooked teeth! Well, her pediatric dentist

has suggested she see an orthodontist to have an expander put on her upper

palate. I guess the top of her mouth is too narrow to hold all the teeth that

will be coming in as she gets older. I knew this was going to have to happen,

but not at her young age! I did follow her advice and I brought my daughter

into an orhtodontist for a consultation. What was explained to me was her

braces would be a two part series. " Phase 1 " and in a few years " Phase 2 " .

Well, phase 1 alone is the exact cost of phase 2! And insurance does NOT

contibute twice. It is a one time lump sum, which is basically 1/3 of the cost.

>

> The " Phase 1 " is what I am concerned with. My daughter has sensory issues and

cannot even tolerate the bite wing x-rays when we go for cleanings. In fact,

she has not had bite wings taken in almost two years! So, I can only imagine

how many cavities are possibly present that we don't even know about. She also

can't handle " things " in her mouth. The nurse can't take an oral temperature on

her. She is too sensitive for using an electric toothbrush...how in the world

is she going to handle an expander in her mouth!! Another concern of mine is

the " turning of the key " each night to assit in the expanding of her palate.

With my overly sensitive child, I don't even see how this is possible.

>

> My thoughts are this. Why the " two phase " treatment, and would the world come

to an end if I skipped out on phase 1 and just started the braces when she is

around age 11 or 12. I am hoping by then she will be a little more " mature " and

cognitive of why she is having the treatment and understanding the outcome to be

positive. Because as of now, she fears the dentist and when I just discussed

the option of starting the expanding process, she all but freaked! Started

crying and begging me to not make her do it.

>

> Her first appt. was this afternoon, which I had to call and cancel. I just

feel in my " gut " that this is not right for her...at least right now.

>

> Does anyone else have experience with this and if so, please share with me! I

have been losing sleep over this!

>

> Thanks!

>

> Kerri

>

> PS. I should add that she recently had to have two teeth pulled due to lack

of room in her mouth, and the screaming could be heard loud and clear in the

waiting room. My heart sank and I couldn't help but cry myself! And I am an RN!

>

[Guest guest]

We didn't begin braces with my son (not an Aspie) until he was 14 because he was very immature, and I didn't think he'd be able to care for his teeth the way he would need to with braces. He ended up needing both upper and lower palate expanders. Although there was some pain at the beginning, it seemed to be minimal.

( ) Re: Aspergers child and braces

Ide,Did your son get the expander as a 12 year old and his palate expanded "quickly" still? If so, this actually helps me make my decision! Please let me know. Also, how long is he to have the braces on?Thanks,Kerri>> My son, 12, started the braces treatment last Jan. He is very sensitive and > does not take care of his teeths. But I am glad we started now because they put > on the expander and I was scare to death on how to handle this. The longer you > wait it going to be more painful and problematic. Because he was so young, he > did not have any pain and the palate expanded so quickly that the dentist told > us to stop. They took it out in two months. Oral hygiene, well that is another > issue. I have to be on his case to do a "half-ass" job.> > I don't know about the two-step process, he is supposed to have them 2-3 years. > Find a good and understanding orthodontist. Ours if very kid friendly and he > does mind goind to see him.> > Ide> > > > > ________________________________

No virus found in this incoming message.Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 9.0.862 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/3190 - Release Date: 10/11/10 02:34:00

[Guest guest]

My daughter got her expander at age 10... she does not like braces and/or toothpaste. She does not take care of her teeth as well as she should. Happy to know I am not alone! Elinor ..mom to Maeci 12 ... AS and PMS do not mix! From: Lori <lori.hayes6@...> Sent: Tue, October 12, 2010

6:46:21 PMSubject: Re: ( ) Re: Aspergers child and braces

We didn't begin braces with my son (not an Aspie) until he was 14 because he was very immature, and I didn't think he'd be able to care for his teeth the way he would need to with braces. He ended up needing both upper and lower palate expanders. Although there was some pain at the beginning, it seemed to be minimal.

( ) Re: Aspergers child and braces

Ide,Did your son get the expander as a 12 year old and his palate expanded "quickly" still? If so, this actually helps me make my decision! Please let me know. Also, how long is he to have the braces on?Thanks,Kerri>> My son, 12, started the braces treatment last Jan. He is very sensitive and > does not take care of his teeths. But I am glad we started now because they put > on the expander and I was scare to death on how to handle this. The longer you > wait it going to be more painful and problematic. Because he was so young, he > did not have any pain and the palate expanded so quickly that the dentist told > us to stop. They took it out in two months. Oral hygiene, well that is another > issue. I have to be on his case to do a "half-ass" job.> > I don't know about the two-step process, he is supposed to have them 2-3 years. > Find a good and understanding orthodontist. Ours if very kid friendly and he > does mind goind to see him.> > Ide> > > > > ________________________________

No virus found in this incoming message.Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 9.0.862 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/3190 - Release Date: 10/11/10 02:34:00

[Guest guest]

My 8 yo son w/Aspergers got an expander in July because of a crossbite combined

with underbite. Apparently for overbite they can wait but like to get in early

for cross/overbite. We debated because it would interfere with his eating (picky

eater) and speaking (need to work on conversation skills) but we didn't

anticipate the difficulty in taking his pills. It was 2-3 weeks (ortho had said

usually kids adjust in one week) before he stopped drooling and learned to put

the pills further back in his mouth. We almost had the Orthodontist take it out,

but were persuaded to wait because of the " breaking the jaw, jaw wired shut "

procedure down the road. Son actually enjoyed the key turning (he is

underresponsive and overresponsive to touch and enjoyed the feeling of pressure

in his mouth). Not many of son's teeth have come out yet ... Ortho says he may

not need braces since we are making room for new teeth that will come in

straight not crooked. Challenge will be wearing retainer (the rest of his life?

Just at night? I'm not so clear on that ...) to keep palate from shifting back?

Not sure how much the need is cosmetic how much functional, but even if cosmetic

seems worth the investment, nice smile gives boost in social arena where every

little bit helps?

He does not tolerate the bitewing xrays, dentist used panoramic machine that

gets image from outside of face.

-

>

> My almost 9 year old daughter needs braces. I sort of figured this due to the

fact you can't miss seeing her very crooked teeth! Well, her pediatric dentist

has suggested she see an orthodontist to have an expander put on her upper

palate. I guess the top of her mouth is too narrow to hold all the teeth that

will be coming in as she gets older. I knew this was going to have to happen,

but not at her young age! I did follow her advice and I brought my daughter

into an orhtodontist for a consultation. What was explained to me was her

braces would be a two part series. " Phase 1 " and in a few years " Phase 2 " .

Well, phase 1 alone is the exact cost of phase 2! And insurance does NOT

contibute twice. It is a one time lump sum, which is basically 1/3 of the cost.

>

> The " Phase 1 " is what I am concerned with. My daughter has sensory issues and

cannot even tolerate the bite wing x-rays when we go for cleanings. In fact,

she has not had bite wings taken in almost two years! So, I can only imagine

how many cavities are possibly present that we don't even know about. She also

can't handle " things " in her mouth. The nurse can't take an oral temperature on

her. She is too sensitive for using an electric toothbrush...how in the world

is she going to handle an expander in her mouth!! Another concern of mine is

the " turning of the key " each night to assit in the expanding of her palate.

With my overly sensitive child, I don't even see how this is possible.

>

> My thoughts are this. Why the " two phase " treatment, and would the world come

to an end if I skipped out on phase 1 and just started the braces when she is

around age 11 or 12. I am hoping by then she will be a little more " mature " and

cognitive of why she is having the treatment and understanding the outcome to be

positive. Because as of now, she fears the dentist and when I just discussed

the option of starting the expanding process, she all but freaked! Started

crying and begging me to not make her do it.

>

> Her first appt. was this afternoon, which I had to call and cancel. I just

feel in my " gut " that this is not right for her...at least right now.

>

> Does anyone else have experience with this and if so, please share with me! I

have been losing sleep over this!

>

> Thanks!

>

> Kerri

>

> PS. I should add that she recently had to have two teeth pulled due to lack

of room in her mouth, and the screaming could be heard loud and clear in the

waiting room. My heart sank and I couldn't help but cry myself! And I am an RN!

>

[Guest guest]

My advice is to be certain you know whether or not they have experience with

children with sensory issues, and exactly what they plan to do to help

her--including how they suggest you can take care of everything at home. Check

around for these answers and for pricing. Supposedly, if they begin younger,

it's a more gradual process over time and not as 'difficult' for the child

because they guide the growing teeth. I'm praying that my dd won't need braces.

They want to put in 'spacers' and fill in several cavities. She gets 'laughing

gas' and all and they told me she did so well with the two things they did and

how funny she is (she has a sense of humor); but later my dd told me that they

had not kept her in the main room, but moved her into a tiny room with no

windows or decorations, closed the door, and then pulled the baby tooth and put

on a sterling silver crown. I'm concerned because of her quiet behavior

afterward...like she was told how to behave with me or something. She didn't say

much at all when I asked how it went. I don't want to go back to that pediatric

dentist, but I've heard that there isn't any way to make fillings, etc. an

'okay' experience. When my kids were younger, the thought was that you didn't

put in braces until they were teens because they hadn't stopped growing in yet.

Everything changes. Check around, then go with your gut instinct. You know your

child. Take care! -Kari

>

> My almost 9 year old daughter needs braces. I sort of figured this due to the

fact you can't miss seeing her very crooked teeth! Well, her pediatric dentist

has suggested she see an orthodontist to have an expander put on her upper

palate. I guess the top of her mouth is too narrow to hold all the teeth that

will be coming in as she gets older. I knew this was going to have to happen,

but not at her young age! I did follow her advice and I brought my daughter

into an orhtodontist for a consultation. What was explained to me was her

braces would be a two part series. " Phase 1 " and in a few years " Phase 2 " .

Well, phase 1 alone is the exact cost of phase 2! And insurance does NOT

contibute twice. It is a one time lump sum, which is basically 1/3 of the cost.

>

> The " Phase 1 " is what I am concerned with. My daughter has sensory issues and

cannot even tolerate the bite wing x-rays when we go for cleanings. In fact,

she has not had bite wings taken in almost two years! So, I can only imagine

how many cavities are possibly present that we don't even know about. She also

can't handle " things " in her mouth. The nurse can't take an oral temperature on

her. She is too sensitive for using an electric toothbrush...how in the world

is she going to handle an expander in her mouth!! Another concern of mine is

the " turning of the key " each night to assit in the expanding of her palate.

With my overly sensitive child, I don't even see how this is possible.

>

> My thoughts are this. Why the " two phase " treatment, and would the world come

to an end if I skipped out on phase 1 and just started the braces when she is

around age 11 or 12. I am hoping by then she will be a little more " mature " and

cognitive of why she is having the treatment and understanding the outcome to be

positive. Because as of now, she fears the dentist and when I just discussed

the option of starting the expanding process, she all but freaked! Started

crying and begging me to not make her do it.

>

> Her first appt. was this afternoon, which I had to call and cancel. I just

feel in my " gut " that this is not right for her...at least right now.

>

> Does anyone else have experience with this and if so, please share with me! I

have been losing sleep over this!

>

> Thanks!

>

> Kerri

>

> PS. I should add that she recently had to have two teeth pulled due to lack

of room in her mouth, and the screaming could be heard loud and clear in the

waiting room. My heart sank and I couldn't help but cry myself! And I am an RN!

>

[Guest guest]

Thank you so much to all who posted to my topic here! I am going to wait 2 more

years for the braces.

She needs to be older. I am sure I am going to get the disapproving looks from

her dentist at the next cleaning, but that is fine. I know my child. And I am

hoping that age 11 is not considered too " old " to start the orthodontic process!

[Guest guest]

You know your child best and mine is the same way. He's not going to be mature enough at 8 to start braces like the ortho wants. I didn't get them till I was 16 due to financial difficulty. My teeth are fine.ConnieOn Oct 16, 2010, at 8:01 AM, "kerri" <kerri_bak@...> wrote:

Thank you so much to all who posted to my topic here! I am going to wait 2 more years for the braces.

She needs to be older. I am sure I am going to get the disapproving looks from her dentist at the next cleaning, but that is fine. I know my child. And I am hoping that age 11 is not considered too "old" to start the orthodontic process!