Aspergers child and braces

October 11, 2010

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!

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