13 yr old dd terrified of dentists but needs...

[Our 2 Princesses]

Braces!! Could someone please give me some insight into what I can do to help her? She is so scared even of our nice dentist who she has been seeing since she was 3. She will still not let the dentist put those "thingies" (for the lack of a better word) into her mouth for x-rays even. My poor dd is very self-conscious about her teeth and wants braces so badly but is so scared she won't let me take her. I cannot imagine her getting any teeth pulled which the dentist and I feel she needs done first to make room or getting an impression of her teeth to get the braces made! Any suggestions or first-hand experiences please? TIA!!!!

 

[jenb1023]

My DH hates the dentist and the sound of metal near his teeth just sends him over the edge. The dentist always prescribes him valium or something like it to help him be more relaxed for the appointment. Maybe something like this would be an option for your dd? As for the teeth pulling, I would think they could put her under if it is that big of an issue for her.

Good luck!!!

 

[DisLaw]

Ask around to see what orthodontists are used by people in your area. We found a very "kid friendly" ortho with cool video games (full sized arcade machines!!) in the waiting room, cool colors for the thingeys on the teeth, prize "bucks" for being on time, monthly contests, a cool touch screen sign in, ...I know you are thinking what does this have to do with orthodenture???

But he is very good and came highly reccomended and actually gave us a lower estimate that the first doc that we went to see for a consult.

My point is that it is a relatively fun place to go, not your usual dentist office which makes it seem like less of a scary place to go.

Most docs will do a free consult and I would share your child's fears and I am sure they will do their best to work with her. This is a specialty that deals mostly with children and teens so they are used to this and have their own techniques to help overcome fears.

Good luck!

 

[perriwinkleblue]

Braces!! Could someone please give me some insight into what I can do to help her? She is so scared even of our nice dentist who she has been seeing since she was 3. She will still not let the dentist put those "thingies" (for the lack of a better word) into her mouth for x-rays even. My poor dd is very self-conscious about her teeth and wants braces so badly but is so scared she won't let me take her. I cannot imagine her getting any teeth pulled which the dentist and I feel she needs done first to make room or getting an impression of her teeth to get the braces made! Any suggestions or first-hand experiences please? TIA!!!!

Do you think she would try a different dentist? Even if your dentist is nice, if she doesn't feel comfortable after 10 years, maybe a new dentist would help? Is she okay with the hygienist? Maybe there's something about the current dentist that makes her uneasy? (Even as an adult, I have an unreasonable fear of male doctors, no matter how nice, and always try to choose a female )

If it's a phobia of any dentist, then maybe they could give her something to help her relax. Good luck.

 

[Starr W.]

My son has Asperger's Syndrome and had to have about 4 baby teeth pulled!

The first time it was tough, I about had to sit on him and he's a big kid. The assistant held his head so he could be numbed. Found out he could barely feel the shot and when he started to really complain the tooth was already out.

The next ones were easier, with him it's just the first time not knowing what to expect. Plus I use the carrot on the stick, acceptable behavior is rewarded with a treat(ice cream or a soda, he doesn't have these things on a regular basis).

Luckily he doesn't need braces, I don't know who was more relieved him or my wallet!

 

[dismom2]

My DD would not let any dentist touch her with a ten foot pole until we found a wonderful pediatric dentist. I would try another dentist, one who specializes in kids. It really can make a difference. I can understand your DD's fears---I am the same way. I hate shots and going to the dentist. Even valium does nothing to help me!

 

[Our 2 Princesses]

Thank you for all the suggestions. I don't even know if valium would relax her enough. Do they use gas ever at an orthodontist's office, just for the original getting the impression and braces on? Probably not! Also, we have tried 2 pediatric dentists -one was AWFUL but the second one was so sweet. Still, our dd was not relaxed. Oh, well. Guess I wil go on a couple consultations and see what the dr says. Now to figure out how to pay for braces....

 

[AuroraBeauty]

You may want to try some relaxation tapes or techniques. She may need some guided imagery or other method to help control the anxiety.

It's important that you help her now so that she can have good dental hygiene for the long term.

You can do an internet search for relaxation tapes and find some things. You can also look to see if your local library has any relaxation tapes.

I keep saying tapes, but most are CDs and/or MP3s. So if she has an iPod or other type of player she can just listen to the relaxation method using something very familiar to her.

Best Wishes!

 

[disneymarie]

Braces!! Could someone please give me some insight into what I can do to help her? She is so scared even of our nice dentist who she has been seeing since she was 3. She will still not let the dentist put those "thingies" (for the lack of a better word) into her mouth for x-rays even. My poor dd is very self-conscious about her teeth and wants braces so badly but is so scared she won't let me take her. I cannot imagine her getting any teeth pulled which the dentist and I feel she needs done first to make room or getting an impression of her teeth to get the braces made! Any suggestions or first-hand experiences please? TIA!!!!

We are going through this now. dd has had panic attacks since the age of two or three first visit. She asked me questions now, but can;t get her out the door. One tooth is coming in behind the other, and she has an underbite.

Family doc I had for 34 years says, can;t force her when she is ready she will do it. I said by that time she may not even have coverage.

She finally got to the optomistrist, her script is so strong! She not good about the pediatrician, fights tooth and nail.
she also is school phobic and agoraphobic to the point we have to take the entire family, something she really wants to do, and will be back home, not stay over.

She just turned 13 and this was from when she was little she freaked about so much. We even tried a specialist dentis that would give nitrous, and she flipped big time before they could do more then even peek. She gaged, fought off.

I just so try to drop hints of it is difficult to be beautiful, all the kids her age have braces, Just a part of life for kids her age...
I guess I have to leave it in her hands to make a move.
I did ask her to consider to get her teeth polished, not even cleaned, as in tarter removed, but see the hygenist to break the ice....
I hope your dd is more cooperative and soon gives in.

I wish I had an answer for us both. I will be reading the replies to see what tips you receive.
di

 

[Principessa1284]

Oh, I feel her pain! I had braces for 3 years from 12-15, and although the braces themselves weren't so bad, I have a ridiculously huge fear of dentists. Don't let her read this.. but those impressions were just AWFUL. I was gagging like crazy and I believe I actually threw up. The ortho himself was a great guy, but his assistants were just incompetant witches. I'm pretty sure the fear stems from the fact that I had most of my big teeth grow in behind my baby teeth.. it was so awful, I had more baby teeth pulled than fell out on their own. I won't even tell you what it was like when I had to have my wisdom teeth taken out, and that was when I was 20! I'm fairly sure I made a threat on the hygenist's life . See if you can't squeeze a real reason out of her why she's scared.. finding the actual root of the problem can be a real time saver! Then again, she may not have much of a reason.. which doesn't help you help her, and also might make her feel stupid for being afraid. I always felt so dumb when my brother who was 5 years younger was fine, and I'm in the corner having a panic attack.

I'm 23 now and I still have to be dragged kicking and screaming to the dentist. I found a FANTASTIC lady dentist who practices sedatvie dentistry.. they gave me a small amount of laughing gas for an exam and to fill some cavtivies that were neglected. My advice is to see if the laughing gas is an option! Also, see if you can't find one who's just so funny/wacky and out there that she forget's that she's at the dentist. Also it helps to have a distraction to pass the time.. some dentists have tv and movies now while you're in the chair, or you can bring a portable DVD player!

Good luck!! I really, really feel for her.. tell her she's not the only one who's afraid!! Safety in numbers.

 

[a1tinkfans]

Braces!! Could someone please give me some insight into what I can do to help her? She is so scared even of our nice dentist who she has been seeing since she was 3. She will still not let the dentist put those "thingies" (for the lack of a better word) into her mouth for x-rays even. My poor dd is very self-conscious about her teeth and wants braces so badly but is so scared she won't let me take her. I cannot imagine her getting any teeth pulled which the dentist and I feel she needs done first to make room or getting an impression of her teeth to get the braces made! Any suggestions or first-hand experiences please? TIA!!!!

We were in a very similar situation. To the point that the pediatrician recommended hospital dentist.
However, we asked EVERYONE we knew and found a VERY patient, VERY sweet, kind CARING female dentist that literally explains everything from the sensation that is to be expected and so on. He goes without issue now. REALLY!
THEY are out there, so ask and ask and ask some more then take your daughter and re-explain the situation.

BEST of luck to you, hope it works out!

 

[pixiedancr]

I haven't read any of the posts so someone might have said exactly what I'm going to say to you. Sorry if it's a repeat.

My ds got his braces this year he is 12. We thought he had a small mouth and would need teeth pulled too but the orthodontist checked and said No he would be perfectly fine. You really need to check with the ortho/dentist you might be surprised their mouths are still growing.(sorry I just noticed that the dentist feels she needs the teeth removed). I can't help you with that situation but again maybe having her talk to girls her age that have had it done will help.

Secondly and this if from my ds...it doesn't hurt at all to get braces. He was really scared too but afterwards he said he didn't feel a thing. Now thats not saying his teeth aren't a little sore after he gets the things tightened but as long as you chew lots of gum that goes away too.

It might help her to hear from someone her own age that it's not going to hurt, you won't feel a thing and it's actually pretty boring. Plus the big thing here is you get to PICK the color of your spacers!!! That is huge.

Good Luck and I hope it goes well. After that first time going I bet it won't bother her a bit.

 

[jenndisney]

The consultation is usually free (ours have been). Take your DD to visit the office and see how far she will let them go. It may take a few trips, but once she sees what they will do, she might be more comfortable. Take your time and allow her to ask questions. I know my DD was scared and they gave her a complete tour of the office and showed her everything. They then gave her a hand held mirror to watch what they were doing. The Orthodontist spoke to her and then filled me in on what they said. This made her feel like she was in control. We are now in phase 2 of her treatment and things are working well.

Good Luck!