Orthodontics and Autism

[tweedlemom]

No flames please. My DS9 is having a consult in 2 weeks to determine if braces are necessary. He has a small jaw, the teeth are crowding, and some teeth can't come through because of the crowding. Problem is he is PDD-NOS and chews on everything! He constantly puts things in his mouth. He can also be sensory sensitive some times. Any one else have success with braces on their autistic child? I know he will probably need them, but I want to make sure he is comfortable, doesn't hurt himself or destroy the braces. What have been your experiences? Thanks in advance.

 

[my3apsons]

Try and do as much preparing as possible. DS is now 16 and spent a little over 3 years with braces on. He first needed an extender in the roof of his mouth. He had a very hard time with the gagging and the dentist was very good about making him do breathing to get through it.

He remembers vomiting on the doctor when doing the impressions.

Maybe a social story. I might have one at work that would work. I can send it to myself at home and then share.

 

[tweedlemom]

I'd love a social story--thanks!

 

[LMC]

My son will do this too. They know to sit him up when they work on him. I'll find out again soon we just had another ortho consult.
he had the expander too at an early age and one set of braces at about age 8. He is 16 now and it's time to do some serious work!

You really need to find an orthodontist that works with special needs population. I found one that was at a cranio facial clinic and now does orthodontics and during our consult I found out that he works with ALOT of special needs people thru a state funded program. I didn't know about the special needs experience, I only knew about the cranio facial past which is important due to some of my sons needs but knowing that he works with all types of children means he will be prepared to deal with our issues as well.

He remembers vomiting on the doctor when doing the impressions.
.

 

[Luv Bunnies]

My DS15 w/Asperger's had two rounds of braces. The impressions and x-rays were always a little rough for him, but he adapted pretty well to the whole procedure. The doctor and assistants got to know him well and worked slowly and made sure not to surprise him with anything. The first phase was to make room for his permanent teeth to come in. For the second phase, we had three choices from easy and short to extensive and longer. The easiest route would have been to just line up his teeth but not completely eliminate his crossbite. The second choice was to align the teeth and bring the crossbite to a level where his mouth would be healthy, but not necessarily perfect. The third option involved extensive use of rubberbands and a much longer time in braces. We chose the second option. We didn't want to make him endure more than was necessary for his bite to be healthy.

His teeth are aligned beautifully and his bite looks good. He can chew with his back teeth, which previously didn't even come together. He wears his retainers every night to keep things in place. The orthodontic process wasn't easy, but it was worth it.

 

[toodycat]

DS got them in 4th or 5th grade and they came out at the end of 7th grade. He held it together pretty well, though there was a period when he kept breaking the top braces. From my perspective, the orthodontist was a lot easier than the dentist with his piercing drill hurting DS' sensitive ears.

 

[sl_underwood]

Just subbing as we will be in this situation with our ds soon to be 8.