The pain from the tension can range from dull to intense, but autistic kids often have more mouth sensitivity than their peers. Some autistic kids have even been known to rip traditional braces out of their mouths. The bands allow even more tension control and can help align the jaw and teeth.Ĭhildren with autism may struggle with the feeling of hardware in their mouths. These elastics can be vertical, horizontal, or both. Sometimes an orthodontist will attach “bands” to braces. This tension helps the teeth move into place. The wire is used by the orthodontist to adjust the tension on teeth as needed. Your child can choose the color of the ligatures. Metal brackets are attached to the teeth and a metal wire is attached to each bracket through slots and with bands called ligatures. These are what most people think of when they think of braces. Your orthodontist will explain your child’s options, but in the meantime, let’s take a look at the pros and cons of common braces. Keep in mind, some kids may only require a retainer, while others may need “headgear” to help get the teeth and jaw into proper shape. There are several types of braces out there, but what’s best for your child will depend on their preferences, comfort, and orthodontic concerns. What kind of braces are best for children with autism? For all these reasons, autistic people may find it easier to wait until they are adults to get braces. Many kids with autism have difficulty with oral hygiene, and traditional braces make it even harder to clean teeth. The daily maintenance, pain, and adjusting to changes within the mouth can be hard, too. Your child would have to sit still for many appointments while their dental hardware is installed and adjusted. The process of getting and maintaining braces can be very overwhelming for autistic kids. (This is a decision you and your child should make together along with the input of your dentist and orthodontist.) Unless your child needs braces for health reasons, it’s okay to opt out. If your child has a malocclusion or jaw issue that interferes with their ability to chew or speak, braces or oral surgery may be necessary. In that case, the child’s teeth need to be straightened out so the dentist can treat the hidden cavities. Your dentist may also refer your child to an orthodontist for braces if they have pesky cavities that can’t be reached because your child’s teeth are crowded. Straight teeth can be a good self-esteem booster, especially for teens. The most common reason people choose braces is to straighten and align teeth for a nicer looking smile. There are a few reasons your child may need braces. A patient typically has to wear braces for many months or even a few years to get the desired result. An orthodontist uses the wire to adjust tension on the teeth to move them into place. Traditional metal braces use brackets attached to the teeth, with a wire running through them. They can come in metal, ceramic, or clear plastic materials. While each type of braces has their own pros and cons, autistic kids will probably find clear aligners the most comfortable.īraces are a device that straighten the teeth. If your child’s orthodontist is recommending braces, you’ll want to weigh your options. But for autistic kids with sensory sensitivities, braces can be downright distressing. For some of us, braces are just an awkward rite of passage.
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