Hello!

He has sensory issues regarding pain and sensitivity. I’m worried about how he will handle getting the braces on. Any advice would be welcome.


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  • Oh, I wonder how you went? I can imagine this would be quite difficult for your son


  • I hope all went well with your son’s braces.


  • Theres a lot of great advice here, so theres not much else i could offer. If i were in your position – and i will be one day, i would have lengthy discussions about the upcoming treatment what to expect etc etc. Infact my son is only 8 now but i ave started to talk about what to expect after at each dentist visit since braces have been mentioned – hopefully this will help him when the time comes – Good Luck xx


  • I had braces as a teen and I have a relative with aspergers. When I think of it being him that required braces; make sure you give much info, praise and reassurance. From yourselves and the orthodontist. Make sure he understands the benefits of having straight teeth and that he wants the outcome as well. Show photos of before and after so he understands what the end result will mean for him. Give him paracetamol before he had treatment and discuss a pain plan before commencement. Tightening will be painful and stressful. Make sure he understands that you are in this together.


  • I have not had to deal with either of the problems and worries you have.
    You will to sit him down and make use he knows what will happen.
    As well I would check with you GP and see if they can set out a pain plan for him when the pain is to much.
    Also speak to your dentist so can meet the person have a good show around and try out the chair. This way doing a dry run may make him more at ease when the really time comes.


  • If possible check with orthodontist what the brace type is and show him it visually via computer on google or similar.
    Have panadol and soft foods ready initially as the feeling will be unusual and possibly a little painful. I know its a worry as I have been through your situation but in the end it wasn’t as bad as I had imagined. Reinforce the end product will be good, possibly visually also.


  • Hi, good advice from moms as usual. Have you googled Aspergers and getting braces there are many sites and tips and I feel some really useful help. All my best wishes to you and your son. :-)


  • Maybe just explain to your son what’s going to be happen ending just so he has an idea about what is likely to happen and maybe as the dentist if you can maybe go in the week before and get the dentist to go through a few things with him.
    Hope everything goes ok for the both of you :)


  • Like the earlier response, I have experience with braces but not Aspergers. The pain will an issue, as they get tightened at each visit, and both putting them on and taking them off will involve putting wire cutters and pliers into his mouth, which can be alarming. Definitely agree with using pain killers, and I would recommend discussing your situation with the orthodontist who does the work as it may take them longer to put on and remove the braces, if they are prepared to do this over a series of appointments rather than having the initial procedure occur on the one day. Can he be put under an anesthetic or other pain relief? How will he cope with holding his mouth open for 20 minutes each appointment? Is the situation critical and could he have the work done when he is older, and potentially better able to cope with the sensations? I’m sorry I don’t have the answers, but I hope you have a sensitive and caring practitioner who can advise you about this.


  • Im not familiar with Asperger’s, however I am familiar with having braces and well initially it is painful. While they put them on its ok, but its the tightening of them at each visit that can be painful. At first you don’t really feel it, but within half an hour the pain starts and I suffered major headaches. My mum started ensuring that as soon as I had finished with my appointment she had Panadol ready for me. Also for the next day I would only eat soft food, like noodles and soup. Each person varies, but for someone who has sensory issues, they may feel it more than normal. If your son is able to have pain relief, consider it along with any other tools you use for calming him in these situations. Good luck


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