Many people with intellectual and developmental disabilities have misaligned teeth and bites. It can often be difficult for such individuals to get the orthodontic care they need due to behavioral challenges. Fortunately, many orthodontists are able to accommodate patients with special needs in order to ensure that their treatment is successful; here’s a closer look at some of the steps that might be taken.
Preparing Before the Treatment Starts
If someone in your family has special needs, you will want to make sure that their orthodontist knows as much as possible about their situation ahead of time. This includes facts about their medical condition, any behaviors they engage in that might affect their treatment, and all medications they take. Your orthodontist will take all of this information into account before putting together a plan that’s right for the patient.
Maintaining a Comfortable Atmosphere
Some patients with special needs have sensory processing issues, which can make visits to the orthodontist’s office less than enjoyable. As such, your orthodontic team will take whatever steps they can to create a more comfortable environment, such as reducing noise, adjusting lighting levels, and providing neutral scents. This can go a long way toward helping the patient stay at ease during their orthodontic visits.
Clear Communication
It’s essential for orthodontists to know how to communicate with patients who have special needs. This may involve using simplified language and clear visual aids to ensure that the patient understands what needs to happen during the orthodontic process.
Many patients with special needs enjoy routine. So your orthodontist should make an effort to set clear expectations for what the patient can expect at all of their visits. The orthodontist could even take steps like assigning the same assistant or seating the patient at the same chair for every appointment.
On top of that, the orthodontist needs to be able to understand the patient’s perspective and always treat them with patience and empathy. Doing so will ultimately help make the orthodontic process a more positive experience for everyone.
Teamwork
Providing excellent orthodontic treatment for patients with special needs often involves working closely with others. Orthodontists need to be prepared to collaborate with parents, caregivers, and outside healthcare professionals to make sure that they fully understand the patient’s specific needs and can therefore adjust the care they provide accordingly.
Everyone deserves to have a well aligned, healthy smile to show off to the world. Don’t be afraid to reach out to your orthodontist to find out how they’re prepared to help children and adults with special needs overcome crooked teeth and various other orthodontic issues.
About the Author
Dr. Ben Youel completed his three-year orthodontic residency at the University of Illinois Chicago. Prior to his orthodontic residency, Dr. Ben completed a yearlong general practice residency at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center. A major focus of that hospital-based residency was the care of special needs children and adults. At Grayslake Orthodontics, he offers traditional braces, clear aligners, and other orthodontic solutions for helping patients achieve straighter, more confident smiles. He’s more than happy to accept patients of all ages, as well as those with special needs. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Ben, visit his website or call/text (847) 548-4330.
