Sensory Difficulties? – We can help!

Have you or your child been advised that you may need orthodontic treatment but because of sensory processing difficulties you are worried that it may not be a viable option?

We understand that sensory processing differences can cause anxiety; and in some cases, patients with hyper sensitivities can experience more pain than the average person receiving orthodontic treatment.

Curious to understand the patient journey, the average person will have a handful of questions to help them decide on what treatment options are best, but for those with sensory processing difficulties, answers to questions alone are not enough. The first question is always “How painful will the treatment be and what can you take to help with this?” This question is not easily answered when you have unique sensitivities. Equally, the sensory difficulties may be in different areas of the mouth, gums, and teeth for different people; or the sensory elements in the application of attaching or detaching a fixed brace. For others, the lights and sounds of the surgery itself may be problematic. Understanding all possible sensory processing difficulties will help to identify the barriers to treatment and in turn, help to prepare and plan to overcome them.

The good news is that the barriers to having orthodontic treatment due to hypersensitivities can be addressed. We have some top tips to help plan for treatment and prepare for the sensory differences. For many individuals with sensory processing difficulties, orthodontic treatment will not be a barrier at all. However, for those with oral hypersensitivity as opposed to hyposensitivity, may need to take some preliminary steps, especially since anxiety is a big factor, too.

Firstly, it is important to understand whether orthodontic treatment is necessary. In certain cases, if a child must have his/her palate widened whilst the bone is still soft, and the plates on the roof of the mouth haven’t completely knit together yet, then it may prevent the need for surgery later in life. In other cases, if teeth fail to line up properly, it can cause tooth and jaw issues that could involve more expensive and invasive procedures in the future. In these cases, it really is better to let the orthodontic team help you to lower the barriers to orthodontic treatment and get your child started as soon as possible.

If your orthodontist advises you that treatment is not urgent and you can wait until your son or daughter is more mature and better able to cope with any sensory differences, then you can still use these tips to help prepare them for when the time is right.

It is important to check that your orthodontist knows that you or your child have sensory processing difficulties so that they can help you to prepare for what it will feel like. Some orthodontists and dentists (like ours at Turret) have worked on children and teens with special needs, such as children on the autism spectrum, and know many tricks for making procedures more tolerable and devices more manageable. Our entire orthodontic team are very respectful of sensory differences and what they don’t know they are always willing to learn and support you in the process. We will take extra time with your son or daughter to reassure them through each stage.

Before, you look at starting treatment the orthodontist will need to see evidence of good oral hygiene. Good hygiene is especially important and challenging when a young person has braces and sensory issues complicate matters. It may be that due to oral sensitivities keeping up with good oral hygiene can be problematic. If this is the case, then we would suggest you focus on overcoming barriers to good oral hygiene first:

1. Brush with different toothbrushes (size heads/ bristle texture) – using different textures in the mouth will help desensitise. Use the toothbrush that is most preferable for most of the brushing.
2. Brush using different toothpastes (toothpastes taste different and some are more tolerable than others) – find the flavour that is most preferable.
3. Increase brushing time and numbers of times each day (using a timer can really help). You’re aiming for 3 minutes!
4. For adults use different size/ textures interdental brushes (increase to ensure all teeth have been cleaned in between gaps)

Be realistic about how much effort will be involved in getting your child to cooperate and set them step by step goals. When their oral hygiene is ready, they will be ready to start preparing for what to expect in orthodontics.

Here are our top tips for patients with sensory processing difficulties, preparing for orthodontic treatment.

1. The lighting and noise of the surgery may be different. Ask your treatment coordinator to provide you with some video footage in advance.
2. See our video clips of treatment taking place and share with your child. Feel free to ask any questions once you’ve had the chance to see what is involved in having a brace attached and taken off.
3. Ask to feel the metal or ceramic braces and the aligners to understand the texture of each. Also, ask to see the tools that will be used to attach and detach the brace. This may help to understand what the sensations are when the treatment is taking place.
4. Ask questions regarding how your lifestyle may be impacted by wearing a brace or an aligner, and what can be used to assist with any discomfort on a day-to-day basis.
5. Ask exactly how long treatment sessions will last and what the order of procedures will be. For example, your teen may need to know and even feel what it’s like to have impression trays in her mouth. He/she may need to know which tray, top or bottom, will be inserted first, how many seconds they will be in her mouth, and so on. Make sure that the person looking after your treatment knows what communication has been relayed about the expectations – to the detail. A visual aid would be useful to outline the procedure.
6. Know that you or your child may not be able to go back to school or work that day if the sensations are too upsetting and plan accordingly.
7. Desensitise the area in and around the mouth with gentle massage, using safe objects or your finger, depending on your child’s unique sensory needs. This will help prepare the mouth, gums and teeth for unfamiliar sensations.
8. Children and teens with sensory issues have unusual levels of pain tolerance. They can be overly sensitive or under sensitive or even both at the same time. Ensure your medical history notes are accurate and up-to-date and seek advice as to whether you can take paracetamol to help with any additional pain.
9. Make sure you communicate to your child each step and use visuals to help support your planning. It can be often reassuring to write a list of steps in the process and have your child tick them off, once they’ve been completed. This can help with anxiety.
10. Distracting is a great tool for managing anxiety. Let your child listen to music or a story, and give them something in their hand to play with when a procedure is being performed. Use whatever makes them feel happy and safe.
11. Plan a reward – put this on this list too. It is always good to have something to look forward to and this can be a great distractor too! Often it is helpful to and can decrease anxiety if rewards are given along the way; one for arriving on time, one for sitting in the chair and opening wide, and the main reward at the end.
12. Use a timer to help set expectations on the duration of the process.
13. After the brace has been fixed, it may feel strange and uncomfortable. Reassurance should be given that it will get easier, and additional advice will be given to help you or child cope with any discomfort.

For more information, get in touch, or book a FREE consultation.