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Orthodontic treatment decision for almost 18yr old.

NAS81252

Hello

I'm hoping someone here has experience of this. My daughter is eligible for orthodontic treatment on the NHS. However, she will be turning 18 soon. The practice have said that costs will not be covered by NHS after she turns 18 (even though she is still in full-time education). Now they are keen to start treatment, but this feels very 'rushed' for my daughter. She needs time to process what will happen and commit to the treatment plan. Has anyone been in this situation? She is willing to undergo the treatment, but has to have time to understand what is involved. (she wouldn't wear the retainer made for her when she was 12 because of the sensitivity and strange feeling in her mouth - she is more mature now and understands there will be some discomfort.) The orthodontist also speaks very quickly and I don't think understands what it means to be autistic. I just wonder if anyone has experience of how we can make sure she has the correct treatment at her pace? (maybe that's too big an ask, and we'll have to self-fund! - eek!) 

Thanks 

Maggie 

  • Ask them to provide a breakdown of the treatment, so your daughter can view it, and see what will happen at what stage? Obviously they want to do it now before she turns 18.

    Your other option is to find a dentist that has experience of working with Autistic children and adults. You won’t get treated differently, you will just be more informed, and you’ll get longer appointments times so there’s no rush, and they’ll work at your pace. 
    Does she need a brace? What dental issues does she have that need correcting? As there are other options like invisalign etc

  • in reply to Dawn

    Hello Dawn

    Thanks for your reply. I looked into Special care dentistry in our area. But not sure she would fit the criteria as the service seems geared toward those that are house bound or have severe anxiety. She also does not want to be treated differently because she is autistic. (However, I think she needs to embrace her neuro-diverseness - but that's another conversation :Grinning and it's her journey in life, so don't want to push her.)  Thanks again

  • Can special care dentistry help?  It was because of a sensory crisis caused by dental work that I found out I was autistic.  Long story.  But I was under 'Special Care'.  They take things very slow and are usually well informed about autism.  There are even specialist autism dental care units in some hospitals.