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What would you do?

misskittykat

My daughter (13) has a very small mouth and lots of big teeth.  The orthodontist has recomended 4 teeth being removed.  We've known this would happen for a long time as she was unusually early with her teeth so has been seeing the orthodontist and hygenist since she was 9.  They were ready to do the work last year but I decided to up sticks and move to the other end of the country to be near family so delayed the treatment.  The old orthodontist was a mum from her school.  It was a small practice, very close to our old home and my daughter felt comfortable there.

The new orthodontist is the biggest flashiest practice I've ever seen (we have no choice of where to go so can't change).  They terrified the life out of her when she went with the amount of people in the room etc. He referred her on to have teeth taken out by GA as he could see how distressed she was and knew she wouldn't cope with having them taken out by them.  We've just been to the dentist connected with the hospital and this has traumatised my daughter again.  We had to leave before I could sign any consent and discuss risks of a GA.

My daughter is adament that she does not want to have her teeth out.  I know this is her anxiety talking and I've left it for now.  I've promised her that nothing will be done without her agreement.  

The orthodontist has now called and asked we go back to see him to discuss.  Part of me believes she has the right to choose but the other part of me thinks that I am not doing my best by her.  The two lower teeth could stay however the two top teeth are actually behind her two front teeth which not only looks unsightly, could cause problems as she ages because its not possible to clean them as well as they should be.

My initial thoughts were that we delay again for another year.  She has had a very difficult year with my moving and a change of schools and her anxiety is at a peak.  I can't discuss with friends/family as they don't really understand how difficult being on the spectrum is.  Any thoughts?

Parents

  • Hi misskittykat

    I've just had a similar issue with my son only the orthodontist wanted to do work we didn't agree with, but were told their was no other alternative. My dentist also didn't agree and re-referred me to have a second opinion at a private practice. Turned out this private chap was the surgeon who would operate on him. He re-xrayed and concluded the work didn't need to be as extensive and their were alternatives. Given that my young son was being prescibed bridge work and the removal of over 6 teeth, it seemed wrong so we were glad we sort a second opinion. He's now had the surgery, but much less intrusive and with no prosthesis necessary. Also the original orthodontist was working from x-rays over a year old!

    If something feels not quite right then go with your instinct. Get a second opinion even if you have to traval to a teaching hospital or specialist centre outside your county. At least then you will feel fully informed and happy that the option offered is the best one for your daughter.

    Personally i'm glad we delayed, but you know your daughter best and you must do what you feel is right for her. If delaying is what you want and shes's not suffering as a result then delay while you research further.

    Can I ask, have they considered taking teeth slightly further back and using a chain/brace to pull the teeth behind her front ones into their proper place? My other son has had this done and now has eye teeth where they should be rather than in the roof of his mouth. Worth asking about this option perhaps.

    Re her trauma, can i suggest you ring the practice before hand and explain her condition. My practice let my boys sit in a quiet smaller area so as to keep sensory overload at bay. Also my dentist is aware of their Aspergers and acts accordingly to accommodate their needs. Good luck. I wish her and you all the best.

    Coogy xx

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  • Hi misskittykat

    I've just had a similar issue with my son only the orthodontist wanted to do work we didn't agree with, but were told their was no other alternative. My dentist also didn't agree and re-referred me to have a second opinion at a private practice. Turned out this private chap was the surgeon who would operate on him. He re-xrayed and concluded the work didn't need to be as extensive and their were alternatives. Given that my young son was being prescibed bridge work and the removal of over 6 teeth, it seemed wrong so we were glad we sort a second opinion. He's now had the surgery, but much less intrusive and with no prosthesis necessary. Also the original orthodontist was working from x-rays over a year old!

    If something feels not quite right then go with your instinct. Get a second opinion even if you have to traval to a teaching hospital or specialist centre outside your county. At least then you will feel fully informed and happy that the option offered is the best one for your daughter.

    Personally i'm glad we delayed, but you know your daughter best and you must do what you feel is right for her. If delaying is what you want and shes's not suffering as a result then delay while you research further.

    Can I ask, have they considered taking teeth slightly further back and using a chain/brace to pull the teeth behind her front ones into their proper place? My other son has had this done and now has eye teeth where they should be rather than in the roof of his mouth. Worth asking about this option perhaps.

    Re her trauma, can i suggest you ring the practice before hand and explain her condition. My practice let my boys sit in a quiet smaller area so as to keep sensory overload at bay. Also my dentist is aware of their Aspergers and acts accordingly to accommodate their needs. Good luck. I wish her and you all the best.

    Coogy xx

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