La Habra/Chino Hills, CA – Everyone deserves a beautiful, healthy smile that they can be proud of. Orthodontic treatment is often considered a rite of passage during the adolescent years but for those with special needs, and their parents, it can be a worrisome time.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry defines special needs as “any physical, developmental, mental, sensory, behavioral, cognitive, or emotional impairment that requires medical management, healthcare intervention, and/or use of specialized services or programs.” Providing orthodontic care to these patients requires special knowledge and additional training but also increased awareness and accommodation.
“At Gire Orthodontics, we treat patients of all ages and backgrounds,” says Dr. Robert Gire. “We work incredibly hard to make every patient feel comfortable from the very moment they walk in our doors. We know that our patients with special needs may need extra time or some adaptations to their care and we will always do our best to make sure we meet the needs of every patient we treat.”
It is important to understand that patients with special needs may need accommodations made to their treatment to help them feel comfortable. Children with special needs may also have sensory issues that can make orthodontic treatment seem more daunting. Many children may also find it difficult to sit still during exams. This can often lead to parents foregoing orthodontic treatment to ensure their children are comfortable. However, this can often do more harm than good, says Dr. Gire.
“If your child has orthodontic issues that go untreated, that can actually create a much larger problem in the future,” says Dr. Gire. “A bad bite can place uneven pressure on the teeth causing the teeth to chip or break. Crowded teeth can be harder to clean properly which can lead to cavities and gum disease. A misaligned jaw can make it difficult to eat, speak, and in some cases, even breathe.”
The goal of orthodontic treatment isn’t just to create a straight and pretty smile – it is to create a harmonious bite that functions properly. Without the teeth and jaw being lined up properly your child can face a host of additional issues that could be more costly and complicated to correct.
Gire Orthodontics works hard to ensure every patient feels as comfortable and safe as possible. And that means taking the time to listen to what the patient needs. For some patients that may mean working to schedule appointments at quieter times of day and working to keep the noise levels in the office to a minimum while the patient is being treated. We will also work to ensure patients have as short of a wait time as possible.
For some, it may help to have the same assistant work with them every time.
“Special needs children often feel more comfortable with routine,” says Dr. Gire. “We can help by making sure every appointment follows the same order as much as possible so that the patient will always know what to expect. If we need to introduce something new we will make sure we take the time to talk about it and allow the patient the opportunity to process that before we jump right in. It is important that we work to meet the comfort level of each patient. We do this day in and day out and could probably even do it in our sleep! But just because we are comfortable with it doesn’t mean we can proceed at the same pace for every patient.”
It is also important to walk the patient through exactly what will happen at the appointment including explaining everything step by step. If any tools or equipment will be used, the Gire Orthodontics staff will take the time to show them to the patient and explain what they are used for. This can help the patient feel more comfortable and help reduce anxiety levels.
Children with special needs may have sensory issues that make traditional treatment options like metal braces less than ideal. The feeling of the metal brackets and wires may be too much for some children and adults. In these cases, Invisalign or clear aligner therapy may be an ideal solution. The aligners are made of a smooth plastic material that won’t irritate the inside of the mouth. They require simple adjustment appointments because the patient simply switches one aligner set out for a new one approximately every seven to ten days.
To make the process easier, we have TVs on the ceiling in one office and a TV in the treatment area in the other office. We can find the perfect show or movie to help make the patient feel more comfortable during their visits. We also have private rooms if necessary. Some patients feel more relaxed and in control if they are by themselves while others appreciate the background noise and hustle and bustle of our busy offices. Again, it’s about listening to the patient and the parents to find out what makes sense to their situation.
The process of getting braces can be daunting for a special needs patient. But the orthodontic world changes rapidly and Gire Orthodontics is dedicated to staying on the cutting edge of that technology. That means there is no more goopy molds or impressions of the teeth. Instead, Dr. Gire uses digital imaging and scanning that takes an even more accurate image of the patient’s teeth.
“It is also important that our patients’ parents feel comfortable during the treatment process as well,” says Dr. Gire. “I always take time to answer questions and listen to concerns and I am available for parents to speak to even outside of regular appointments. Orthodontic treatment is a team effort and together we can ensure your child has a great experience and finishes treatment with a healthy, beautiful smile.”
Dr. Gire is a board certified orthodontist, which means he is one of only a small percentage of orthodontists in the country who has taken this voluntary step to show his dedication and knowledge in the field of orthodontics. Board certified orthodontists are committed to the highest level of patient care and take a comprehensive treatment approach to ensure exceptional work.
Dr. Gire has also surrounded himself with a staff that is not only highly trained but who are also compassionate and dedicated to their patients. Every member of the Gire Orthodontics team will go above and beyond to ensure every patient receives the best care possible in a comfortable, safe, and loving environment.