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Providing Orthodontic Care to Special Needs Patients

Home » Blog » Providing Orthodontic Care to Special Needs Patients

  • Laster Orthodontics
  • August 12, 2019

Everyone should have access to quality orthodontic care, but some individuals require special services or facilities to receive this care.

Despite the high prevalence of orthodontic issues among children and adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities, many do not receive orthodontic treatment. This is because those with special intellectual or developmental needs often have behavioral challenges that can interfere with braces or aligner therapy. This can include those with autism, Down syndrome, spinal cord injuries and other conditions that can make orthodontic treatment difficult to begin.

However, with care from a special needs orthodontist and management of behaviors through medication or verbal intervention, orthodontic treatment is a possibility for special needs patients. Whether you or your child suffer from a disability, you can still receive the orthodontic treatment you deserve (and a perfect smile) by choosing an orthodontist who is experienced in caring for special needs patients.

Before Your Trip to the Orthodontist

A healthy mouth is a requirement for any candidate for orthodontic treatment. Some disabled patients may have trouble caring for their smile, or be more prone to specific oral health issues. This is why your orthodontist will likely recommend a trip to the dentist before your orthodontic consultation. Your dentist will be able to identify any cavities, gum disease, or infections, and treat them in preparation for your orthodontist appointment.

At Laster Orthodontics we have treated many special needs patients. We take the extra time to get to know our special needs patients and often schedule a few non-invasive appointments to help our special needs patients get to know us and feel comfortable in our office before their treatment.  We have found this can be very helpful with our patients who are anxious, scared, or don’t trust doctors easily.

Care During Appointments

Orthodontic professionals, like those at Laster Orthodontics, realize that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to orthodontic care for special needs. This is why you should discuss you or your child’s unique needs as early as possible so that your orthodontist can come up with a plan that addresses any challenges you may have during an appointment in their office. Your orthodontist should have full disclosure of you, or your child or dependent’s, medical condition, any medication being taken, and typical behaviors that may inhibit treatment, to prepare for the appointment.

Individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities may require the help of a caregiver at appointments due to anxiety or difficulty comprehending instructions. Some patients, especially those with sensory issues, may require sunglasses, headphones, or medication to make them more comfortable.

During your consultation or appointment, your orthodontist will need the parent or guardian, as well as the patient’s, full consent to perform orthodontic services. In addition, parents or guardians must be willing to participate in any and all requirements for orthodontic service to ensure the patient can achieve their perfect smile safely.

Providing Braces Services to Special Needs Patients

Patients with intellectual disabilities have a higher chance of suffering from poor oral health or broken appliances during braces treatment than other patients. This is why close monitoring from our staff, and parents or guardians or caregivers, is required for our patients with special needs disabilities.

Patient safety is a priority for orthodontics, especially when it comes to special needs patients. Braces may not be possible for all patients with intellectual disabilities. Ethically, Laster Orthodontics may recommend opting out of braces treatment for unwilling or oppositional patients. This is because behaviors that can inhibit successful treatment, or even cause harm to the patient, may occur when the patient does not understand the treatment or refuses to be treated. Laster Orthodontics also can tailor a plan to our special needs patient. We can’t always achieve perfection with the special needs patient, but we have noticed that aligning the teeth can help even our non-communicative patients feel more self confident just through their body language and smile.

Providing Aligner Services to Special Needs Patients

Some patients, particularly those on the autistic spectrum and who suffer from cerebral palsy, may be sensitive to the wires and brackets involved with braces. Some patients may have increased saliva and limited muscle control, which also may remove braces as a treatment option. In these cases, clear aligners offer a solution that benefits the patient and provides an orthodontic solution.

At Laster Orthodontics, Dr. Laster not only offers Invisalign, he also offers Laster Perfect Smile clear aligners. These clear aligners are a faster, more accurate, cost-effective alternative to Invisalign aligners. Both Invisalign and Laster Perfect Smile aligners can be successful for special needs patients. We have had success treating special needs patients with clear aligners when they are able to successfully put them in and take them out and comply with wearing the aligners the recommended duration.

Alternatives to Orthodontic Care for Special Needs Patients

There are other approaches to orthodontic needs if braces or aligners are not recommended, such as extractions, limited treatment including skeletal anchorage, or jaw surgery. These solutions offer special needs patients the opportunity to safely and efficiently correct malocclusions that can be functionally hindering. Your orthodontist will know how to best identify the treatment plan best for you, your child, or dependent’s smile.

At Laster Orthodontics, we believe that everyone should have access to the orthodontic care they need, which is why we’re happy to work with our patients with special needs so they can get the treatment they need. With compassionate professionals and state-of-the-art equipment, our goal is to make every appointment go smoothly so you can receive quality orthodontic care. Contact us today to learn more about our services for patients with special needs and to discuss how we can work with you to address your orthodontic needs.

At Laster Orthodontics, we help families develop healthy, life-changing smiles using customized treatments, cutting-edge technologies, and caring relationships. Our individualized treatment plans help our patients achieve their perfect smile in the quickest, most painless way possible by utilizing a wide range of options from traditional braces to Propel accelerated treatment to Dr. Laster’s in-house aligner program, Laster Perfect Smile. With three locations throughout the Triangle Area, we create life-changing smiles every day.

ORTHODONTICS FOR EVERYONE
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The Laster Orthodontics team is full of happy, warm, genuine people who love life, and our patients. We are always 100% committed to patient care.

Scuba
I wish we could give Laster Orthodontics higher than a 5-star review, because they are simply amazing! From the first contact I made with them by text, to the friendly staff at the front desk that greeted us when we walked in, to the amazing Treatment Coordinator that helped us, Maria Lopez, to the orthodontist himself: every individual was friendly, helpful and professional in every instance. THANK YOU Laster Orthodontics for an incredibly great experience! 🩷🙏
Amy S.
Today my son and I visited the Rolesville location of Laster Orthodontics. We were immediately greeted by a friendly team member. We only waited 5 minutes to be taken back for my son’s consultation. We met with Maria and she was fabulous!!! Very thorough, relatable and relaxed, yet professional. She explained every aspect of the treatment my son will receive, along with pricing information, payment plan options, etc. She was funny, too. Maria was great vibes all around. Dr. Laster popped in the room to introduce himself. He was cheerful and didn’t seem rushed or bothered by having to chat with us. My son and I can’t wait for our next visit! Thanks everyone, especially Maria! 😊
MJ E.
My experience with laster orthodontics was a great experience when I was getting my procedure done and the staff were very helpful in helping me with my success!!
ashley C.
Today went nice and smooth I called in the morning to get a bracket fixed and I got in and out only waited for 10mims and got done in 10mims . I love getting my teeth fixed @ Laster Orthodontics
Lisa R.
I love Laster Orthodontics! All of the staff is very nice and attentive. I’m always greeted with a smile.
Brittany W.
I’ve had such a great experience at Laster Orthodontics in Raleigh! From the moment I walked in, the staff was friendly, welcoming, and professional. Dr. Laster and his team made me feel comfortable throughout the entire process and were always patient with my questions. The office is super clean, modern, and efficient — they truly care about their patients and it shows. I’m so happy with my results and would recommend them to anyone looking to improve their smile. Thank you for making my journey such a smooth and positive one!
Maureen
My dentist recommended Laster Orthodontics and I am glad he did. The office staff are knowledgable and friendly. Dr. Laster and his team answered questions and gave options. And I appreciated the payment plan.
Amanda P.
Laster Orthodontics is hands down the BEST!!!! They have the nicest staff and they are so sweet to their patients and their patients parents. They gave my daughter a beautiful smile and we are forever grateful!!!!!
Logan F.
Dr. Laster and his team are so caring and understanding. Their care is top notch and they truly appreciate and care for their patients.
Shawna W.
LOVE LOVE LOVE Laster ortho! Dr laster is so nice. The staff are all amazing and are more like family! Love coming to my ortho appointments!!
Gwendolyn R.
My experience with Laster orthodontist was amazing. I wore liners for one year and Every visit was the same. The Entire staff are professional and very welcoming.
Janelle H.
Very welcoming, warm and friendly people. Engaging with your care and supportive staff! I enjoy my visit every time I go!
Brad L.
I had a fantastic experience with Dr. Laster! They were incredibly friendly and knowledgeable, making every visit comfortable and stress-free. Thanks to their expertise, my smile was corrected ahead of my wedding day, and I couldn’t be happier with the results. Highly recommend!
Wavy R.
10/10 💪🏽🥂 Anybody wanting to get their teeth fixed i would definitely recommend coming to Laster Orthodontics. Great environment and amazing quality work.
Marsie P.
We went in for a braces consult for my teenager. They were so thorough and took the time to answer all of our questions. They were interested in my son’s thoughts and concerns. They've also been able to fit us in for first thing in the morning appointments so my son doesn't miss too much school. We appreciate that and left there feeling positive and clear about our choices.

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