Special Needs Dental Options
A definition of special needs is that it is a clinical term from a diagnosis to describe individuals who require assistance for a disability, whether it be medical, mental or psychological. We all want specialized, individualized care when it comes to anything in the service industry. We want to be treated special if it is at a restaurant or getting a haircut. Dentistry and specifically orthodontics are no different. Each and every one of us has our own unique set of challenges when it comes to our oral hygiene and proper care of our teeth and gums. Special needs dentistry takes just a little more patience, a little more compassion, and a little more family involvement.
what makes special needs dentistry Different
Children or adults that have been diagnosed with ADHD, anxiety disorders, autism, Down syndrome, cleft lip and palate issues or any other behavioral issue still need dental care. The staff at Dr. Pan’s office have had the training necessary to adapt their practices to accommodate a patient with special needs. It may include enhanced communication, positive reinforcement or special sedation methods to mention a few that at the end build trust with the special needs patient. The environment needs to be safe, loving and caring for the entire family.
Special Needs Dentistry from Childhood to Adulthood
One of the major issues is taking care of the teeth. If you think getting a child to brush their teeth with braces is difficult add special needs to the equation. It takes a group or team effort to continue to encourage the child to keep the braces and brackets clean of food particles.
Don’t fool yourself. A special needs child or adult enjoys their smile as much as you or me. So, to see that smile improve is a giant step to make them feel more comfortable with themselves and how they perceive themselves around others. If your smile is the foundation or baseline for your self-esteem and self-confidence why should it be any different for a special needs patient. Their smile will change their personal interaction in their social circles just as it does yours. It will help them develop friendships and to continue to improve their interpersonal skills.
The orthodontic treatment may take a pinch longer than normal but that trust factor must remain through the process. Once the patient can see the final results that schedule of regular appointments should be maintained. Don’t waste that trust which has been established with the staff at Dr. Pan’s office. The staff enjoys seeing your child or adult as well. They reinforce the beauty of the smile and how healthy it looks. If the routine stays in place you can continue to have twice a year appointments to evaluate the teeth and gums, have x-rays taken, and to have the teeth professionally cleaned. All of this on top of the good oral hygiene habits you reinforce at home. Encourage your child or special needs adult to brush their teeth twice a day and show them how to floss well. Explain the results if they don’t maintain good care of their teeth. Take your time and exercise patience and compassion. It may take a few times but in the long run it is worth the effort for both patient and you the parent or guardian. You’ll find the special considerations for your special needs patient with the staff at Dr. Pan’s.
Pan Orthodontics Philosophy
To treat our patients as our families and to treat others as how we want to be treated. From your first phone call to the moment your new smile is born, everything in our office is set up to ensure an excellent experience with us. We will always listen to you and improve with your suggestions.
Featuring The Latest Orthodontics Technology
Our Commitment to You
We will continue to keep up with the ever growing digital technologies to improve your orthodontic experience. We also commit to always help you find the most convenient time for your visit with us.
