Getting braces can be overwhelming for kids or teens who are neurodivergent. The lights, sounds, and unfamiliar environment can turn the visit into a stressful experience. If the orthodontist doesn’t explain what’s happening or rushes through the visit, things can be worse. That’s why it’s so important to work with an orthodontist who understands the unique challenges people with autism or ADHD have. Truthfully, a lot is at stake when it comes to orthodontic care for neurodivergent patients.
At Johnson Family Orthodontics, we believe orthodontic care should feel safe and empowering. That means slowing down, explaining each step, and creating an environment where surprises are not part of the treatment plan.
Why This Matters
Children with ASD (autism spectrum disorder) are more likely to have severe malocclusions. This is improperly aligned teeth and jaws. That includes issues like overbites, underbites, and severe crowding. Patients who can benefit the most from orthodontics often struggle the most with the sensory experience of being treated. Our expert opinion? You need an orthodontist capable of turning the “scary unknown” into something far less scary. Kind of like realizing the “monster” in your closet was just your hoodie.
Sensory-Friendly Orthodontic Care
Buzzing instruments, bright lights, and the feeling of brackets and wires can be a lot to take in.
At Johnson Family Orthodontics, we make the process less stressful. We go above and beyond to provide compassionate, sensitive orthodontic care. This helps neurodivergent patients get their best, brightest, and healthiest smiles!
So, why do so many neurodivergent patients trust us? For starters, we’re not afraid to slow down, take a unique approach, and make sure our patients feel 100% comfortable. The truth is that getting braces can be pretty overstimulating. In many cases, it’s the “fear of the unknown” that makes neurodivergent patients feel anxiety or distrust. That’s why we utilize special tools and techniques for creating a calming setting. No surprises, no “wildcards.” This isn’t Vegas!
How We Provide Orthodontic Care For Neurodivergent Patients
We are proud to offer compassionate orthodontic care for neurodivergent patients. In our view, making orthodontic visits less overwhelming is vital for those with autism or ADHD. Here are some of the ways that we do it.
#1 We Understand That Braces Can Feel Overwhelming
A visit to the dentist’s chair isn’t exactly a sensory picnic for anyone. Trust me, orthodontists get it. Let’s be honest, most people aren’t posting “#SelfCare” selfies at the orthodontic office. The bright lights, motorized sounds, and sensations of different instruments cause most of us to tense up.
Just walking into an unfamiliar environment can cause anxiety levels to skyrocket. Having strangers touch your mouth? Yeah, that’s not on anyone’s bucket list. Sensory-friendly orthodontic care addresses these concerns without neglecting what a patient needs.
#2 We Help You Feel Comfortable
At our office, “surprises” during oral care for neurodivergent patients are strictly off limits. We like to provide a little roadmap to let our patients know about every bump and curve coming up. One of the best ways to accomplish this is using visual aids. Here’s a glimpse at our “show the patient” approach:
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Office tour: We generally start with an office tour. This gives you the chance to check out the place, meet the staff, and become familiar with the idea of orthodontics.
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Clear explanations: When it’s time to start examining a patient’s mouth, we use a tell-show-do approach for braces anxiety reduction. We carefully explain our next step, use visual tools or a mirror to show you exactly where we’ll be using our instruments.
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Pre-visit preparation: For more severe braces anxiety, let us know. We can tell you how to prepare before the visit.
What if a patient prefers “not to know” what’s going on during treatment? We can also accommodate the need to know less. If sounds or sights of instruments are upsetting, a patient can certainly use aids like sleeping masks or earbuds to block out stimuli.
#3 We Create a Calmer Experience for Braces
Orthodontic clinic staff members can make accommodations to reduce noise and distractions. This can make visits more pleasant. If you experience sensory discomfort, our office can adjust the environment. For example, we can dim the lights or help lower background noise.
We are also happy to implement a “no chatting” policy with the staff in the treatment room to ensure a quiet, relaxing environment. You are also free to bring along your headphones to listen to calming music or background noise. Fidget toys and other comfort items are also welcome.
#4 We Make Appointment Times Work for Neurodivergent Patients
We are always conscious of appointment times when scheduling our neurodivergent patients. When you call with questions about sensory-friendly visits, we’ll ask you if you’d like to come in during a quieter time of the day that tends to be less busy. In many cases, this might be the first appointment of the day. Or, you might prefer an appointment during the early part of the morning instead of during the busy after-school timeframe.
#5 We Try To Keep Things The Same
We also understand how comforting it is to see the same familiar faces at appointments. That’s why we do our very best to maintain consistency with the same staff members across appointments. Because let’s be honest, meeting new people is fun at birthday parties, not in a dental chair.
#6 We Are Flexible
Orthodontists have to bring their creativity to the table when treating neurodivergent patients. That’s what Dr. Johnson does! If sensory concerns are great, we can provide you with other options like clear aligners. Orthodontists can also often break traditional treatment times into short orthodontic sessions. This can be easier for neurodivergent patients to tolerate. Translation: no marathon sessions.
#7 We Make Communication Simple and Open
At our office, there is no pressure or “tricks.” We adapt to each patient’s communication style and comfort level. We explain why orthodontic care matters in a gentle, clear way. We also involve caregivers in the decision-making process every step of the way.
#8 We Talk Openly About the Challenges of Oral Care
Orthodontic hygiene for people with autism and ADHD can be a challenge. Studies show that home management is actually the most difficult obstacle to overcome for patients with ASD. But not flossing with metal braces or failing to properly clean aligners can lead to long-term dental issues.
We design treatment plans with these considerations in mind. We also work with family members to create consistent schedules for oral hygiene. This can help reduce destructive oral health habits and boost the chances of good results.
Every Smile Deserves Great Care
A beautiful, healthy smile is universal. We believe that every neurodivergent patient deserves to feel supported. Our office is designed to create a welcoming space. We offer flexibility to ensure that you don’t have to choose between feeling comfortable and getting orthodontic care. And if laughter sneaks in during the process? Even better.
We’re proud to provide empathetic orthodontic care for neurodivergent patients. Come look around the office! Book a free consultation today.