Invisalign : What the Process Looks like for our children
What?! Consider Invisalign for your child with special needs! I truly never thought this would be an option for my daughter, Rowan. We can’t even attempt a cleaning without sedation so how could she possibly make it through the necessary consultations to start this process? My friend Tammy Ruh, changed my mind and broke it down step by step in Episode 5 of the podcast. Tammy’s son Hudson was diagnosed with GAND (gatad2b associated neurodevelopmental disorder) in 2016 when he was 2.5 years old. Tammy is also a practicing dental hygienist of 14 years which makes this conversation all the more informative.
Dental care can be a daunting experience for any child, but for those with special needs, it often presents unique challenges. Initially, Tammy shares her struggles in managing Hudson's dental hygiene due to his fine motor skill limitations. Hudson, who is now 11, finds tasks such as using a toothbrush particularly challenging. Despite their efforts with different toothbrushes, including an electric one, the vibration proved to be too uncomfortable for him. Eventually, they found success with a surround toothbrush, which allowed for more efficient brushing.
Tammy Ruh, dental hygienist of 14 years and special needs mom.
Tammy’s story highlights the importance of perseverance and creativity in finding solutions for our rare kiddos. Starting at age seven, they consulted with an orthodontist who had experience with special needs children, leading to a collaborative effort to address Hudson's dental issues. Her knowledge and background as a dental hygienist were instrumental in finding the best route for Hudson. Despite initial skepticism and the untraditional approach of using Invisalign for palatal expansion, they embarked on this journey with the support of their orthodontist and assistance from Invisalign, which provided the treatment pro bono.
The results were profound: Hudson’s teeth remained cavity-free, and Tammy was impressed by his dedication and ability to incorporate this new regimen into his life. The journey wasn’t without hiccups, including the need for occasional office visits for new scans. However, the orthodontist’s willingness to work with Hudson’s pace was a key factor in their success.
Tammy’s experience speaks volumes about the importance of early intervention in preventing bigger dental issues. By starting orthodontic treatment early, many complications can be avoided, making future procedures less invasive and more effective. It also underscores the significance of finding compassionate and patient healthcare providers who are willing to collaborate closely with families.
Tammy encourages other parents to build strong relationships with their healthcare providers and to seek out grants and assistance programs that can offset costs like this one linked here:
Orthodontic Grant https://www.uhccf.org/apply-for-a-grant/
She emphasizes that every child deserves a healthy, beautiful smile and that finding a supportive orthodontist can make all the difference. Tammy's journey with Hudson offers invaluable insights and inspiration for parents facing similar challenges. It highlights that with patience, creativity, and a supportive dental team, significant improvements can be made in the oral hygiene and overall health of children with special needs. This conversation has encourage me that going down this next path might not be as daunting as I originally imagined. Hopefully it will do the same for you!