Like any children, autistic kids may need orthodontic help to straighten their teeth or to fix other alignment issues. While many kids with autism cope perfectly well with traditional bracing methods, such as train-track braces, others find it hard to cope with this kind of fixed treatment. In some cases, your child may find it easier to use removable braces, such as Invisalign trays. What should you consider before you make a final decision?

Oral Management Problems

If kids find it hard to clean their teeth twice a day and to do a consistently good job of brushing, then traditional fixed braces may not be the best way to fix their teeth. It's vital to take extra care to clean teeth and gums when you wear train-tracks. If you don't, then you may end up with areas of damage around the brace's posts which are fixed to the front of teeth.

This isn't a problem with Invisalign braces. These braces don't have permanent posts and, although they should be worn for most of the day, are removed when you clean your teeth.

Food Preferences and Habits

There are certain foods that you should avoid eating or eat in a different way when you wear fixed braces to avoid damaging the appliance and its wires. If your child has a thing about eating certain types of foods in a specific way, then you may run into problems. For example, if your child likes popcorn, then they may not react well to be told to stop eating it until the treatment is done. Or, if your child likes eating raw carrots, your orthodontist may tell you to cut the carrots into bite-size pieces first, If your child is focused on only eating whole carrots, then this may not work for you.

None of this is a problem with Invisalign braces, as your child will always remove the braces to eat.

Oral Sensitivity and Pain Issues

While fixed braces don't hurt all the time, they may cause some pain and discomfort when they are first fitted and when they are adjusted later. Fixed braces may also feel bulky and uncomfortable in the mouth, at least to start with. This may be a problem if your child has a sensitive mouth, isn't good with pain management or can't cope with having something fixed on to the teeth.

Invisalign braces are made from a soft, pliable material so you may find that they cause less discomfort to your child. Your child may also find it easier to get used to having soft brace trays in the mouth rather than harder posts and wires.

If you're worried about your child's ability to cope with braces and feel that Invisalign braces may be a good fit for their needs, then talk to your orthodontist about the pros and cons of this kind of treatment.

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