Any orthodontists among us?

Grannyknot, in reply to your post about MIL. In my role we treated lots of dementia patients. The first thing it to ask for a referral to the dental dept at your local hospital, where she will be assessed. It is not always possible to examine a patient with dementia or indeed a person with a severe learning disability. But an experienced team will, with the help of carers or family, decide on the best course of treatment. The usual route is with sedation or a GA. This should be done in the hospital setting with all necessary staff assisting. A full medical work up for this will, or should take place by the dentists, doctors nurses and anaesthatist.
No patient, whether it be dementia or special needs or profound learning disability should be left with dental treatment. In the hospital were I worked we had regular dedicated theatre slots for all such patients, when they were sedated or under full GA all treatment was carried out, and finished with a scale and polish. This left the patient pain free and able to enjoy thier food. It was also reported by family and carers that behavior became more managable. In reply to your inquiry as to whether a patient with AD can feel toothache, the answer is most certainly YES. Hope you find this helpful.

Sorry Grannyknot, it should read (no patient whether it be dementia special needs or profound learning disability should be left without dental treatment)

I believe you should do whatever it takes to correct teeth problems before child is too old. I wore braces when I was 19 and they covered top and bottom teeth and had bands hooked from top to bottom to pull my jaw forward. I have never experienced anything so painful.

I think braces at eighteen are accepted these days. I would n' t advise MiniBags to have teeth out

I did n' t mean to post that! Was still thinking about it.

I would n' t advise her to have healthy teeth out yet. Sounds as though her front teeth are correcting themselves now she has stopped the thumb sucking. Wait for a while. Lots of late teens seem to have braces. Seems accepted these days.

The pain is the same whatever the age. I had them on upper and lower jaws with the bands between.....no eating of toffee, chewing gum (hardly a bad thing tho') for several years. What I did learn as a dental nurse was that timing was more important re the child's growth. Mine were put on too early ....I was not growing that much between 12-14 so they were on twice as long. However, as I then did a late 'spurt' at 16 most of the work was undone. As I said previously do not be afraid to get a second opinion as you can't put the teeth back! Also modern cleaning is a lot more efficeient than 20-30 years ago and good dental hygiene with all that available can make up for less than perfect spacing.

thistledoo thanks very informative.

Whilst we're on the subject of teeth, has anyone had veneers? My two big front teeth seem to be getting more and more transparent and worn at the bottom. Eek! I am considering veneers but do they "score" the teeth and do you have to have veneers replaced from time to time? Plus what if I turn out looking like a Hollywood superstar but not in a good way? All comments gratefully received.

JO I still had to have teeth out for braces at 18.

I have one veneer on a side front tooth - dentist decided to just do it - I realise now I cannot tell you which tooth it is!! But think it is next to the centre ones. Never had any problems once I got used to it - couple of days.

Grannyknot, veneers are good providing the dentist is experienced in doing them. Again have a talk with him/her, there are many various shades of veneer and should be matched exactly to your existing teeth. They are made by a technician in a dental lab, the most important stage of the proceedure is the impression. Good impression= good fit.
Yes they do need replacing from time to time. Extra care with oral hygiene is required. If they are done well they should look good.