The Wonderful World of Orthodontics

I mentioned in a previous post that my son has some sensory issues. He doesn't like the light shining in his eyes at the dentist/orthodontist office.

Well actually I have 2 kids that visit the orthodontist on a regular basis. As any mom with kids in orthodontics knows there are different phases of treatment.  Phase 1 is the functionality phase - where they get the teeth and jaw working properly so all the teeth fit correctly. Phase 2 is where all the teeth are lined up to look nice.

One has already finished Phase 1 and one still in Phase 1 of treatment.  My daughter had braces on the top and bottom teeth for just over a year to correct an under bite. Now she has almost perfect looking teeth. Not perfect because she is still waiting for one or two adult teeth to come in, but pretty darn close if you ask me.

My dilemma is our insurance does not cover any orthodontics. We have to pay for it all out of pocket and of course the dentist is already pushing for Phase 2.

I had braces when I was younger and want my children to have nice teeth, but I don't feel they need to be perfect. I always thought perfectly straight teeth looked a bit fake - just look at Ryan Seacrest (sorry I'm not a fan).

Not to mention, the orthodontist runs a business to make money, and of course they are going to recommend more work done. It means more money for them hence keeping themselves in business and there is nothing wrong with that.

So my question is, have any of you felt pressured to get work done simply to improve your child's appearance? What is your opinion on the whole orthodontics issue? Have you heard of legitimate reasons for getting Phase 2?

Socks and Sensory Issues - Solved

As I mentioned yesterday my youngest has a problem with wearing socks. She really can't stand the seams. Even when we turn them inside out or use the seamless kind. Nothing was working.

So yesterday I tried something new. I really didn't think it would work, but go figure - it did!

Toe Socks!!!

I was looking at the pic I used yesterday of my older daughter wearing her fave toe socks and figured what the heck! Let's give them a try.

Well it worked and today she even wore a pair of her sister's socks to school - no complaining whatsoever.

The only reason I can see that this works is because there is no seam across the toe. It's a bit lower and not nearly as thick across the base of the toes.

Just something to try if you child has sensory issues like my youngest does.

I found these are a local FiveBelow which I'm hoping will fit her. They were the only store that sold them in our area at the moment.

Cold Weather and Socks

It's getting colder here and that means no more shorts, tank tops,  and flip flops. I personally love the fall. The leaves changing colors. Cooler weather. Cuddling up under quilts on cool nights.

Unfortunately it also means time to wear warmer clothing and my youngest daughter (8 yrs) absolutely cannot stand wearing socks. We know it's a sensory problem.

Last year she tried on at least 5 pairs of underwear each morning trying to find one that feels right. Next she put on a couple pairs of pants. Then she would have a crying fit because none of her socks fit right. The lines (seams) hurt her. My mother-in-law even went so far as to cut the toe area off the socks which my daughter also did herself with 6 pairs when she got home. Did I mention they were brand new socks?!

This year, thank God, she has gotten over her underwear issues, and has greatly improved in her pants problem. She even wore jeans that weren't skin tight this morning. However, she still has a major problem with her socks.

I would let her go without socks, but it makes her feet smell bad when she wears sneakers which she must wear for Phys. Ed. in school.

Just in case any of you are in a similar situation here are a couple things I do to keep the peace and reduce the smell.

* Put lots of baby powder in her shoes and on her feet. It absorbs the sweat, cuts the smell, and keeps her feet from getting blisters.

* Switch shoes often. She usually only wears sneakers on Phys. Ed days at school. Otherwise she can wear sandals, slip on shoes, or boots. This gives the shoes time to air out between uses.

* Only wear shoes outside. It is cleaner for your home to leave your shoes at the door anyways. That way you don't track dirt and germs throughout your house from your travels that day.

One thing I have learned over the years is to pick your battles. My daughter hates wearing socks. It's not like she's failing in school or doing drugs. I keep things in perspective. Plus I had the same issues when I was younger and I grew out of it. I'm sure she will too.

As a parent, how would you handle this issue?

Light Sensitivity and the Dentist

Okay, I don't think I've mentioned this before, but my son has a sensitivity to light.* He had said since the age of 4 or so that bright lights really hurts his eyes. Not just uncomfortable - it physically hurts.

He's 10 yrs old now and he's been going to the dentist since he was 5. Usually only for 15 minutes at a time for a cleaning. After a while we started to bring sunglasses so he could recline back in the dentist chair a little more relaxed. This has worked for him for a while.

In December we found out he needs some orthodontic work done that will stretch out his bite to make room for more teeth. He has had 4 appointments in January and February to get fitted for the appliance. Each visit he cries, sits up and complains it hurts his eyes. We've tried sun glasses, sleeping masks, and a combination of the two. Nothing helped.

Now let me just mention that we LOVE our dentist and orthodontist and their staff. I've always gone back to the office with him and stayed with him the whole time. Plus my daughter has been seeing this orthodontist since May - having braces and now a retainer. We have no problems at all with the dentist/orthodontist or their facilities.

Finally last Thursday we found a solution that worked for him even if only temporarily. He put on his winter hat with swim goggles underneath that were blacked out with paper. He still claimed to see light (amazingly), but was able to sit reclined in the chair off and on for 30 minutes. His longest time ever. We are so proud of him!

Just thought I would share this with everyone in case there were other parents out there trying to figure a way to help your child with light sensitivity. In my research I couldn't find much of anything on the web that helped us deal with this issue.  Hope it helps even one family out there! Please feel free to share your experiences by leaving a comment below. I'd love to hear them!

* My son has been tested and does not have any form of autism or ADHD. He also has been tested by a licensed eye doctor (optometrist).