Question:
Today I had to take Cristen to the dentist. She is going to get
an oral appliance to help restructure her mid-facial features to
help eliminate her mouth breathing and to correct her cross bite? In
order to do this, the dentist in Texas (we live in VA) needed X-rays and
impressions. We took her to our family dentist. I was a little
apprehensive because I know that getting the impressions is a little
tricky. I decided to let Cristen go back by herself without me.
Not only did she tell them all the family secrets, but she also let them
do all the work they needed to do without one protest. They were a
little astounded. She came out 20 minutes later sporting a mask, some
latex gloves and a beany baby! The dentist came out to tell me how
wonderful she did.
For those of you struggling with dental issues, I can only say that
our dentist worked with Cristen when she was little. He started by
giving her a ride in the chair and counting teeth. He then slowly
worked up to a full blown teeth cleaning and now I can honestly say that
she really enjoys going to the dentist. I'm so proud of her. She's
is growing up too fast though.
Answer:
We are lucky also to have found a great dentist in Tampa. He sees a large
number of special needs kids. All his employees are very very patient and
willing to do whatever YOU want THEM to do in treating your child. He is a
drive however for me and I hate to dtive to tampa for anything but he is worth
it.
Cristen did super! Just wondering, you said dentist in Texas?? Does that mean
bringing her there? My son will be needing a similar appliance for a cross
bite. We also live in VA. Does the dentist in Texas have a special technique?
Yes, we will be taking Cristen to Texas to visit Dr. Steve Evans. He
does quite a bit of work with children with DS to correct their
mid-facial structures. He has had wonderful successes and I think he
uses many different techniques, not just one. It depends on the
specific case.
Cristen's problems are more specific and need more intervention than
a regular rapid palate expander. Also, I've been told that the RPE
can hamper speech and articulation. Dr. Evans works to facilitate
improvement in speech and articulation.
