Question about TS and Braces

[Gina]

Hi everyone,

 

Havent posted in quite a while but I have been reading and using the info you all have been sending out.... Thanks!

 

I have a question. My son is going for braces in a few weeks and I was wondering if anyone has seen a rise in tics when thier children got braces? If so what were they and what did you do for them? Just trying to prepare ourselves. I am sure that there will be an adjustment period but if I can make it any easier on him I would like to try.

 

Thank You

Gina

[Chemar]

Hi Gina

 

I have no personal experience, but know of numerous people who have experienced both tic and OCD increases with METAL braces. The newer, non metal ones dont seem to be a problem.

 

I would personally be VERY cautious about metal braces, both in relation to tics as well as to other problems with infection/immune issues.

I have read and heard enough stuff to make me anti metal orthodontics.

 

 

Claire's son has braces, so she can maybe give a more informed opinion.

[Claire]

Hi Gina,

 

I know that Sheila, who runs this site, has also commented on the same correlation between tics and braces that Chemar has mentioned.

 

My son has braces, so I can only give anecdotal comments. He started getting tics from computers in September (~8 yrs old) , then he got braces at the beginning of November, 2 months later. In other words, his issues started before the braces. We figured out the computer correlation in November, and the tics went away. However, he got more sensitive throughout that year, until TV was also an issue.

 

I can't say whether his increased sensitivity was from the braces or that it was just a normal progression, or some of each. I know that there were times were I felt the braces were a nightmare and contributing to a general discomfort (beyond the discomfort of the braces) and adding stress. Since he has elminated foods and reduced his mercury, he seems okay with them.

 

The real test will be in 2 months when he gets them off. I am very very curious as to whether he 'feels' different.

 

I certainly wouldn't put the though in your son's head that braces might make the tics worse. He needs to cooperate with the braces and this could really hurt his attitude. But I would be more attuned to and sympathetic to how hard it might be for him to restrain himself from chewing on a wire or pressing on a bracket with his tooth until it pops off. I never criticized my son for this--him 'worrying' about that caused him so much stress (more than average) and I defended him fully with his doctor when this did happen.

 

Claire

[Chemar]

Just an added comment here from me Gina.......and I do apologise in advance if I am being overly negative here, but I am a very upfront person as most of you know by now

 

although my son doesnt wear braces he had a serious problem with metal objects setting off his tics, specifically tooth grinding and jaw snapping/clenching.

To this point, he stopped using regular silverware for eating and will only use plastics, and even travels with his own kit!

 

he hasnt had tooth grinding tics for at least 3 years now, but, he is emphatic that he doesnt want to risk it by having any metal near his mouth.

Even his dentist co-operates with specialised instruments so as not to put metal parts into his mouth, and he uses special pencils with erasers that dont have that metal band for the same reason.

 

This could have a component in the OCD aspect of my son's TS, but it is a fact for him and I would simply say it was just inherant in him

 

BUT

 

I have heard the same thing from others with TS who cant tolerate metal in their mouths.

 

Hopefully your son does not have this metal issue, but I do think it is something to be aware of.

I fully agree with Claire that there would be no benfit in saying anything to your child about this as there IS an autosuggestive aspect with tics.

 

If you do find a problem, perhaps they can consider using the new non-metallic orthodontics instead? Especially if the reason for the braces is not serious.

 

again, sorry if this comes accross as negative, but I feel it is my duty to warn others of things that I am aware of.

 

hope you have no problems and that my concerns are of no consequence!

[Guest Jeff]

Hi Gina, My daughter has metal braces, and we did not see any impact on her tics. I had never heard of any of the problems that Chemar mentions; otherwise, I might have considered non-metal braces. In any case, we did not see any change due to the braces.

Jeff

[sgrunin]

I am with Jeff on this one..I had braces and my tics did not increase at all that I remember.

 

Scott

[Gina]

Hi everyone,

 

Thanks for the input. I will check with the dentist to see exactly what the metal free braces are. I have not heard of these so I will have to look into it. I would rather not have the metal if that is an option for us. I am sure just having something strange and annoying in his mouth is going to be a bother, as it would for anyone TS or no TS. Thanks again for everyones advice.

 

Gina