Orthodontics and ADD: Tips From a Private Practice Orthodontist

Whether traditional metal braces or clear aligners, orthodontic treatment is a transformative experience that improves both physical appearance and overall health. However, every patient is different; and every orthodontic journey is singular. And while treatment presents learning curves and lifestyle changes for all, patients with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) are presented with a number of unique challenges. A good place to start when it comes to tackling these challenges can be summed up in two words: private practice. 

Compliance is key to a healthy, beautiful smile. But, so is a personalized support system. Believe us when we say this – not all clinics are built the same.

Let’s explore how ADD affects orthodontic care and why your private practice orthodontist is best suited to help patients thrive throughout their smile journey. 

Common Challenges For Patients with ADD

As defined by the National Institute of Mental Health, “Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a developmental disorder marked by persistent symptoms of inattention and/or hyperactivity and impulsivity that interfere with functioning or development.”

Common symptoms experienced by those with ADD or ADHD include:

• Inattention
• Difficulty maintaining organization
• Hyperactivity (such as the need to constantly move or fidget)
• Impulsive behavior
• Exhibiting a lack of self control

Here’s how these behaviors may arise during orthodontic treatment:

Missed Appointments

Forgetting appointments or large gaps in visits can lead to delays and increased costs. 

Following Instructions

Patients may struggle with remembering steps to their oral care routine. The most common are how to clean braces properly and when to switch Invisalign trays. 

Inconsistent Oral Care

Daily oral care, like brushing and flossing after every meal, or avoiding certain food and beverages may be challenging to establish and maintain for patients with ADD. 

Impulses

Three words: fiddle, forget, and lose. Patients may fiddle with their braces, forget to wear their clear aligners for the recommended 22 hours a day, or lose tools and equipment needed for daily treatment care. 

Recognizing these challenges and planning ahead can make all the difference. Then again, the real preparation begins before even stepping foot into a clinic. 

Corporate Clinics vs. Private Practice

Again, but louder for those in the back: NOT ALL CLINICS ARE BUILT THE SAME. 

Over the years, the number of corporate medical practices have dramatically increased. While quality care is the goal for clinics across all specialties, there are key differences between corporate and family-owned practices. Those distinctions can make or break a patient’s overall experience – namely two:

Volume Focus

Corporate clinics often employ multiple orthodontists employed under a single roof. In this environment, the goal revolves around the volume of patients being seen and treated. Therefore, the odds of seeing a different doctor each visit is very high. It’s not long before this revolving door approach feels impersonal – and leaves patients feeling like a number rather than people with specific needs and concerns.

Community Focus

At private practice clinics like Truman Orthodontics, the goal is to provide individualized care. Dr. Truman and the TruCrew offer a unique experience that is fun, affordable, interactive, and effective. And when you schedule an appointment to see Dr. Truman – Dr. Zach Truman is who you get every time.

How Private Practices Provide Support For Patients with ADD

When it comes to deciding on a treatment plan, your orthodontist will provide recommendations based on your unique case. However, this is where a little self-awareness makes all the difference. Allow us to break it down: 

Different Roads, Same Destination

Braces are fixed – meaning that if you tend to be forgetful, those wires and brackets aren’t going anywhere. However, because braces are bonded to your teeth, they require extra time to really get properly clean. 

Clear aligners, like Invisalign, are great because they can be removed. They can also present issues because THEY CAN BE REMOVED. While patients are attracted to the flexibility and comfort aligners provide, they also require a level of responsibility that their treatment outcome greatly depends on. In other words, tracking apps will become your best friend. Well, maybe second best. 

A Supportive Environment

The level of care one receives at a private practice clinic is unmatched. We at Truman Orthodontics know a thing or two about exceptional support – we’ve been serving the Henderson and Las Vegas communities for twenty years. Not only does Dr. Truman work with every patient to determine the best option based on patient need, lifestyle, and ability to manage treatment between appointments – our TruCrew is the best in the business, our office has a pretty nifty coffee machine, an arcade, and some pretty serious tech. 

When Tech Meets Ortho

Truman Orthodontics went all in on the iTero scanner because this portable machine takes highly detailed images and creates an interactive 3D image (and because NO ONE likes taking dental impressions the old fashioned way). From a patient perspective, this level of transparency and efficiency fosters trust and provides a clear understanding of the ortho road ahead. Not to mention, this scanner is heaven sent for those with any level of oral aversion. 

Another reason iTero scanners are next level is due to a little innovation called AI. The powerful combination of 3D modeling and a state-of-the-art algorithm gives patients a sneak peek at the perfect smile that awaits them. It’s the ultimate motivator that encourages patients to stay compliant and on-track. 

We’re Here to Help

Orthodontics is a collaborative process – an agreement between doctor and patient that each will do their best in order to achieve the best outcome. It is why choosing a private practice orthodontist ensures smooth transitions in and out of treatment, along with providing a personalized, supportive system that provides patients with ADD some extra TLC. We here at Truman Orthodontics are here to guide you every step of the way. We are a phone call or virtual consultation away – Let us help you overcome fears and anxieties and achieve the smile of your dreams. 

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About Truman Orthodontics – Henderson

Truman Orthodontics-Henderson celebrates twenty years of private practice. Dr. Truman and the TruCrew provide highest quality orthodontic care in a family-oriented high-technology practice. We maintain a commitment to our patients in every facet of our practice to ensure that every patient achieves a healthy and beautiful smile. For more information, visit www.trumanortho.com.

Posted By Truman Orthodontics Category: Blog, General Post Date: December 5, 2024