[blindkid] Braces

[Arielle Silverman]

Hi Julie, Can't believe your daughter is already 13, time flies! :) My
sister and I both had braces as did many of our friends. I had them
from ages 13-15. I don't recall if it was cosmetic or functional or
both. I had a congenitally missing adult tooth, so had a tooth pulled
on the other side to even out my jaw; again, not sure if this was
medically necessary, but it wasn't a big deal. I remember being
terrified that braces would hurt, and when I got them, was pleasantly
surprised that they didn't. You can tell her that braces really don't
hurt to get put on or afterward. They can be a nuisance sometimes when
stuff gets stuck in them, but they don't hurt. If she is going to need
them for medical reasons eventually, it probably makes sense to do
them now. If it is strictly cosmetic and will never be a medical
necessity, then it's something for you and she to decide together. It
might also depend on whether she would have the option of waiting
until she is grown up or if adult braces will end up being more
complicated as sometimes happen. But you can tell her that having
braces is not painful. Best of luck! Arielle

On 3/31/15, Julie Yanez via blindkid <blindkid at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> Good morning and happy spring all!
> I'm writing to ask for some input and advise. My 13 year old as some of you
> know, was born premature and has ROP. She has been blind since birth. I am
> currently getting her all set up with her orthodontist for braces. She's
> dreading the idea of them. At this point, it's considered cosmetic. But in
> 2 years will turn into a necessity since one adult tooth is blocked from
> growing out.
> I've shown her what they are like, her friends have shared with her their
> experiences and she will be attending the consultation review.
>
> I don't want her to live with the stigmas of uneven teeth. She has a
> beautiful confident smile. Am I being selfish for wanting her to have
> straight teeth and not be teased for crooked ones? She's already "the blind
> girl" on campus even though she is loved by many.
>
> Thanks in advance, Julie
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