My son's orthodontist says that he needs to have chains put on his two canine teeth to pull them down. He's worried about having a lysp during the time that he has the chains on. I tried to look up some information online, but I couldn't find much about them. Do they hurt? Can they eat after they have them put on? Did your child have a lysp with them on? Thanks for the info.
does he REALLY need them....if this is just cosmetic...it seems drastic.......I would question whether he actually needs them!
Hi A.,
My daughter is in the process of this right now. She had more extensive work down though by the sounds of it. It hurts about as much as a normal visit does. It has been taking longer than we originally thought it would though. She's 13 going on 14 & a tough little cookie, not sure if this makes a difference?! Hope this helps.
J.
My son underwent orthodontics that involved the use of various appliances and then braces. On the first day after a new procedure he talked a bit differently, but by the next day he had acclimated and was speaking normally. Most kids will adapt similarly. By the way I am a speech pathologist.
I was an Ortho Assistant, the chains, when i was working were just little plastic ties, i have heard it is somewhat painful, but if he takes some aspirin in the morning he should be fine. he might talk a little funny until he gets used to them. your orthodontist should tell him what he can eat.
HI A.,
It sounds like some primitive type of torture, but chains are just a rubber band-like affair with holes in it. I hope your son isn't having nightmares about this- it is no big deal. ;-) Sometimes we use big, foreign words without explaining them to the patient and we don't realize how bad this sounds! He will be fine, no lisp, just get a water pik to loosen up the big hunks of food!
good Luck,
M. RDH
Do not worry. Been there done that. My middle son had to have them too. No lysp, they can eat (my son's still alive at least). It's not a steel chain, it's plastic. And it's no more trouble than the bands and rubber bands that orthodontic patients use.
It's as slow a process as what the braces otherwise can do: correct the alignment of teeth. You sure don't feel that either. Really and truly, no fear. Nothing to fret about.
I had chains on m teeth to pull them down as well. He should have no problem talking normally. Then chains are not big. It can hurt a little but no different than other ortho procedures. Eat what is comfortable just like he would after getting braces tightened or other mouth work. This too will pass!
