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Same-Day Starts, Braces, and Consultations Available!

Your Top-Rated Orthodontist in
Charleston, SC, For Braces & Invisalign

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Same-Day Starts, Braces, and Consultations Available!

Your Top-Rated Orthodontist in
Charleston, SC, For Braces & Invisalign

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There are distinct challenges in maintaining good oral care among dental patients with special needs that merit specialized attention and reinforcement. Since many of these patients rely on someone else for their dental hygiene, it is easy for caregivers to become complacent in light of other, seemingly more pressing matters. In fact, dental hygiene is closely linked to overall wellbeing and holistic health which makes it vital to not only tend to hygiene for children with special needs, but to increase efforts when the patient wears braces.

Some things to consider when it comes to children with special needs that wear braces are:

Communication is Key

It can help for the provider to communicate exactly what they will be doing and how long it will take. This can help patients who struggle with focus or attention, and alleviate anxiety, if possible. It is also important for caregivers to hear what the orthodontist says and recommends, since many patients require assistance or support in their daily hygiene practices when wearing orthodontic equipment. Braces require extra care and attention; if the patient and caregiver are unable to commit to this maintenance, it may be best to consider other options and alternatives.

Consider Co-occurring Conditions

Poor oral health and dental care could contribute to other serious medical issues. Many people with special needs may have co-occurring problems, like heart conditions, that can become worse with poor dental hygiene.

Alleviate Anxiety

Kids with special needs often struggle with anxiety, especially surrounding new situations or those that they perceive as scary. It is integral to first develop a rapport with them before attempting to evaluate their mouth or having an expectation of cooperation. Work with an orthodontist that understands this and that is willing to work on establishing trust before examining or outfitting them with any equipment or aligners.

It Can Be Challenging

Conventional orthodontic treatment usually commands equipment such as metal wires and brackets. Many patients with special needs will have difficulty adapting to these and find them hard to leave alone. Wearing uncomfortable braces could cause increased anxiety and some may attempt  to remove the orthodontic equipment on their own.

Removeable Aligners Can Help Hygiene

Surprisingly, clear aligners can help patients with disabilities or special needs improve dental hygiene, while also straightening their teeth. The ability to remove the liners may also cut down on the tartar and plaque that accumulates, making oral hygiene more effective and long-lasting when wearing aligners. These buffers may also curb damage or discomfort caused by patients who grind their teeth.

Equipment Can Impede Speech

If the patient has speech issues or difficulties, wearing conventional orthodontic equipment, like braces, can exacerbate this and make it more challenging to articulate what they want to say. Orthodontic expanders can significantly impact speech clarity, so discuss alternative solutions with your orthodontist, if possible.

Patients can rely on the trusted providers at Reese Orthodontics for all their orthodontic needs. Our team will work to establish a trusting relationship and provide top-notch care for any patient, including those with special needs.

Easy Ways To Get Started

If you want to learn more about our orthodontic practice - where we offer extensive experience with a Board Certified Orthodontist, where we offer a satisfaction guarantee, and where we offer flexible payment options - Reese Orthodontics is here to serve you.

READ WHY PEOPLE CHOOSE REESE ORTHODONTICS FOR BRACES & INVISALIGN
"Dr. Reese and staff share an inviting personality with a clean and professional atmosphere. I am very happy with the service, the product and the final result. I would encourage any of my friends and family to consult with Dr. Reese around their Orthodontic needs."
- Austin H.
"It has been a great experience all around getting braces at Dr. Reese Orthodontics. It's a great office with wonderful and friendly staff. I am extremely happy with the results. Can't say enough good things about Dr. Reese and his staff. I highly recommend him!"
- Nicole S.
"Dr. Reese and his staff was referred to me by a friend, and I highly recommend them! They were friendly, professional, helpful and quick to respond. I could not be happier with the results of Invisalign. I wore them about 7 months and my teeth are as straight as can be. Thank you for the great care and results!"
- Dancy E.
"I chose the absolute perfect orthodontist to perfect my smile. Dr. Reese has a personality that calms you and removes the anxiety that may come with the process. Dr. Reese is a true artist. I am so excited with my new smile. Dr. Reese accomplished the goals I was looking for and I am forever grateful. Thank you Dr. Reese!!!"
- Melanie C.
"Just awesome! Dr. Reese is the one to go to. He knows what he's doing and is great at what he does. Makes you feel like family every time you go visit. I can't get over how great my smile looks now. Definitely recommended."
- Harsha P.
*The reviews listed are from actual patients of Reese Orthodontics.
Individual results may vary. Reviews are not claimed to represent results for everyone.
click here to read reese orthodontic reviews
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reese orthodontics west ashley sc

Our Charleston
Orthodontic Office

2057 Charlie Hall Blvd. STE D
Charleston, SC 29414

843.573.7279

Office Hours:

Monday - Thursday: 8:00AM - 5:00PM

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Dr. Reese McElveen, our award-winning orthodontist in Charleston, South Carolina has transformed the smiles of over 11,000 patients. Reese Orthodontics offers the most advanced orthodontic care for children and adults. Types of braces and orthodontic treatment include metal braces, clear braces, gold braces, Invisalign, Invisalign Teen, Damon Braces, SureSmile. Dr. Reese can even help you achieve your confident smile faster with AcceleDent.

Call 843.573.7279 today to schedule your appointment with our board certified orthodontist in Charleston, SC, at our conveniently located Charleston orthodontic office. Come experience Reese Orthodontics and you will see for yourself that we offer innovative and effective orthodontic care in Charleston, Downtown Charleston, West Ashley, James Island, Mount Pleasant, North Charleston, Johns Island, Goose Creek, Hanahan and Ladson, South Carolina (SC).