Braces

DS13 doesn't want us to take any photos of him with his braces, so I'm using this model photo. He choose black elastics. I actually think they look pretty cool, although next time I suggested he go with rainbow, or do they have glow in the dark?

He's in a lot of discomfort, because not only are his teeth really sore, he has a head cold, poor dude. Last night's supper was vanilla milkshake and yogurt.

Its been a long time since I've purchased a milkshake from McDonalds. Even though the shake wasn't for me, I was disappointed. It was served in a clear plastic frappe style cup, and I thought vanilla usually meant white, not tan. Maybe that was due to vanilla extract being added, but I couldn't help but think this was going to taste like coffee. DS13 assured me it tasted good, but next time, I'll plan on making him a vanilla shake at home.

I was trying to reconcile the expense this will cost us, even with some insurance kicking in. I'm grateful we are in a financial position to make this happen for our son, but the price sticker on this project is still coming in around $4,000 after insurance. Its wire, metal, elastics and practiced people choosing to make the correct pressure points. Yes, it will take almost 2 years to complete, but material wise, I can see this expense is boiling down to labor costs. Although I will share, the waiting room/office at the ortho is pretty posh. The bathroom too has a designer glass sink bowl and faucet.

Of course there isn't anything we wouldn't do for the comfort and safety of our children. I knew he had an overbite, but when I actually saw the 3D molded cast of his "before" teeth, I had no idea how uncomfortable my son must be. His bottom teeth were really biting into the roof of his mouth.

My heart still aches for the pain he will have to endure for the next two years. I wore braces myself at his age. I wish I could do this for him, but he'll get through this. Maybe he will even learn to enjoy different soft foods?

He loves biting into hard, crunchy apples and loves popcorn. I'm sorry he will have to miss this.

So far his list of soft foods is very short; yogurt, scrambled eggs, spaghetti, ice cream. He's never been into soups, but I hope that will change.

He's not suppose to drink soda pop, but he's never liked carbonation, so that's not a sacrifice. He's never really been into candy either.

I was actually surprised when the receptionist told me to have him chew gum, not bubble gum. She said it will help with the soreness. I don't know if he'll be willing to give this a try.

He has more of a salt tooth than sweet tooth. He's been told to be careful with chips. This surprised me. I don't see taco chips as being too hard. Maybe a cheetoe, but a taco chip? We'll have to figure this out.