she cursed us
We’re at the orthodontist’s yesterday, to get started on Phase I of Project Braces for my daughter with the crookedy teeth and the crazy jaw. (Estimated cost ’til completion of project, as of yesterday when we did a worksheet: $7,000. Insurance will pay: Nothing.)
“So, you’ll be next!” the tech says, perkily, with dollar signs in her eyes, to my son.
I say, “NO! He has my teeth! Straight! She has her father’s teeth.”
“Sorry, sorry, of course, I can see that now,” etc. sez the tech. “Did your husband have braces?”
“No,” I tell her. “My father-in-law has a thing against orthodontists.”
Today, Wacky Girl tells me, perkily, with dollar signs in her eyes, “We can’t eat out anymore. You’re saving for my braces.” Of course. Of course I am, honey. I can see that now.
Not ten minutes later she tells me I need to look into her brother’s mouth.
“There’s something real weird going on in there.”
She’s right, there is something weird going on in there. A great big grown-up tooth, his first, snuggling up right behind his baby tooth. (Which is not wiggling, by the by. Which is firmly holding on to its own real estate, smack up against the big boy tooth.)
She tells him, “You’re like a crocodile! With double teeth!”
He grins a big toothy grin at her.
“Maybe your great-great-great-great grandchildren will have the same problem!” she says, like this is the coolest thing that has ever occurred to her.
At least I won’t be responsible for their dental bills.
We’re seeing the dentist tomorrow.
, 
.
I love WackyGirl–she’s so funny.
OHSU dental school might save you a lot of $ and help you be able to still afford the occasional fresh carrot. I have a friend who did that, and it really made a diff. Just a thought.
July 8th, 2008 | #
I think orthodontists are a rip off! And why can’t our insurance cover braces. They are not just for looks. They make healthier kids and fewer jaw problems down the road!
Ooops, I see I got excited. Three kids + three sets of braces = $21,000 out of pocket. I could have paid for part of orthodontist school for myself.
July 9th, 2008 | #