My
daughter’s orthodontic journey began in elementary school when our dentist fit
her tiny mouth with a Frankel contraception (a wire device). When she came walking out of his office,
trying to smile at me, I knew we were in trouble. Sounding much like a middle school
cheerleader, I exclaimed, “Awwwwww…..how
exciting!” I am actually wondering how
he managed to get a football helmet inside her little mouth.
On
the ride home, I noticed that when she attempted to talk, she sounded like she
suddenly had a speech impediment or was maybe even speaking a foreign language
(I was hoping it was the latter). Glancing over at her, I now realize she not
only has a speech problem, she is also a drooler! Yep, my adorable daughter was now slobbering!
The
worst part of this memorable experience was that this contraception had to come
out when she ate….not an easy task. I’ll never forget the day that we had to drive
over an hour out of our way to go…..back to a McDonald’s on the
interstate where we had eaten lunch. Fortunately, her dad was willing to dig
through garbage bags and was able to find the slimy thing. I am not sure I would have won any mother of
the year awards that day.
Eventually
the dentist realized that her cheeks
looked like a greedy squirrel that had stored enough nuts away to last for the
next ten years. She was refitted with
something a little more stylish appropriate for her mouth.
Footnote:
The following Sunday we had photographers at church because it was “Old
Fashion Sunday”…..and wouldn’t you know, it was her picture that was chosen to
go in the local newspaper.
Footnote: The short
haircut is another story….a bad perm had to be cut off (which I am now blamed for even though she
begged for it).
