Every couple of months, I find myself spending about an hour at the orthodontist’s office. By my calculations, that adds up to around 72 hours by the time my youngest finishes their orthodontic journey. Yet, every visit, I’m plagued by a familiar set of thoughts that swirl in my mind:
- Did I apologize for being late? Again?
- They explained everything, but does my child really need all this gear? His teeth looked fine to me.
- Cookies? Should orthodontists really serve cookies? I wonder if they’ll ever install a frozen yogurt bar like my friend’s orthodontist has?
- My orthodontist was so harsh; I hope my teeth don’t revert back to that overbite state.
- I genuinely adore this orthodontist. I can trust him completely.
- Why does everyone here seem so cheerful? Is there some kind of nitrous oxide party I’m missing? Can I participate?
- What kind of genetic twist means that all three of my kids need braces while my sister’s kids don’t?
- Is it completely bonkers to consider getting my son’s braces off for his bar mitzvah? Sure, it’s a bit wild, but think of the photos!
- Should I consider a better-paying job to manage these orthodontic bills?
- Seriously, I’m so impressed with this orthodontist. He just dedicated five minutes to explaining to my son why wearing his retainer is essential—without yelling or threats!
- Those before-and-after photos are stunning. Maybe I should think about getting Invisalign myself.
- Honestly, it looks better than a facelift. Perhaps once my youngest is done…
- I’m really going to miss this place.
I know I’m not alone in twiddling my thumbs in the waiting room while my kids tackle their orthodontic needs. Braces are a rite of passage for many teenagers; according to the American Association of Orthodontists, approximately 4.5 million teens underwent orthodontic treatment in 2012.
At least I can take comfort in the fact that my kid won’t be resorting to the DIY approach to braces. This alarming trend involves using dubious online advice to modify their teeth.
So, that’s parenthood for you—ensuring our kids have healthy smiles since the ’70s, all while grappling with boredom and hefty bills. If you’re interested in exploring more about family planning and options, you can check out this excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination.
For more insights, you might want to visit this post, or take a look at this authority on the subject for a deeper dive into home insemination kits.
Summary
In this article, a mom reflects on her experiences at the orthodontist, sharing relatable thoughts that many parents encounter during their children’s orthodontic treatments. From pondering the necessity of braces to the cheerful atmosphere of the office, her musings highlight the blend of anxiety and humor that comes with parenting.