Brace Face

All right, all right. I heard that often enough growing up. I also heard worse; people, kids can be so cruel when it comes to that kind of thing. Where am I going with this? Am I about to talk about how cruel and disrespectful children are to their peers and elders for that matter? No, not at all. Simply put, the title of this entry set me off on a bit of a tangent. Now, now I am okay and will continue with my original thought process.

Cherish had an orthodontist appointment today. She's off at Christopher camping but we went as it was a consultation regarding the need for braces etc. The dental assistant brought in Cherish's file and the paperwork for the bill (she needed a trolley...just kidding). We had an excellent discussion on the overcrowding in Cherish's mouth and the fact that she has an overjet of 4 mm and they only like 1-2 mm. She then discussed what options we have for when we sign our children over as collateral. Yikes!! $5000.00!!! Ay Karumba! For as little as $150/month for 20 months and a downpayment of a low, low $1100.00 Cherish can get her teeth centered (apparently they are off center and yes, I admit they don't line up), 3 of them pulled out (for an extra cost at our regular dentist) and braces put on to move her teeth to fill the gaps made by her 3 extractions and apparently it will also fix this overjet.

I had braces for 2 years because I had overcrowding as well and I had an overjet. Correction, I have an overjet (the things you learn when you pay attention in the dental offices: an overjet is similar to an overbite and most people say they have an overbite when it is the other.). The braces DID straighten my teeth; they were really crooked but honestly, they did nothing for the other. NOTHING!

I think we will be holding off for a few years if we decide to do this; I mean, we asked them and they said straight out not having braces will not affect Cherish's dental health; they will make her smile prettier. Honestly, we can't afford it. Bill has some coverage (we'll find out how much and make a final decision later) and we all ready know that we can't count on David who is supposed to pay half of her medical and dental but so far as only paid $130 on a $700 dental bill. Perhaps we can start saving now, call it a brace account if you will. I guess we'll just have to see what the future holds.