The oldest had his first orthodontist appointment this past week (other than the consultation a couple of weeks ago) for the first phase of his braces, the second this week, and his third (and last) next week. He’s only 8 (will be 9 in October) but his top front teeth have grown in so a there’s no space for some others to come in. They’re just going to widen the top teeth and push the front ones together so they all grow where they’re supposed to. They won’t do anything on the bottom yet.

Anyway, for this first appointment, he was pretty nervous in the beginning, but warmed up after a while. They did several thorough x-rays (one of which he asked to do again later in the appointment) and took pictures and impressions of his teeth.

I gagged just watching them do all of that, but he only gagged when they did the top impression. There were several techs (assistants?) with him, in and out, and they were all amazing at working with him (even while he was throwing up into their hands, basically. They explained everything they were going to do, at length, with unlimited patience.

I thought he was way too young for braces. I mean, he should still have, like, 8 years, right? But two of my nieces and one of my nephews already are in the middle of having or have had “phase 1” done, and our dentist suggested the consultation “in case there was anything that they thought we should get started on.”

So this two part treatment is what the orthodontist suggested. He’ll do phase 1 for eight months or so, then wear a retainer for a few years, then go on to phase 2.

I never got braces. Out of four kids, I was the only one (I guess) whose teeth “weren’t that bad” and didn’t end up with them. I had my fair share (that’s putting it mildly) of glasses and contacts, and eventually Lasik, but my teeth are still…not so perfect. I dream of Invisalign some day….we’ll see (maybe right after that boob job).

I’m excited for my biggest guy to get his teeth straightening started, though. I’d rather do it now while they’re still kind of easy to manipulate and will stay where they need to if the big guns come out when he’s older.

Just seriously, pray for the safe keeping of the retainer (also known as the only thing we’ll have to pay extra for in phase 1 if he loses it).

Are you dealing with braces yet? How old are your kids?