Since Mullin only had to have braces on his bottom teeth (for now), the braces really weren't that noticeable. A year and a half ago we were alerted by our dentist that Mullin had a permanent tooth that was "stuck" and would need help in order to come in properly. One permanent tooth had pushed out 2 baby teeth, so there just wasn't room in his mouth for another tooth. I had heard these words before about 25 years ago. Brings back lots of memories for me. The solution for overcrowding back then was to just pull teeth--I had 7 baby teeth pulled, roots still intact. I still have them in my little tooth pillow!!
And here he is without the braces! Just look at those pretty, straight teeth! Even though the price tag made us wince at first, we knew it had to be done. I hate to even think about it, but those braces cost more than my engagement ring, wedding dress and wedding photos put together!
Dr. Larrabee was the coolest orthodontist ever!! He and his staff were very professional and friendly. His patients can earn "Larrabee Loot" based on performance, teeth cleanliness, report cards, and wearing the Dr. Larrabee t-shirt, and the loot can be turned in for all kinds of prizes. All in all, I think Mullin earned like 3 $15.00 Target gift cards and a few $10.00 Starbucks gift cards. The office made having braces as fun as possible. My other two would get a little jealous over Mullin earning prizes and stuff. Dr. Larrabee surprised Mullin with a "going away present" which was a tub of popcorn, a Dr. Pepper, a free movie pass and lots of candy!! It was filled with all of the foods that cannot be eaten when one wears braces.
Mullin couldn't wait to taste popcorn again, and yes, that was the very first forbidden food with which he stuffed his face! Later that evening we all went to Fuzziwigs, a candy store, to celebrate Mullin getting his braces off. He really was a great patient and didn't complain too much about all of the tasty treats he couldn't eat. And boy am I glad that I won't have to cut up his apples and carrots into tiny little pieces anymore! :)
Congratulations Mullin for a job well done!!!
4 comments:
Yeah Mullin, congratulations on getting the braces off! I remember getting mine off..went straight for a caramel apple which had been off limits for THREE years! Bet he is looking forward to Halloween & all those tasty things in the Trick or Treat pumpkin!
What a way to make braces tolerable. He sounds like a great ortho! I'm happy for him that they're off.
My ortho was never that fun!
Hi there! Greetings from Bergen, Norway! Just wanted to let you know that I've tagged you in my latest post. Hope you're game! =)
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