As a mother, I find myself spending about an hour at the orthodontist every couple of months. By my calculations, that will amount to around 72 hours by the time my youngest child completes their orthodontic treatment. Despite my frequent visits, I’m plagued by the same thoughts each time I sit in the waiting room. Here are some reflections that cross my mind:
- Did I remember to apologize for being late? Again?
- The orthodontist explained everything thoroughly, but does my child really need all this equipment? Their teeth seemed perfectly fine to me.
- Cookies? Shouldn’t orthodontists offer some snacks? Maybe a frozen yogurt bar like the one at my friend’s orthodontist office?
- My previous orthodontist was quite harsh, and my teeth reverted to an overbite state after treatment. I hope that doesn’t happen here.
- I genuinely appreciate this orthodontist. I can place my trust in him.
- Why is everyone here always smiling? Is there some form of nitrous oxide being dispensed? Can I join in?
- What kind of genetic quirk causes all three of my kids to need braces while my sister’s children don’t?
- Is it unreasonable to consider having my son’s braces removed for his bar mitzvah? Sure, it’s a little wild, but imagine the photos!
- Should I consider a better job just to manage the costs of orthodontic care?
- Honestly, I really like this orthodontist. He just spent five minutes patiently explaining to my son the importance of wearing his retainer without raising his voice.
- Those before-and-after transformation pictures are impressive. Should I look into getting Invisalign myself?
- It certainly looks more appealing than a facelift. Maybe after my youngest is finished with their treatment…
- I will genuinely miss this place.
I know I’m not the only mom anxiously waiting while my children receive orthodontic care. Braces have become a rite of passage for many teens; approximately 4.5 million adolescents underwent orthodontic procedures in 2012, according to the American Association of Orthodontists.
At least I can take comfort in knowing that my child is not resorting to DIY orthodontics—a concerning trend where individuals seek questionable online advice to fix their teeth.
Thus, parenthood continues its mission of preserving our children’s dental health, a journey that often comes at a hefty price and with moments of tedium.
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Summary
This article reflects on the thoughts and concerns of a mother during her visits to the orthodontist, touching on the costs, trust in the orthodontist, and the common experience of children needing braces. It also highlights the importance of proper orthodontic care over risky DIY alternatives.
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