Kerryn Boogaard Kerryn Boogaard
Beverly Goldsmith Beverly Goldsmith
Zoe Bingley-Pullin Zoe Bingley-Pullin

Your child’s smile? Priceless:

Caroline ponders the orthodontic bill for her teenage son but she knows that one day it will be well and truly worth it.
By Caroline McMahon
Date: March 12 2013
Editor Rating:
boy_with_braces

It had become evident that my 13 year old son was losing his battle against straight teeth and braces were being recommended by our dentist at one of those rare moments when I could get him to the dentist and open his mouth (at the same time).

It was discussed how fixing his teeth will assist his speech, his chewing and eating as well as his smile.

Feeling like I would be a negligent mother if I didn’t pursue this avenue, plans were made for a referral to an orthodontist.

Several months later sitting in the orthodontist’s office with the process having been outlined to me, a glaringly large colour photo of my teenager’s wayward teeth in one hand and a payment plan with far too many zeros on it in the other, the specialists asks: “Mrs McMahon, do you have any questions?”

I go through in my head what I really want to know. 

‘I have a teenage boy, are teeth really that important? I mean he doesn’t talk, he grunts. Teeth really aren’t necessary.’

He even inhales his food. No really this is true. I sat and watched him eat one day, much to his disgust. He had ranted while pacing up and down the kitchen “Where is the meat in this house? I need meat, get me meat!” I was quite taken aback at this almost prehistoric outburst from my caveman son - the transition to teenager was occurring before my eyes. When the aforementioned food was produced and laid out on the kitchen bench to a much-relieved teenage caveman, the meat just disappeared. Literally disappeared. I saw it go near his mouth and then it was gone! 

At the next meal I sat and watched this new phenomenon. Did it go up his nose?  Did it actually get eaten? The food just seems to go into his mouth, and then a big swallow later it is all gone.

So - no teeth required there to bite or chew.

“His smile will be dazzling,” the orthodontist affirmed to me when the braces are scheduled to be removed in 18 months time. I am thinking, in eighteen months, I wonder if my son will remember how to smile at all, given that he doesn’t do it now. I see a small glimmer of a grin when meat is served for dinner in enormous serves.

His chosen sport is water polo. Often a head, elbow or knee knocks his mouth, I fear these precious teeth straight or crooked will be knocked from his mouth. The way these boys wrestle in the pool in the pursuit of a ball it is any wonder that there are teeth there at all to even put braces on.

I am still wondering why I am about to part with $6,000 to correct my son’s teeth?

I will tell you why. I am glass half-full girl and I live in eternal hope that my once smiley, chatty son will return to me in years to come. In a way I am quite relived to press ‘’pause’ on all that chatter from when they’re 2-13 years. It gives my ears a break. I hope that, with his perfect teeth, he will find his way through school and university, woo some lovely young lady and fit into the emerging ruggedly handsome good looks that are starting to appear around these crooked teeth.

I return to my conversation with the orthodontist, smile my best mother smile and say “No further questions thank you. Where do I sign?”

My son looks at me. He too smiles; deep down he knows what I do. This is just a passing time and we will be already for the return of his bubbly self when the time is right. Bring on the braces.

Share This Tweet This Email To Friend
Recent Comments
18 Total Comments
Sandra says: 2013 03 12
Rating:

Sounds so familiar. Particularly the inhalation of food! One of those things you need to see to believe. I too look forward to the final result of the braces ... And puberty!

Caroline McMahon says: 2013 03 18

I have good news to report Sandra,  my son now has his braces off and loves his new teeth. It has given him a wonderful confidence, I even see him smile occasionally.  He still inhales food but I feel like a bear, he is emerging from his teenage cave ready to take on the world.  Keep your eyes peeled for my blog on shopping for teenage boys.  I also feel another blog coming on about cleaning these magnificent teeth!
Cheers smile

James says: 2017 07 22
Rating:

Guaranteed friendly service, competent and trained dental experts and affordable rates come together to ensure that you would have pain-free visits every time. We at Arlington Advanced Dental Care ensure total customer satisfaction for every patient who visits us Dentist Arlington VA…..

drzackmartin says: 2017 09 25
Rating:

This blog post is really great; the standard stuff of the post is genuinely amazing.Brad

poker online says: 2017 10 05
Rating:

The talent of collection the stuff that you are providing is so amazing poker online.

jeorgebush says: 2017 10 20
Rating:

It’s well known which whatever items all of us search on Amazon, auction web sites, etc (online shopping websites) latter on same advert will be showing in news reports nourish from the Fb it’s called targeted advert towards the specific viewer, just like its tracking you at http://clickfunnelsreview.net/.

Robert says: 2017 10 21
Rating:

writersperhour hour tone are a major factor in inducing emotion which helps in grasping the information in a better way. Countless studies, research reports, and surveys have found that emotion is a crucial component of the E-Learning experience and finally, enquire whether there is a personalized evaluation plan, and how the feedback mechanisms will be offered….

clickfunnels review says: 2017 10 24
Rating:

Hi buddies, it is great written piece entirely defined, continue the good work constantly.
http://clickfunnelsreview.net/

Kevin says: 2017 10 26
Rating:

I’ve known Ritewik for years, so when she started her own marketing company, I knew that she was going to succeed. This lady knows social media, email marketing and has created a lot of custom videos for businesses. I know any business would benefit. ritewik does great work, I know, so I highly recommend……

jeorgebush says: 2017 11 18
Rating:

I’d be trampled if all sites gave articles like these awesome articles. https://casino41.ch

Tommy says: 2017 11 27
Rating:

Hmm!! This blog is really cool, I’m so lucky that I have reached here and got this awesome information.http://www.pmmarketer.com

View All Comments
View All Comments
Post a Comment
* your email address will not appear

Please enter the word you see in the image below:


Post a Comment
* your email address will not appear

Please enter the word you see in the image below:33343


Your Comment has been posted
Related Articles
boy_brushing_teeth
There can be many causes of bad breath in your…
Read more
sleeping_feet
Parents, babies and toddlers lacking sleep can catch up on…
Read more
luckyboys
Health experts say Year 7 boys in Australia are the…
Read more
Cry babies

Dry your eyes!
The newest additions are on their way from the Babies who cry real tears!

Shipping-containers-freight-wallpaper-preview

Latest Tech Used In Shipping Containers
Read how the shipping industry has revolutionised

Motherpedia cover-2

Win 1 set of a 4-book hardcover illustrated boxed set
Barbara Murray’s new 4-book Sound Stories is perfect for parents and educators and could assist with NAPLAN results

Motherpedia cover (4)

Where to celebrate Oktoberfest Australia
Get ready for this celebration!

Motherpedia cover-4

A Fortnight of Foodie Experiences at East Village
A taste of East Village. What's in it for me?

Globber my too fix up cover

We Try: Globber My TOO Fix Up
A scooter that grows with your child

Throw a winning cricket pitch

3 Steps to a Winning Backyard Cricket Pitch
Ex-Adelaide Oval legend curator Les Burdett shares his tips for getting your backyard cricket pitch test match ready this summer

A bike that follows your kids life cycle - motherpedia - cover

A Bike That Follows Your Kids Life Cycle
Check out the Bunzi 2-in-1 gradual balance bike!

Moonlight lifestyle

Moonlight Cinema to bring…
Moonlight Cinema announces brand new Western Sydney venue

Screen shot 2019-11-26 at 8.29.12 am

Your Magical Christmas Wonderland…
Adventure park is about to light up the night sky with its "Christmas Festival of Lights"

Screen shot 2019-11-21 at 11.11.36 am

The Preston Market Gets…
It's time to feel pumped up for the holiday season!

Bruno-kelzer-zqzuigxcvrq-unsplash

Bunnings team members get…
Help raise funds by buying a snag or donating at your local store.