This afternoon as I walked out of the orthodontist office with my daughter holding my hand, I had the strangest feeling of deja vu.
Years back at almost the same age, my mother had taken me for braces and in the 80's that was something quite unique still. I know we didn't hold hands and I do remember there being tears involved in the getting on of the braces. It hurt damn it.
Today as I looked at my daughter grinning her new shiny metal smile grin, it made me happy to see that braces had come so far. She had shed no tears, nothing hurt and everyone there was interested in her comfort. How civilized.
I had tan colored head gear, retainers then braces that filled my mouth with metal and it was what it was back then, no options in coloring, size, nothing.
The orthodontist now of course let's the individual choose their own color preferences for the elastics around each bracket with a color palette of about 24 options. Brackets coming in 3 different colors as well.
In a reflection of her own individuality, she selected red for the top and orange for the bottom. What a combo. When I asked her why those colors? Her reply. They're Fall colors mom. I've already been warned that for Halloween and her appointment the week before she's already decided she wants black and orange.
For as many thousands of dollars as this praised children's & youth's orthodontics specialist is making off of my child, I guess it's kind of nice of her to offer color choices for elastics.
My mom got me my smile and I've now done my part to ensure my daughter gets hers.
Jennifer ... Vancouver's Sex Educator, Sexuality Coach and Activist. The content of this blog is not suited for those under the age of 18. What you'll find here is a written account of my personal journey in sex positive culture both personally and professionally.
