The Beginnings of a New Smile

Yesterday was the start of a new adventure for Mackenzie.  Actually, she started this adventure – if you will – back in November, but finally got the green light.

We’ve known or suspected for years that Mackenzie would probably have to have braces.  It was recommended way back to go for a consult.  Well, we felt she was just too young plus the financial commitment.  Of course, over the last couple of years we have continued to hear the recommendation, with the dentist explaining the reasoning -unfortunately, Mackenzie’s mouth is too small for her adult teeth.  In addition to that she is missing a tooth, not sure who to blame for that one, Jay & I both have all our teeth. 

Anyway, a friend recommended Dr. Carmen as her children love him and his office staff.  This friend knows Mackenzie very well and can relate to a child that is squeamish of certain things, so I greatly appreciated her recommendation.  I love the fact that Dr. Carmen would evaluate Mackenzie’s status periodically because I feel that gave her a relationship with him, a positive one before the actual work begins.  Maybe that was his plan all along. :)

A few weeks ago, at her third evaluation since November, we were told it was time, time to discuss a treatment plan at her next visit.  Oh yeah, and the payment plan. UGH!!

So yesterday we (Dad too for the first time) went – she got all new photos and films taken for her diagnostics file, we discussed the cost – there goes our Disney vacay Honey, then Mackenzie got molds of her teeth made, Dr. C reevaluated, recommended a plan, which we’ll call Plan A – because remember she is missing a tooth and hopefully the other plan which entails pulling three of her adult teeth to make her mouth symmetrical doesn’t have to happen, and we scheduled her next three appointments.

While in the office, they placed spacers in her back molars to help ease the pain/discomfort for when one of the appliances is installed in October.  Actually, they only placed one because when they started wiggling the first one into place Mackenzie’s baby tooth decided to fall out. 

Can I just say the cost to fix one’s mouth is ridiculous.  Seriously.  Thank goodness we have orthodontic coverage, but not just any orthodontic coverage.  Apparently REALLY good orthodontic coverage.  We were told ours covers almost three times of what the average coverage covers.  Which is great for us, but still the overall cost is outlandish!

The nice thing is our down payment can be spread over a period feasible to us – now that of course means her expander (crab as they call it) & full set of braces being installed won’t happen tomorrow, but by Nov. 1st after three separate appointments, Mackenzie’s braces will be completely installed and pretty much financed with just a monthly payment remaining for almost two years.  UGH!!!

Thank goodness we have only one that will need braces!  Yeah, Kassi could have had them but as the dentist said it would be more for appearance versus need, which given the option she said she is satisfied with her smile. :)  I truly feel for those families where more than one child needs them.

Oh yeah, I guess if Jay or I ever decide we want braces, our orthodontic coverage has adult coverage up to the age of 99. Which we were told is very rare, too.