In the past six months we’ve forked over about $4000 to two dentist and an oral surgeon. I’ve had to have two crowns done and a root canal. Poor Peanut has had a lot of work done just recently. In January she had her baby tooth removed and her gum cauterized so her molar could come out. Now that the molar is out she’s been back to the dentist.

She now has two retainers, not the kind of ones you may remember that you can remove. These are the ones that are actually cemented to her teeth. First they put spacers in between her teeth. These are like tiny round rubber bands that are put into place by dental floss. After that the metal bands are put on the teeth. They have to push and shove to get those suckers on. I’ve seen her head being moved. The dental assistant has to hold it while the dentist pushes. I have to look away.

Then an impression is made. They flavor the putty they use (they call it silly putty!) with either strawberry or bubblegum. The bands are removed. After a few days the retainer is made. The bands are put back on and bent into shape so they fit snugly. The metal part of the retainer is also shaped better and cemented.

The retainer on top is on her palate. The bottom one wraps around her teeth. I’ve started calling her the Bionic Woman which caused a whole new discussion.

Peanut asked the dentist how many years it takes to become a dentist. She told her to be a Pediatric Dentist it takes ten years. I’m raising a smart cookie!

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