Dental Expander

Sweet Son had a major under bite and no room for his adult teeth to grow in. The dentist suggested an expander which would help and might prevent him from needing braces or might lesson the amount of time needed in braces later. We also had them add a feature to make it impossible to suck his thumb. He only sucked his thumb for a few minutes a day to fall asleep, but we couldn't seem to break the habit.

What it looks like with mouth opened wide

A closer look - the silver tube thing in the middle is what we would adjust every few days

With mouth closed you can't even tell

He can't really figure out how to close his mouth in this picture, haha

My kids love the dentist!

My kids love going to the dentist. They always get a toy and 3 stickers in addition to the new toothbrush, toothpaste, and animal shaped flosser. Today was also picture day at the kids' school, so they were dressed in their best. I let the kids pick what to wear for picture day because I'm not buying the photos anyway. Sweet Son went in a full pinstriped suit. Sweet Daughter picked her fanciest dress. So that is how we arrived at the dentist.

First they did x-rays and my kids sat and let them. Sweet Daughter was giving a fancy ring to match her dress. Sweet Son was given a small monkey toy and a small alien toy. Then they got to pick out a toothbrush (princess and cars). Then they had their teeth brushed while watching tv. Sweet Daughter requested they just turn the tv off. Apparently that's not a normal request. Both kids got to pick 3 stickers (princess, princess, Mickey for Sweet Daughter and happy face, Goofy, and potato head for Sweet Son). Then the kids got time to play in the playroom while they waited on the dentist.

Not at all overdressed for the dentist...

The dentist did her thing (a mirror and floride were involved). The kids were so good that she gave them 2 coins to use in the machines to get prizes. The kids also got the toothpaste and flossers. They were also given report cards - both kids got an A. We got many compliments on how well our kids brush their teeth and how healthy their teeth look. They also had their blood pressure taken and are both at the very low side of normal. The kids trade their coins for a mustache and bracelet for Sweet Daughter and a lizard and ring for Sweet Son. We scheduled their next appointment in 6 months and were back in the car less than 45 minutes after we arrived. The kids are already asking when they can go back to the dentist.

There's my evil genius. :)