There actually does seem to be some research that implies a link between scoliosis and malocclusion.  Whether one is causative is not as clear.

Maybe that would be a good story idea?

Orthopedics and orthodontics may be linked very intensivly, because the Milwaukee brace gives a big pressure to the chin, so an orthodontic brace is necessary to avoid malocclusions and shifting teeth. And these orthodontic braces can make speaking impossible or at least give a large lisp. And a headgear may even make turning of the head to the sides impossible.

Chapter 103:

Jim saw Dr. Andi approaching along with her husband Sam and her friend Abby.  As she approached Andi said "congratulations you two!  I am so happy for you both!"

Tara spun her wheelchair slightly so you was facing them and beamed back at her.  Tara said "thank you so much!"

Jim added "yes, thank you so much."

Dr. Andi said "so, was this the official engagement party?  Or will there be another one?  I hope there is.  We all had so much fun."

Jim hadn't thought about it, but he replied "that would be a good idea.  Sure, why not.  Maybe we will wait a couple months until the weather cools off a little though."

Andi said "that would be great.  And we would love it if you would keep us in mind.  It is nice getting to know everyone outside of an office setting."

Tara said "it is isn't it?  Speaking of which, Sam and Abby, it was so nice to meet you both.  And Abby, congratulations on finishing up your residency and signing on with Dr. Brad and Dr. Andi."

Andi's friend Abby replied enthusiastically "thank you!  I am so excited.  I can't wait to get started!  Treating patients!  And myself!"

Jim asked "so when will you be starting your own treatment?"

Abby said "at the show!  Andi already did all my scans and worked up a treatment plan.  And I was planning on starting in three weeks, as soon as I start.  But Brad told us yesterday that Orspco wants to demonstrate the installation of the new appliances they are bringing to market at the AAO.  So of course I volunteered.  I will only have to wait an extra two weeks.  I will get everything installed the first day of the show.  I will be the very first live demo in the booth.  I am so excited to be the guinea pig!"

Andi laughed and looked at Jim and Tara before she said "we will see how excited she is the second day of the show."

Tara said "you will do fine.  But yeah, the first few days are a little uncomfortable to say the least."

Abby replied "hey, no pain, no gain.  I know it will be a little challenging navigating the show with new appliances.  But I will be one of the stars of the show.  I can't wait!"

Jim asked "so I assume you will be getting a Miller appliance?"

Abby beamed and said "yes!  A Miller appliance.  Plus Miller headgear like Andi here.  And I will also go ahead and get my brackets installed.  We won't install archwires until I am done with expansion.  But Orspco is bringing out a new line of brackets and bands.  So I am just going to go ahead and get everything installed at once.  I can model it all."

Tara said "it sounds like you will have a busy first few weeks."

Abby smiled and said "I really plan to hit the ground running.  I cannot wait until my first patient.  Then I will finally feel like all this work has paid off."

Andi glanced over at the table where Cammie and Paul had been sitting but saw they were gone.  Andi turned back and looked at Tara.  She said "Tara, did you know I talked your friend Cammie into scheduling a consult?  I am going to have Abby here manage her treatment if she decides to pursue treatment, though I will be involved too.  Tara, if you have any other friends that have been considering orthodontic treatment, be sure and put in a good word for us.  You too Jim.  It seems like we treat a LOT more adult women than men.  And that is a shame.  I wish more men weren't such big babies."  She turned and looked at her husband Sam pointedly.  She said "Jim, some men could take a few lessons from you.  Maybe you could talk to my man here and convince him to start treatment.  So far I have been unsuccessful." 

Jim looked at him and said "hey, you know what they say.  Happy wife, happy life."

Andi laughed and leaned in against Sam.  She said "that is right.  And I would be so happy if you would start treatment."

Sam said "baby, I told you I would think about it."

Andi said "you've been thinking about it for a year.  Come on now." 

Sam replied "I will think about."

Andi looked at Jim and said "see what I am dealing with.  You men and your hard heads.  But seriously, if anyone expresses any interest I would love the referral."

Jim said "hey, we already do that.  In fact, I think you already have a few patients that came in because of us.  Maybe you could let us have a weekend at the beach house?"

Andi looked at him and said "but we don't have a beach house."

Jim replied "you don't have a beach house yet.  But as many cases as you have started I bet you get one.  When you do, just don't forget about us, those who were here in the beginning."

Andi laughed and said "of course not!"  Andi turned her attention back to Tara.  Andi said "Tara, you are going to make the most beautiful bride.  And I promise, we will have you out of braces for your wedding day.  Even if you aren't finished with treatment, we will make sure of it.  Oh guys, I am so happy for you both."  She stepped over and hugged Tara and then Jim.  Stepping back beside her husband she said "thank you all for this.  We are going to get out of here, it looks like the party is winding down.  But again, congrats."

After they had left, Jim scanned the deck.  Only about half of the original attendees were left.  He noticed that a few seemed to have slipped out without even saying goodbye.  Alex said "can you believe that Aubrey left with that cast on her leg?  I think she kind of liked it.  I know Tim liked it, I could tell from the way he was leering at Aubrey."

Tara said "I don't know how that is possible.  If she had to wear it for real I bet she wouldn't like it as much.  And I know she wouldn't like a hip spica." 

Alex said "oh boo, it is just temporary.  And remember what Dr. Brad said, you will be getting your halo off sooner rather than later.  That is exciting."  She looked over at Marc and said "baby, we need to put our headgear back on.  Let me run inside and get it."

Alex reached down and put her hand on the doorknob.  She went to turn it and found it wouldn't move.  She tried again and got the same result.  She tried pushing on it and turning the knob.  Still nothing.

Inside the room, Keith heard the rattling of the door as he made out with Kelsey.  He stopped and looked at Kelsey, a guilty look on his face.  Kelsey looked over at the door.  When a knock came, Kelsey said "sorry, just a minute.  I came in here to change."  It wasn't completely untrue as most of her cloths lay on the floor beside the bed.

From the other side of the door Alex said "ok, I just need to get something out of the bathroom."

Kelsey said "just give me a few minutes please?  I will leave the door open when I am done."  She heard "ok" from the other side.

Returning to the table, Marc saw that Alex' hands were empty.  He cracked "don't tell me that someone broke in and stole my headgear.  I would just be broken hearted if I had to go a night without wearing it."

As Alex sat down she laughed.  She turned and looked at Marc and said "you don't get off that easy.  Someone was in the bedroom.  I think it was Kelsey."

Jim looked around the pool deck again.  He had noticed earlier that Keith had been by Kelsey's side the whole night.  And now he seemed to be missing too.  He said "huh, well what do you know?"

Alex arched her eyebrows and asked "what?"

Jim smiled and said "oh nothing.  But I wonder if Kelsey was alone."

Inside the bedroom Keith smiled at Kelsey and said "busted.  I feel like I am back in high school."

Kelsey took the comment the wrong way.  She spit back "why, becaush you are making out with a girl with brathesh?"

Keith looked Kelsey in the eyes and said "no sweetie.  That is not what I meant.  I meant getting caught making out."  As he looked into her face he noticed it soften some.  He said "you are the furthest thing from any girl I ever met in high school.  You are poised, professional, beautiful and so incredibly sexy."  He looked at her a moment before adding "your orthodontia doesn't detract from that at all." 

She looked at him.  Finally she asked "so you don't mind that I have a mouth full of metal?  And a lishp?  And headgear?"

Keith looked at her.  Finally he said "no, it is so hot."

Kelsey said "I certainly didn't expect thish reaction.  Maybe we could talk about it shome other time?  Like on a real date?"

Keith said "I would love that so much.  Maybe we could take this somewhere else tonight though?  So we can get to know each other better?  I mean, just so I know what the lady likes and dislikes.  So I can plan such a date."

Kelsey smiled "yesh, I would like to get to know you better.  And we probably do need to take thish somewhere else.  But I want to be up front with you.  I don't want to lead you on.  I am not the kind of girl that has shex on the firsht night.  I just want to be up front with you."

Keith leaned over and kissed her.  He said "whew, what a relief.  Because there for a minute I thought you were trying to take advantage of me."

Kelsey swatted his arm, but she was laughing as she did.  She said "you are funny and shexy.  Could you help me get dressed?  I am not sure I will be able to with one arm."

Keith quickly helped Kelsey get her bra and dress back on as he pulled his own shirt and pants on.  He slipped his feet into his own shoes before helping Kelsey slip her feet back into her sandals.  Kelsey found the whole exercise completely sensual and erotic.  She appraised herself in the mirror and said "I need to put my headgear back on sho no one thinksh we were doing the hanky panky.  But I can't with thish cast.  Would you help me?  I will talk you through it."

As Keith gently helped hook her back up into her harness, Kelsey could feel the fine hairs on the back of her neck standing up.  She thought Keith had to notice, though he said nothing.  She didn't realize it was also causing his hair, and one other thing, to stand up too.  Once he had the strap buckled around her delicate, beautiful neck he turned her so she was facing him.  He picked up the first of the two j-hooks and attached it to the archwire of her lower braces.  He used an elastic to connect it to the frame of her headgear.  He repeated the process with the other J-hook on the other side.  Finally, he attached an elastic to one of the hooks running along her upper gumline and attached the elastic to her frame.  He was so turned on.  He repeated the process on the other side.  Once done, he asked "did I do right?"

Kelsey leaned into the mirror and said "you did perfect.  Thank you."

As Keith said "you are most welcome" Kelsey turned and stepped into him. 

She looked up at him and said "you like my headgear."  Again, it was a statement not a question.  Keith looked a little embarrassed.  She put her hand on his arm and said "don't be embarrassed.  It is charming.  I am glad you don't find it all a turn off.  I was afraid I was about to be celibate for the next two to three yearsh."

Keith said "I know, it is a little weird."

Kelsey said "it is a little different.  But there are a lot of things much weirder that you could be into.  Plus, I am gonna be rocking the metalmouth for at least the next two years, probably three.  There are a lot worse people that I could have met tonight than a funny, handsome, successful engineer that isn't turned off by my metalmouth."

He had never been more stimulated than he was at the moment.  He looked at her a moment before he said "I want you to know though I am just not attracted to your braces.  I am attracted to you.  The orthodontia is just a little extra cherry on top."

Kelsey said "I am glad you like it.  Now, let'sh get out of here and try to slip back to the party.  And then we can bid our farewells before you take me back to your place."

He said "but what about that cast?"

Kelsey said "that other woman left with hers on.  You shared your embarrassing secret with me.  I will now share mine.  I like the way it feels.  And I REALLY liked the way it felt when you helped me get dressed.  I always wanted a cast growing up but never got one.  Now I have one.  Would you think I am weird if I kept it on tonight and worried about it tomorrow?"

Keith looked at her sheepishly before he said "I have another secret.  I like casts too."

Kelsey said "interesting."  She stuck her casted right arm out towards him and said "then in that case, would you escort a lady back to the party?  And then take her home?"

Keith looped his arm through hers, relishing the feel of the rough fiberglass and the idea that her arm was completely immobilized, and said "I have never wanted anything more."   

Chapter 105:

The next morning, Tara woke up with a smile on her face.  It was the first time she had awoken happy in a while.  In her peripheral vision she could see Jim spooned up against her and feel his body heat against her, his warm exhalations gently wafting against the side of her face.  She could see his arm draped over her chest.  While she couldn't feel it due to her halo, she simply enjoyed the thought of it.  It also made her remember what Dr. Brad had told her the evening before, that she wouldn't have to be in it much longer.  When Dr. Olivia, Raphael and Kylee had left together, they had briefly stopped to say goodbye.  Dr. Olivia had also confirmed what Brad had told her.  Olivia told Tara that her and Brad had spoken, and that Olivia wanted Tara to schedule an appointment in two weeks.

Tara just lay there, enjoying the feeling of being engaged.  The glow she was feeling was also due in part to making love with Jim the night before.  She had been the one that initiated it.  Jim had been very timid at first.  To start, he had to figure out how to make it work with Tara being in the double hip spica.  The bar between her legs had proven to be an impediment.  Eventually though, he had figured it out.  It was different.  But once Jim had figured out he wasn't going to hurt Tara, it had been wonderful.  As they had made love, Tara had realized that this was all going to be alright.

Tara just lay there.  She could see her casted legs suspended in front of her.  Previously, the image had made her want to cry.  But this morning, she was at peace with it.  No, she didn't like it.  And she couldn't wait until she was done with it.  But for the first time since she got the cast, she had hope.  She made the resolution to quit feeling sorry for herself.  She knew there were others that had it much worse than her.  People who had it much worse who didn't have a man that loved them curled up beside them. She just lay there replaying the previous evening's events in her mind, especially Jim's proposal.  Again, it was never like she had imagined it would be.  But in a way, it was sweeter than she could have ever imagined it could be.  Her thoughts were interrupted by movement beside her.

She could feel Jim waking, but she couldn't turn her head to look at him.  She couldn't wait to be able to do this.  She reached her hand over and blindly groped until she found his.  She said "good morning baby."

She felt the bed move and then she saw Jim's leg swing over her as rolled over.  Holding himself up with his arms, he was straddling her looking down into her face.  As he smiled at her, her focus was on his braces, clear brackets on top and metal on bottom.  She realized how much she was going to miss them when they were gone.  Jim said "good morning beautiful, did you sleep ok?"

Tara said "I did."  Jim maneuvered his face between the front uprights of her halo brace and kissed her forehead.  He then managed to support himself with one arm and removed her Petit facemask with his other.  He leaned back in and gave her another kiss.  This time it was on the lips.  It was a long kiss.  Leaning back up he said "I am sorry about the morning breath.  But God I have missed being able to kiss you."

Tara smiled at him and said "baby, I love the way you taste.  Morning breath or no morning breath.  And I missed kissing you so much too.  As well as other things.  Thank you for last night."

Jim smiled at her and said "baby, you never have to thank me for that.  Being intimate with the most beautiful, smartest and sexiest woman in the world is just the cross I have to bear."

Tara laughed and replied "you aren't right."

Jim laughed back.  He smiled at her again, Tara once again admiring his braces, and said "too bad, you are stuck with me."  He leaned down and gave her a quick kiss.  Raising himself back up, he said "it is going to be a beautiful day.  Let's go see what all it has to offer."

Jim helped her with her new morning routine.  The first thing he did was remove her sanitary brief.  She hated it.  But in a way, the intimate nature of it had helped prove to Tara how much Jim really loved her.  She thought it took true love for someone to not only help their partner with something so embarrassing, but to still find them attractive and desirable.  Jim disappeared from the bedroom to toss the brief in their kitchen trashcan. While in the kitchen he put a pot of coffee on.  When he returned he gently unhooked the slings that held Tara's legs aloft and helped her into her wheelchair located beside the bed.  Once comfortably situated in her wheelchair, Tara used the joystick to roll into the master bath with Jim following behind her.

The first thing he did in the bathroom was run a washcloth under some warm water in their sink.  After wringing it out, he turned and began to give her a gentle hand bath.  This was Tara's favorite part of the morning.  As he caressed her body, she said "baby, you made me get a little sweaty last night.  Take your time and make sure you don't miss any spots."  She closed her eyes and enjoyed the feeling.  Jim really was taking his time this morning.  When she felt him stop, she opened her eyes and said "done so soon?"

Jim said "no baby, but let me see if the coffee is ready."  He returned a few minutes with two steaming mugs of coffee.  Putting one down on the vanity, he handed the other to Tara.  He said "just like the lady likes, be careful though it is hot."  As Tara blew on the cup, Jim ran the washcloth back under the faucet to warm it back up and commenced to again rub her body.  As she sipped her coffee she realized he was going back over the same parts of her body he had already washed.  She loved it.  Done with her body, he washed her face.  Once he was done he tossed the cloth in the sink.

Next he picked up a bottle of lotion and began rubbing the lotion on her body.  It felt even more incredible that the cloth had felt.  Once done, he asked "do you need to use the bathroom?"

She sheepishly replied "yes."  As he helped her out of her wheelchair and onto the toilet he whispered in her ear "this is nothing to be embarrassed about.  No, I feel like the luckiest man in the world that I am the person that gets to help you.  It is the biggest honor I have ever felt."  As she took care of business, Jim stepped over to the closet.  He did so for two reasons.  One was to get a brief.  The second was to give Tara a little privacy.  He heard when she was done and then heard her flush.  He cleaned and dried her without a word.  He then picked up a bottle of baby powder and sprinkled it on her bare skin as well as around the top edge of her cast.  Once done, he slipped the fresh brief between her legs and fastened the tabs.  Before he helped her back into her chair, he hugged her.  He always did this.  He knew how mortified she felt by this whole process and he hoped the hug helped.  He hoped it would get easier for her.  He was certainly trying to make it easier for her.  He smiled at her before he added a new step in their morning ritual.  He leaned in and kissed her.  He told her "you are the most beautiful woman in the world.  Now, let's get those toofies clean."

Jim stood beside Tara as they both brushed.  Jim hurried so that he would finish before her.  Once he was done, he took his water flosser and gave his mouth a quick wash down.  Putting his flosser down, he picked up a fresh dry towel.  Once Tara was done brushing, he held the towel under her chin and ran the water flosser in her mouth, catching the cascading water with the towel.  The absence of the protraction bar running in front of her face made it much easier.  Once done, he smiled and said "fresh and clean!"  Placing the towel in the sink and water flosser back in its cradle, he picked up the wrench for Tara's expander.  Without a word, she opened her mouth.  It had become second nature to Jim.  He inserted the wrench into Tara's mouth and got it seated by feel.  He then slowly made one turn on her expander.  He studied her face for signs of distress.  But she was so used to the feeling of pressure from turning her expander, she made no facial expression.  Once done, he removed the wrench and told her "you are such a trooper.  I am so proud of you."

Jim hugged her and said "you know I am not makeup rated.  I will let you finish that up, and I will go start on breakfast.  I will be back shortly."   Ten minutes later, Jim turned the eye of the stove off and moved the skillet to a cold eye.  Entering the bedroom, he found Tara facing the doorway waiting on him.  The first thing he noticed was how much care she had taken with her makeup.  For the past week it had worried him that she didn't seem to put much effort into it.  It wasn't that he didn't find her beautiful either way.  In fact, he might have found her more beautiful without make up.  But he worried that her not seeming to care about her makeup was a sign of a deeper problem.  He didn't need to worry about that this morning though.  Seeing her he said "oh my goodness, you are so ravishing.  What do you want to wear?"

Tara gave him a smile.  She said "why don't you pick baby."  Jim looked through their closet and pulled out a blue and green floral print summer dress that Jim had gotten her when she had her halo installed.  Turning towards Tara he held it up and raised his eyebrows.  Tara said "that is perfect baby.  It is even more perfect because you gave it to me."  Jim slipped the dress over her halo and pulled it down her body.  Tara used her arms to hold her bottom up, the weight of her plus her cast and halo was significant, while he quickly pulled it underneath her and around her casted legs. 

Satisfied, he stepped back and admired his fiance.  He was making eye contact with her when he said "God you are beautiful."  Tara simply smiled back at him.  Jim said "I have breakfast ready baby.  Won't it be nice to eat without your protraction module?"

Tara hadn't even thought about that.  Her face lit up.  She excitedly said "oh goodness... yes.  I don't even know if I remember how to eat like a normal person anymore."

After getting Tara situated at their dining room table with a plate of cheesy bacon scrambled eggs, he refreshed her coffee.  He said "let me go and see if Becky and Mona are up."

Stepping in front of their bedroom door he heard giggling from inside the room.  He then heard a "ohh.. umm."  He didn't know exactly what was going on inside, but he had a suspicion.  He considered knocking softly on their door and announcing "yoohoo, if you are awake breakfast is ready."  He then heard a soft moan come from inside the room and decided he would leave them undisturbed; it sounded like they were enjoying what they were doing much more than they would have enjoyed a plate of eggs.

Returning to the kitchen, he made him a plate and settled in beside Tara in the dining room.  She asked "were they not awake?"

Jim looked at her and smiled.  He said "yes, they were awake.  But it sounded like they were busy."

Tara replied "they were busy?  Ohhh."

After depositing the plates in the sink, there had still been no sign of Becky or Mona, Jim suggested "what do you say we go out back?  I would like to just sit with my fiance and enjoy the morning before it warms up too much."

Tara said "I would like that.  To sit with my fiance."  Upon completing the statement Jim saw a huge smile break out on Tara's face.  He just looked at her, so glad to see that she was happy.  She surprised him when she asked "but first, would you do me a favor?  Would you go get my facemask and elastics from the bedroom?"

Jim looked at her and replied "of course not baby.  Do you want to put it on though?"

Tara said "I need to.  Plus, and maybe this is weird, it feels strange without something sticking out of my mouth."

Jim gave her a mischievous smile before he said "well if the lady wants something sticking out of her mouth..."

Tara gasped and said "stop that you perv!  This isn't the time for that."  She added "but later might be" and gave him a wink.  She continued "now I need to put my facemask on."

Jim returned with her facemask and held it up to her face.  Tara had her teeth bared and he quickly attached elastics from the hooks in her mouth to the bar of her facemask.  He adjusted it on her face so it was straight and centered and asked "better?"

Tara placed her hand up to the forehead pad and said "yes, it is."  Jim wondered what she meant by this.  But he didn't probe, instead he said "well, you look ravishing.  I have missed your adorable little facemask."  She gently slapped his hand and said "don't make fun of me." 

Jim looked at her earnestly and said "baby, I am not.  I mean it."

Tara stared at Jim and was reminded of her thought from the night before.  She wondered if Jim had a "thing" for this.  She knew some did.  She tried to brush the thought away, she felt certain Jim loved her regardless.  But just the same, she decided she would ask Alex about it.  She noticed Jim glance up right before she heard Mona.

Mona said "good morning you two lovebirds."

Tara turned her chair to see Mona entering the kitchen followed by Becky.  Each of their Milwaukee braces were on full display, strapped on over the white camisoles and shorts they wore.  It looked like they had just gotten out of bed.  It was the first time that Tara had gotten a full look at their braces.  They looked incredibly restrictive.  She wondered if they weren't worse to wear than a halo.  Mona's was more intense than Becky's, with her full leg braces connected to her Milwaukee brace.  Unlike Alex' leg braces and her own that she had previously worn, she saw that Mona's even had a hinge at the ankles.  She could just see the plastic plate under each foot where they disappeared into the bedroom slippers she wore.  With the facemask she currently was wearing, she realized that Mona really was braced from head to toe.  But she didn't seem to pay it one bit of attention.  Even more surprising to Tara, Becky too seemed to be oblivious to her brace and her headgear with its four j-hooks.

As the pair made their way towards Jim and Tara, Mona said "you won't believe the text I got this morning."

Tara said "and what was that?"

Mona said "it was from Aubrey.  Maybe I shouldn't tell you about it.  But I bet you find out eventually either way."

Tara said "well, what?  Don't leave us hanging with suspense.  What did she say?"

Mona stopped walking and said "not so much what she said as what she asked.  She asked me if it would hurt if she wore her leg cast a few more days.  I told her it wouldn't, other than being a pain to get around in.  She then asked me how long she could wear it.  I told her most people wore a cast, a real medically necessary cast, for six to eight weeks."  She held up the phone she was holding and said "I haven't heard back from her yet."   

Chapter 107:

Tuesday morning Tara's phone rang.  Looking at the screen she saw the call was from 'TMJ and Sleep Plus'.  Instantly she realized she had forgotten to call Dr. Brad the day before to discuss her protraction module.   She answered the phone to Dr. Brad's cheerful voice.  After they exchanged pleasantries, Tara apologized for not calling the day before.  Brad said "that is ok Tara.  You certainly have a lot on your mind.  You have a wedding to think about.  I didn't call to berate you.  I called with good news.  I have talked with Dr. Olivia and she wants you to schedule an appointment week after next to have your halo removed.  That is exciting isn't it?"

Tara said "yes, I am so ready to be able to be able to turn my head again."

Brad said enthusiastically "I bet you are.  Now, I will want you to go back to wearing your CTO brace at night.  But only when you sleep.  You can wear your mask by itself during the day.  That should make life easier for you.  In the meantime, I did want to see what you wanted to do about your protraction module.  This is a little different for me, asking the patient what they want their treatment to be.  But you have earned it.  We have three options.  The first is what I am guessing you want.  And that is to just wear your Petit mask.  That is if you promise to get in your 16 hours."

Tara volunteered "I am wearing it now.  And I have gotten in more than 16 hours per day, I have been wearing it pretty much fulltime."

Tara could almost hear the smile on Brad's face when he responded "I just knew you were.  Tara, you are a model patient.  You make my life easier.  That is why I am letting you choose this.  The second option we have is to have your protraction module reinstalled.  I could put the protraction rods back on.  I know you didn't have them long.  But I am not upset about that.  I understand how much they were bothering you.  If we put the module back on, we could get you back into springs.  In terms of effectiveness, the rods would be most effective.  But you have done so well that we could get by with the mask and elastics.   Most patients cheat on their wear.  If I tell them to wear their protraction gear 16 hours, I will get 12 hours.  If I tell them 12 hours, I will get 8 hours.  But not you, you have been going over your number.  Which is great, the more you wear it the more effective your treatment will be.  Once you get your halo off you will be able to wear your sleep well mask again during the day and the CTO at night.  In the mean time do you just want to keep wearing your Petit until you get your halo off?"

Tara couldn't even believe she was thinking about it.  She surprised herself even more when she asked "so the rods would be more effective?  And I would only have to wear them two weeks?"

Brad responded "yes to both."  There was an awkward silence.  Brad asked "are you still there?"

Tara replied "yes, I am just thinking."  After a few more seconds she said "if they are going to be more effective, I would like to have the rods reinstalled.  It is only two weeks.  I think at this point I can survive anything for two weeks."

Brad was surprised but elated.  He excitedly said "Tara, you amaze me.  If there were a hall of fame for orthodontic patients, you would be a first ballot inductee.  So, about the logistics of this, do you want to come into the office?  Or do you want Alex to do it.  Or, and don't tell other patients, I would make a house call for you."

Tara again surprised Brad when she replied "I am going stir crazy cooped up in this house.  I need to get out.  Would it be ok for me to come into the office?"

Brad said "absolutely.  We would all love to see you.  And to make it easier on you, just come by when you feel like it.  Sooner is better of course.  Just swing by and I will get you right on back.  No appointment needed.  It won't take long.  And again Tara, thank you.  Thank you for making my life as an orthodontist easier.  You are going to have exemplary results because you have put so much into this."

As Tara hung up the phone, she couldn't believe what she had done.  She called Jim to tell him.

Late that afternoon, Jim had just arrived home when Tara got a text from her boss Beverly.  The text simply read "are you and Jim home?  I have a surprise for you."

Tara had replied "yes, we are.  What kind of surprise?"

Beverly responded "well it is a surprise.  You will see in about 20 minutes."

Twenty minutes later, Jim opened his front door to find Beverly and her husband Tim standing there smiling.  Beverly was not wearing her mask, just the metal wire of her retainer was visible across her top teeth.  But it surprised Jim to see that her husband was sporting clear brackets.  As Jim looked closer he also noticed hooks running above the archwire, ended at his canines, and the unmistakable silver of molar bands further back in his mouth.  Jim said "welcome you two!  Such a happy surprise.  Please, come in a minute."

As Jim escorted them into the living room, Jim asked "when did you start treatment?"

Tim responded "two weeksh ago.  I don't have the full Monty, a Miller appliancsh, but I do have an upper quad helix and lower lingual arch.  Talking and eating hash been a challenge for sure."  Jim knew what the hooks had to be for, but since Tim had not mentioned having to wear any type of facemask he didn't ask.  He remembered how self-conscious he had felt about it.

Instead, Jim replied "well you will be happy you are doing it."

Beverly said "and so will I.  This already seems to be helping with the snoring some.  I was about ready to smother him with a pillow at night."

Entering the living room, they found Tara turned in her wheelchair looking at them.  Jim said "look who I found!  And look who has new braces!"

Tim smiled at Tara.

Tara said "oh, don't they look good.  You look so distinguished."  Tara hadn't noticed the hooks.  She was just joking as she pointed towards her own and said "all that is missing is the facemask."

Tim's smile disappeared and said "oh no, I got that too."

Beverly squeezed Tim's arm.  She said "and he is such a hottie with it."

Tim turned and said "it is awful."

Beverly laughed and said "you big baby."  She kissed him on the cheek.  Beverly turned back and said "Tara, would you and Jim please come outside?  I have a surprise for you.  But I couldn't figure out how to get it through the door."

As Tara rolled out through the front door following Beverly and Tim she wondered what in the world Beverly had done.  As soon as she made it outside she saw.  Parked in their drive was Beverly's black Mercedes.  But in front of it was a white Ford Transit van."

As soon as Beverly saw that Tara had seen the van, Beverly said "surprise!"

Tara cut her eyes towards Beverly and said "no, no way. No, too much."

Beverly stepped over and squatted down beside Tara, grabbing her arm in the process.   Beverly said "no it is not.  I told you anything you needed, we would provide.  When Jim told me how awkward and difficult it is for you to get in and out of a vehicle, I knew what I had to do.  And before you try to argue, no is not an option.  Come, see your new ride."

After Beverly had proudly shown Tara the van, she insisted that Tara try it out.  The lift gate at the side door made a humming noise as it lifted Tara in her chair even with the interior of the van.  Once it came to a stop, Beverly said "that worked perfect.  Now, just turn your chair and move where the passenger seat was."  Tara powered herself to where the front passenger seat had been before it was removed.  Jim had the front passenger door open, standing there blocking the doorway.  He was waiting to help Tara and to make sure that she couldn't possibly have some type of accident and fall out.  He was there to catch her if she did.

As she came to a stop, Jim said "perfect baby."  He then looked at the four straps integrated into the floor, each with a hook at the end.  Jim turned his head towards Beverly, a questioning look on his face.

She said "oh, I forgot to explain those.  Here, look."  She nudged Jim out of the way and grabbed the furthest rear hook.  As she pulled it out and slipped the hook over the wheel of Tara's chair she explained "they are seat belts.  And like a seat belt, if you pull on them slowly you can pull them out and extend them to clip them in place.  And they will retract back until snug."  Done with the first strap, she grabbed the second rear strap.  She pulled on it smoothly and then gave a sharp jerk.  The strap didn't give.  She said "see, like a seat belt they lock if you yank on them.  If you have to brake suddenly, these will hold the chair in place."  She hooked the second rear strap to the other rear wheel of Tara's chair.  Satisfied that Jim understood, she moved out of his way and said "you do the next two."

Once he had finished with these two, he looked up at Tara.  He asked "how you doin' up there babe?"

She said "better than if you had just stuffed me in the back of your SUV."

Beverly said "this will be much better.  We are going to leave you this van before Tara tries to fight me on this.  I know you will take care of it.  It is the firms.  But use it as long as you need it."  She turned to Jim and said "you two really should go test it out.  Maybe take a trip around the block.  Or maybe go to the overlook."  She winked at Jim and said "who's knows what you two could find to do up there?"

Jim turned to Beverly and Tim and said "thank you both, thank you so much."

Beverly smiled and said "it is my pleasure.  Now take it for a spin."

As Jim watched the pair walk to their car, Jim leaned in and looked up at Tara.  He said "that was an excellent idea Beverly had.  What do you say we go watch the sunset."  They did and Jim took full advantage of Tara's last night of freedom from her protraction module.

That Friday at their weekly afternoon team meeting, Brad had gathered everyone in the lounge as usual.  Only this week there were three additional faces.  After he had done his weekly review, he said "I guess you guys all already know we are growing.  We will be moving into a new, larger, even more state of the art facility soon.  I have signed all the paperwork.  We have a new lot and plans are being drawn up now.  We need a bigger office.  Because I want to introduce you all to our newest orthodontist, Dr. Abby Lee."  He glanced at Andi as he said "I know some of you already know her, and others have met her.  Starting tomorrow, she will be full time.  And since you assistants carry us orthodontists on your shoulders, I would also like to introduce you to two more new colleagues."   Brad gestured to the shorter, blond haired young woman and said "this is Kristi."  She waved and gave a big white smile.  He gestured to the other woman, a few years her elder, and said "this is Kelly.  She already has 7 years experience in general dentistry and comes to us from Dr. Usher's office."  The slightly older and taller brunette waved and smiled, also displaying a smile unadorned by orthodontia. 

She said "I am so excited to work with you all."

Brad turned and said "I want you all to welcome them with open arms.  I know you will.  And Alex and Maggie, I am going to lean on you to show them how we do things around here.  In fact, I think right now would be a good time to get started with that.  Would you mind giving them the grand tour and explaining how everything works?  I will join you.  And Becky would you come along too?  Once we are done back in the treatment area, we will go over our system up front.  I would like them to be cross trained.  The rest of you, do your thing."

As the group split up, Andi walked over to Abby and asked "would you come with me Dr. Abby?"

Abby turned and smiled at Andi before she said "I like the way that sounds.  It sure took long enough.  And of course I will Dr. Andi."  She giggled.  Andi could see she was happy and excited.  Andi wasn't sure she would be happy and excited about what she was about to hear.

Sitting down across from Andi in her office, Abby asked "what's up?"

Andi said "well first off, we are short on space here.  Until we move into the new building, we just don't have room for you to have an office of your own.  If mine is open you can always use mine and then we also have the lounge.  I hope that is ok with you."

Abby smiled and said "not a problem.  Dr. Brad already explained all that.  I am perfect with it."

Andi said "good, I just wanted you to be aware.  Next, your treatment.  You will be getting your appliances at the show.  But there has been a slight change to your initial treatment plan.  We are going to use protraction rods instead of elastics right off the bat.  Which will mean 24/7 wear of your Miller headgear.  It takes some time to get acclimated to.  I want to go ahead and have you start wearing it now, this afternoon, so you can work your way up to 24/7 wear by the show.  You are going to have enough new stuff to get used to, I at least want you to be used to the headgear component.  I have had a removable appliance fabricated for you."  She pulled open her drawer and withdrew a pink retainer case.  Handing the case to Abby, Andi asked "will you see how this fits?"

Abby briefly examined the appliance.  It was just a Hawley retainer with the addition of two hooks.  Abby realized it was the same design as Alex wore.  As she placed it in her mouth, Andi said "I didn't know what color you wanted, and it is just temporary, so I went with clear.  I hope that is ok."

Getting the appliance seated in her mouth, Abby replied "yesh, it ish ok.  Oh boy, what a lishp.  You want me to wear thish full-time?"

Andi replied "for this first week, wear it around the house and while you sleep.  You will get more used to speaking with it.  Then the second week, try to wear it full-time except when eating and brushing.  I want you to wear your headgear anytime you are wearing it.  Including here in the office of course.  The first week, just use two elastics.  The second week, use four elastics.  This will help get you acclimated to the additional force the rods will provide.  So, that is the first change."

Abby asked "the firsht change?  What ish the second?"

Andi said "I am going to go ahead and install your spacers this afternoon.  I want you to have an extra week with them, because we need to make a lot of space.  Orspco has their new bracket and band system as you know.  We are going to fully band your lower arch."

Abby look confused.  She said "nobody ushesh full bandsh anymore do they?"

Andi said "it is very rare, bands are primarily used on molars and premolars.  Some patients do require them on individual teeth that have had prior work done to which brackets won't adhere well.  But remember that your installation also is a marketing event.  They want to use full bands on your lower arch.  Honestly Abby, you are going to have so many other things going on in your mouth you won't even notice the difference between bands and brackets.  The worst part will be the spacers.  Now for the third change."

Abby said "wait, there is more?"

Andi said "yes, there is.  Orspco is also bringing out a new appliance.  There is nothing exactly like it on the market.  There will be a  fixed and removable version.  It serves the same purpose as a Frankel appliance, but it is an improvement.  It is not a one-piece design.  It is a two-piece design, somewhat similar to a twin block but with the addition of the acrylic cheek and lip pads of the Frankel.  Also, it is more versatile.  It can be fabricated to be compatible with an expander or other palatal and lingual devices.  In your case an upper MARPE, lower lingual expander, and upper tongue crib."  She pulled her drawer open again and pulled out an additional plastic case.  She sat it on her desk and opened it, removing two bulky flesh toned acrylic and stainless appliances."  She said "this is Dr. Tim's new appliance.  He is having it installed in the morning."  She held it up and explained "see the pads here on the sides and in front, between the teeth and lips?  This is to keep the cheeks and gums from pushing against the teeth."  She placed the two appliances together.  She continued "and see how they mate together?  See how these metal struts mesh together?  They can be used to adjust the occlusion over time with the adjustment screws.

The two-piece design allows patients to open their mouths much easier than the one-piece Frankel.  This means it is possible for a patient to eat with it, which is why it is possible to use it as a fixed appliance.  However, as you can see, the appliances do cover the rear molars top and bottom.  See, the front teeth cannot meet.  So while eating is possible, it will be difficult.  The wearer will not be able to bite with their front teeth and instead will have to cut everything.  Your treatment will include one of these, a fixed version.  We will install it all at the show.  I didn't want to surprise you with it.  Abby, it is going to be a lot to deal with.  It will be hard.  But you will be ok.  I know how excited you are about your treatment.  This is just more to be excited about."

Andi saw Abby just staring at the appliance in her hand.  It seemed she was speechless.  Andi again encouraged her "seriously, you will do great.  You will get to see one in action tomorrow when we install Dr. Tim's.  I do have one more thing I wanted to discuss with you Abby.  I was hesitant to bring it up now.  But I think I need to.  Would you stand and slip your coat off for me please?"

Abby looked at her.  She asked "what?  Why?"

Andi said "your back Abby.  Your hips and your shoulders aren't level."

Abby asked incredulously "what are you talking about?"

Andi said "your hips and your shoulders aren't level.  Stand up, take your coat off, turn around and I will show you."

Abby was still in a daze from hearing about the new additions to her treatment.  The last thing she wanted to think about was her back.  Yet she complied.

As she stood with her back to Andi, Andi took several pictures with her phone.  Once she was satisfied, Andi said "please come around here Abby."  Abby moved in beside Andi and looked over her shoulder.  Andi pointed at the screen of her phone and said "see, your hips and your shoulders aren't quite even."

Abby said "they have always been like that.  It hasn't caused me any issues.  I am fine." 

Andi said "If there is one thing I have quickly learned, what we do will cause any back to hurt.  Abby, at least have someone look at it.  We work closely with the Morales, you met them at the party.  Go see Olivia and at least find out what is going on.  I have already made you an appointment for tomorrow.  Olivia was gracious enough to agree to see you on a Saturday.  When we finish up here tomorrow, we will go see her.  I will come with you for moral support."

Abby protested "no really, I am fine."

Andi said "Abby, it is important that we practice what we preach here.  I will go with you.  At least meet with her."

Abby looked like she was pouting.  She said "fine" and crossed her arms.

That night Abby struggled to fall asleep with the intrusive and uncomfortable headgear strapped to her head.   When she finally did manage to fall asleep, she had a nightmare she was wearing a Milwaukee brace like Becky and Megan wore.  She woke up and thought "thank God, it was just a dream." 

Chapter 108.

Abby walked into Dr. Andi's office Saturday morning to find Andi smiling at her from behind her ever-present Miller headgear.  Andi cheerfully said "good morning!  How are you?  And where is your headgear?"

Abby had tried to hide the bags under her eyes that morning from lack of sleep with makeup, but she suspected she didn't look rested.  She looked at Andi and said "I am tired.  I slept like shit.  I couldn't ever get comfortable with the headgear.  And I had bad dreams."

Andi said "I am sorry.  Headgear does takes some getting used to.  That is why I wanted you to start now.  You know, you really should wear it as much as you can during the day.  It will make sleeping in it easier.  And I know you just got it, but it really would be good if you wear it while here in the office.  Not only will you get your hours in, it sets an example for our patients.  How can we ask a patient to do something we won't do ourselves?  Did you bring it with you?"

Abby said flatly "no".

Andi smiled and said "no big deal, just try to make a habit of bringing it with you.  Even if you don't wear it on the ride to work, you can still put it on when you get here.  For this morning, let's just fix you up with a Petit mask.  All of the patients we are seeing this morning are in some type of extraoral appliance.  You should be too."

Ten minutes later Andi smiled at Abby and said "the green looks awesome on you Abby.  It really compliments your eyes.  So many of our patients seem to just go with blue or pink, I wish they would be a little more adventurous with their colors.  Brad and I are both seeing patients this morning.  This morning, why don't you observe Brad?  He is installing Dr. Tim's appliance that you will be getting.  And Mrs. Stone is coming in.  I want you to see how we help patients that have problems getting in their time with their headgear."  Andi thought a moment.  She looked at Abby and said "you know, that might not be a bad idea for you." 

Abby said "how do we help patients who are having trouble wearing their headgear?"

Andi smiled and said "we install a modified facebow they can't remove.  And then we attach it to their facemask with springs that they also can't remove.  It makes compliance easy for them then.  They don't even have to think about it."

Abby said "they can't take it off?"

Andi smiled and said "nope, and they have great results.  Do you want to see what it is like?"

Abby replied "no, really, I will do better."

Andi smiled and said "you know, it would be great if Mrs. Stone saw that one of us was undergoing the same treatment as she is.  Take your mask off and retainer out Abby."

Leaned back in the chair, Andi looked down at Abby and said "you know these molar bands are going to be a tight fit.  You've only had spacers a day.  You may feel some pressure."  Abby clawed the armrests of the treatment chair as Andi forced the molar bands over her teeth.  She finally just closed her eyes and tried to concentrate on her breathing.  She could feel Andi working in her mouth.  She heard Andi say "it will probably take a few adjustments to get the facebow perfect.  Be patient."  Finally, after four adjustments, she felt Andi slide the facebow in for a final time.  She then felt Andi tugging and bending on it.  Andi announced "yay!  It looks great Abby.  Now all we have to do is get your mask installed."   She felt Andi place the mask on her face.  She felt immediate pressure when the first spring was attached from the facebow to the mask.  The pressure increased when the second spring was installed.  After quickly crimping them closed, Abby felt Andi seat her existing retainer back in her mouth.  Andi said "you will still be able to wear your retainer with the molar bands and facebow.  To make things simpler, just wear it all the time except when eating and brushing.  And there, we are all done!  You look great Abby!"

Abby opened her eyes to see her reflection staring back at her in the mirror Andi was holding.  The lime green mask and stainless facebow were all she could focus on.  She couldn't take her eyes off them.  She asked "really, can I not just wear my headgear like we talked about initially?"

Andi said "Abby, really, this is best.  It will help you become acclimated to it so much faster.  Come on, don't be a baby.  You are going to be doing this to others.  The least you can do is see what they are going through.  It's no big deal.  Let's go, we have patients to help."

Brad escorted Margaret Stone back to the treatment area.  As he walked with her he said "It is great to see you this morning.  How are the girls?"

Margaret said "they are great.  They keep us running wide open.  How are Megan and your two?"

Brad said "they are great.  Megan got her halo off.  She is excited about that.  She did have to transition to another brace, but she can take it off for a few hours a day.  She is happy about that.  And her orthodontic treatment is going well.  She is almost done with her first expander.  We will be getting her into her second one here shortly."

Margaret said "there is more than one expander?"

Brad said "there can be.  There is only so much expansion that can be accomplished before we max an expander out.  Sometimes patients need a second.  I have never done it, but I have heard of some patients needing up to four over the course of their expansion treatment."

Margaret asked "will I need a second one?"

Brad smiled at her and said "we will find that out this morning."

Brad raised Margaret back up.  She looked upset.  Brad said "Mrs. Stone, really it is not a bad process.  We will simply remove your current appliance and replace it with a new one.  It won't be nearly as uncomfortable as the initial installation.  I promise.  We will get it knocked out in no time at your next appointment.  You might not even feel it.  And I will make you a deal.  Keep wearing your facemask like you are.  At your next appointment I will obviously have to remove your mask, springs and facebow.  I won't reinstall the facebow in your new appliance.  I will trust you to wear your mask as you should, 16 hours a day.  You will be able to take it off and get some breaks.  That will be exciting won't it?"

Margaret said "yes.  I will be honest, I was hoping you would do that today."

Brad smiled at her, the blue petit mask he wore shifting slightly on his face, and said "just one more appointment Margaret.  You are doing great."  He pointed at Abby who was seated on the other side of the chair and said "and look, you aren't the only one."  Abby tried her best to smile but it was obviously very awkward.  Brad said "Abby, why don't you escort Mrs. Stone out.  Maybe you two can compare notes?"

When Abby returned, she found Dr. Tim seated in the treatment chair.  Aubrey was seated on the stool she had previously occupied.  Tim and Aubrey were matching in their Miller headgears.  As Abby approached she heard Brad say "you know, not all of our patients are lucky enough to get the VIP treatment.  They don't have their own office to wait in nor does our financial coordinator hold their hand during their appointments."  Noticing Abby, Brad said "Dr. Abby, would you pull up another stool?  I am going to show Dr. Brad his new appliance.  He hasn't seen it yet."  As she rolled a stool over, Brad said "Dr. Abby here is joining us.  And Tim, she will be getting a Miller appliance as well as a new Orpsco appliance called the Nova Functional Appliance.  Tim, as you know, correcting the bite in adult males is difficult without surgery.  Difficult but not impossible.  This new appliance should make it easier.  Let me show it to you."

Abby watched and listened as Brad explained it to Tim.  It was all very similar to what Andi had told her the day before.  When he was done, Tim asked "so it will still work with my Miller?  I mean, I am still expanding?  This will still allow for that?"

Brad smiled and said "excellent question.  Yes, this will still allow you to expand."  He held the appliance up and said "see here in the upper appliance?  The palatal section is open, the two halves are connected by these two free floating stainless steel rods."  He pushed the appliance together and then pulled it apart and continued "so yes, this will still be compatible with your current Miller.  Now, it will be more for your tongue to navigate around, so it may slightly impact your speech.  But you will adapt quickly.  The biggest change will be in the position of your lower jaw and how you eat.  This will hold your lower jaw forward.  You may feel tension at first.  I will be conservative at first, and we can adjust the appliance over the next six months to get more forward movement of your lower jaw to hold it in the correct position as we pull your maxilla forward too.  Think about it, if we weren't able to also regulate your mandible while we bring your upper jaw forward it would leave you with an overbite.  This was always a challenge in the past.  That is the whole reason for the scopes on the Miller.  This will help even more.  But because the appliance does cover your molars, you won't be able to completely close your mouth.  There will be a gap between your front teeth.  Eating will be a challenge at first.  You will find you won't be able to bite but will instead need to cut up all of your food.  Let's get this installed."

Fifteen minutes later, Brad raised Tim up.  Aubrey had been by his side the whole time holding his hand.  Brad said "so, how does it feel?  Anything poking or prodding?"

Tim felt around inside his mouth.  He replied "nah no poeing ah prahing.  Eh fees sho beeg though.  Cah takh."

Brad said "well almost all intraoral appliances have some impact on speech at first.  This one is no different.  Now this Nova along with a Miller is a mouth full.  I get it.  But your speech will get better.  Now, let's get your protraction kicked into high gear.  Tim, I am going to install protraction rods in place of elastics.  As I mentioned, it is harder to get movement in adult males.  These protraction rods will be much more efficient.  All the gals in your office will be so jealous."

Tim's eyes went wide.  He asked "but yah caht tay off protracshion rohs cah yah?  They ah permneh ahnt deh?"

Brad said "no, they are not permanent.  We will eventually take them off when we get your maxilla where we need it.  I am hoping that we can accomplish that in six months.  Then, we can just use part time wear with elastics to act as a retainer of sorts."

Tim said "nah, absholully nah."

Brad said "Tim, please?  Try it.  We aren't getting any movement with elastics.  The other option is jaw surgery."

Tim sat staring back at Brad.  He then turned his head towards Aubrey.  Aubrey looked into his eyes and said "try it baby?  For me?  I don't want you to have to go through surgery." 

Tim said "I doh nah eff eh cahn."

Aubrey said "you can baby.  I know you can.  And I will be by your side the whole time."  Aubrey sat staring into his eyes for several seconds as Brad and Abby looked on.  Eventually Aubrey turned and looked at Brad.  She asked "can you give us a few minutes in my office?"

Brad said "of course."

Ten minutes later, Aubrey led Tim back to the chair.  Abby noticed that Aubrey was carrying her headgear in her hand instead of wearing it on her face.  As they got closer Abby noticed there was some of Aubrey's lipstick smeared on the corner of Tim's mouth.  Tim and Aubrey stopped beside the chair.  Aubrey said "we will do it.  Tim has agreed to try.  So I am, I am not going to let him go through it alone."

Tim turned and said "nah baee, yah doh haf to."

Aubrey said "I do."  She leaned in gave him a long, slow kiss.  Leaning back she said "I love you.  And I am in this for the long haul.  I am going to miss that.  But I plan on having many years to catch up."  She leaned in and kissed him again.  Then she sat down in the chair and said "I will go first."

It took twenty minutes to get first Aubrey's and then Tim's protraction rods installed and their first turns made.  Immediately they had each felt intense pressure in their midface.  Brad looked at the pair and said "oh my gosh, you two are so cute.  Just made for each other.  You two are going to feel a lot of pressure today.  Go home and relax."

As they walked across the parking lot towards Tim's car, Aubrey squeezed his hand.  She said "thank you baby."

Tim said "nah thah yah.  Thish leshp esh sho embarrashing.  Ah wha ah peopuh gonna thehn abou ush weahin heahgea eh public?"

Aubrey again squeezed his hand and said "first, your lisp isn't embarrassing.  It is so, so sexy."  She stopped walking.  As he turned towards her she hugged him.  She said "and who cares what anyone thinks.  Baby, the only person in the world whose opinion matters to me is yours.  Baby, I am sorry, I know you are sore. Do you remember what you whispered into my ear at the party?  I have a surprise for you at home.  I bought you a few gifts.  Maybe we can play with them and help take each other's minds off our mouths?"

Tim stepped back and looked at Aubrey who wore a mischevious smile behind her now immoveable headgear.  Aubrey thought he looked speechless.  Aubrey said "our mouths may be off limits for a few months.  But we can explore some other things."

Tim said "really?"

Aubrey rubbed up against him and said "just go slow, this is all new to me.  But having that cast made me realize I like being immobilized.  At least with you.  Mona just cut if off yesterday and I miss it.  So I bought some casting supplies.  Mona agreed to come over this afternoon and show you how to apply a cast.  Or casts.  Two long arm casts like Dr. Morales has would really make me helpless.  Especially if you use some of the other toys I bought to handcuff me to the bed.  I didn't tell Mona about those other toys.  But I bet you will like them." 

For the first time since he sat down in front of Brad, Tim smiled.  Aubrey saw his demeanor had completely changed.  He seemed to have forgotten about his new appliance and permanent headgear.  That is exactly what she had hoped for.  He said "We hah ah wee end ta eshplore."

Aubrey took his hand.  As she started to walk towards the car she said "that better be a promise."

Inside, Abby was not as excited.  After they finished up with their last patient, Andi had asked Abby back to her office.  Andi asked her what she thought of her first day.  Abby had told her it was great, but that the headgear was distracting.  Andi had assured her she would quickly get used to it.  Abby was not sure of that.  Then Andi asked her if she was ready to go see Dr. Morales. 

Abby said "no, I am scared.  I had a nightmare last night that I was wearing a brace like Megan and Becky have.  And that nurse from Dr. Morales."

Andi interjected "a Milwaukee brace, they all have Milwaukee braces."

Abby said "I had a nightmare I had to wear a Milwaukee brace.  It was so scary."

Andi looked at her friend Abby.  She imagined that she was seated erect, her shoulders held stiffy back, with the neck ring of a Milwaukee brace encircling her neck.  She didn't understand why, but she liked the idea.  Andi smiled and said "it may be nothing Abby.  But you need to find out.  And if you did have to wear a Milwaukee brace, it would not be the end of the world."

Abby said "don't say that."

Andi asked "what, that a Milwaukee brace isn't the end of the world?"

Abby replied "no, that I might get one."

Andi said "oh come on, don't be so dramatic.  There are a lot worse things in the world than a scoliosis brace."

Abby did not realize at that moment that soon she would find out that Andi's statement was very true.