2. Consultation
Marc was a little surprised when he found out that his consultation was the following Friday. I had told him that the office had a cancellation due to some patients being sick. He wasn't too happy about his appointment being so early, but a deal is a deal.

We both walked into Johnson's Orthodontics in the center of town. They are the only orthodontists here in town, so it was an obvious choice. The office is a newly renovated building and looks inviting. Definitely a good choice for Marc. And according to other parents, the staff and the doctor are also very friendly.

The receptionist introduces herself as Clara. Then she says, "It's good that you are here. We have so many cancellations. There must be a flu pandemic or something." It is good to hear that they are not busy today, so they have plenty of time to check Marc's teeth. And it helps my story because I told him that he has this early appointment because of a cancellation.

Marc is very quiet today and does not say a word as Clara leads us into a room with an X-ray machine. First she took some pictures of him. Then it was his turn at the X-ray machine. He has to bite into a stick without moving. A part of the machine goes around his head and takes the x-ray. Of course, he is given radiation protection for the rest of his body.

Then it is time for the impressions. When Marc hears this, he moans: "Oh! This is disgusting, my friend Martin told me so." But to my surprise, he opens his mouth as soon as Clara arrives with the first impression tray for his upper jaw. I can tell by the look on his face that this is not a good experience.

Clara continues with the lower jaw impressions. When she is finished, she tells us that we can go straight to the treatment room and see Dr. Johnson. The doctor is expecting us because of the many cancellations.

Dr. Johnson greets us and tells Marc to sit down. He first inspects Marc's teeth and makes some notes on his computer. He does this very carefully and I can tell that this is much easier for Marc than taking impressions. The doctor looks from the x-ray to Marc's teeth and back.

He then says, "Marc cleans his teeth very well and his teeth are extremely healthy. He does not have a single cavity. I would be happy if all my patients were as good at brushing their teeth." I already know that, he has had good dental health since he was a little kid. What I want to know is what kind of braces he needs and how long he will need them.

Clara comes in and hands Dr. Johnson a dental model. They must be Marc's teeth. Then she says, "Two more cancellations, Meyers and Rogers. They also have the flu." Neither Dr. Johnson nor Clara look happy to hear this news.

Then Dr. Johnson turns to Marc and says, "And I have to tell you, you do not need braces. Your bite is superb and your teeth are straight. I am sorry if you wanted braces, you know some kids do these days. But no braces for you."

Then he looks at me and says, "He should come back for a second consultation when his wisdom teeth come in. But I don't think we have to worry about that.” Hearing this, I am rather confused. I have always been convinced that both children need braces. And now I learn that Marc has almost perfect teeth.

I look in Marc's direction and he says, "Maybe you should check my dad's teeth. I am sure he needs braces.” The doctor says, "Sure, we have plenty of time this morning. Please have a seat if you want.”

I do not know why I do this, but Marc and I change places. Marc looks extremely happy and I haven't seen him this happy in a long time. I do not feel happy at all. Clara watches us from the back of the room and for some reasons smiles at my son.

Dr. Johnson tells me to open my mouth. I have to open and close my mouth. It takes her a while to finish the examination. Sitting in that chair with my son watching me is not a pleasant experience. In fact, I feel a little humiliated. But for sure the doctor will tell me that I do not need braces and hopefully that will make the devil look on my son's face disappear.

The doctor tells me to follow Clara to the X-ray room. My son followed us, still happy about his little prank. As before, Clara took photos and X-rays of me. And then I get the impressions. Having this tray in my mouth and fighting my gag reflex all the time is no fun.

We are back in the treatment room with Dr. Johnson. He tells me to sit down, "Mr. Turner, like your son, you have healthy teeth. But I have to tell you, your son is right. You definitely need braces. The way you bite, your TMJ will soon be giving you headaches. Or do you already have them?"

I am crushed and can hardly speak, "Sometimes.” The doctor continues, "From what I can see, this will soon increase. It is good that you are here today. You should start treatment as soon as possible.”

I cannot believe what the doctor is saying and I am shocked by what my son says, "Dad, maybe you can start today. They have a lot of cancellations." The doctor looks in my direction and says, "Your son is right. We have time for you right now. We are usually very busy, but today is an exception.”

My response is, "I am not prepared for this and it is a big decision.” Again my son starts, "Dad, you told me how easy braces are these days and that you would get braces if you were in my position. So stick to your guns and do what the doctor says.” I cannot believe what this bastard is saying. He can't be my son.

The truth begins to sink in and I realize that maybe he is right. I have always told him how easy it is to have modern braces. I decide to ask the doctor, "So what kind of treatment do you suggest?"

"The treatment I suggest is quite simple. Basically, you get fixed upper and lower braces for about two years. At some point in your treatment, we will use rubber bands to correct some problems in your bite. I am sure this will fix your headaches and you will have straight teeth as a bonus," he tells me.

I must be a complete idiot, but I say to him, "OK, let us start the treatment today. My son has to fight not to burst out laughing. This is the worst decision of my life and it makes my son happy.

[...]This is the worst decision of my life and it makes my son happy.[...]

This definitely is funny. Thank you.

Great story! I wonder what the wife will think?

Thank you. To be honest, I wrote this story in a short amount of time. At the moment I do not know, where this will go. I have some ideas, but nothing concrete.. So stay tuned.

That’s always been intriguing to go for a consultation and leave with same day braces!!