Braces: Phase 2 begins
I've known it was coming for a while, and we have been preparing our finances. But when my daughter got a "crossbow" installed in her mouth yesterday, it became official: We have entered "Phase 2," the infamous and incomprehensible second stage of orthodonture in America.
She finished Stage 1 about two years ago by getting her braces off and getting a retainer. Now, at 13, she gets more braces, beginning with the crossbow, which resembles a medieval-style torture device cemented to her molars, with springs that are supposed to realign her jaws.
I have never gotten a clear answer as to why there are two phases of orthodonture for so many kids. Each stage costs about $5,000, obviously a major investment for everyone I know. As I said in a previous post, every kid I know goes to the orthodontist and needs braces. When you think about how much it's costing each of us, you've got to question whether the lengthy process is a necessity or a luxury.
Photo courtesy Pink Sherbet
Gretchen Day-Bryant has a son in high school and a daughter in middle school. She’s lived to tell about the struggles of juggling little kids and work.
Joy Oglesby has a preschooler...
Cindy Kent Fort Lauderdale mother of three. Her kids span in ages from teenager to 20s.
Rafael Olmeda and his wife welcomed their first son in Feb. 2009, and he's helping raise two teenage stepdaughters.
Lois Solomon lives in Boca Raton with her husband and three daughters.
Georgia East is the parent of a five-year-old girl, who came into the world weighing 1 pound, 13 ounces.
Brittany Wallman is the mother of Creed, 15, and Lily, 7, and is married to a journalist, Bob Norman. She covers Broward County government, which is filled with almost as much drama as the Norman household. Almost.
Chris Tiedje is the Social Media Coordinator and the father of a 7-year-old girl, and two boys ages 4 and 3.
Kyara Lomer Camarena has a 2-year-old son, Copelan, and a brand new baby. 
South Florida Parenting is your guide for local events and things to do with your family. Our site offers resources, features and insightful columns on all types of parenting issues.
Parents and their children can access a multitude of free educational resources.