Chapter One.

Tara sat nervously tapping her foot as she filled out the paperwork stacked on the little table in front of her.  As she filled out and signed form after form, she couldn’t help but think about the smile of the perky blond receptionist, Becky, who she had obtained the stack of new patient forms from.  There was just SO much metal in the poor girl’s mouth.  And her lisp was so severe.  Tara hoped she didn’t have the same in store for herself.  But, Tara was desperate.

Tara was a tall, athletically built 31 year old accountant employed by a large multinational firm.  Despite her good looks, she had always been introverted and somewhat socially awkward.  In fact, Tara had always considered herself a nerd.  But not in a negative connotation.  She took pride in her ability with numbers.  She had been a star student in school and now she was a rising star in the firm she worked at.  Or had been at least until recently, when she began having to take so much medical leave. 

And while she was attracted to men, very attracted to them in fact, and they were attracted to her looks, she found relationships difficult.  No, she understood numbers much better than men. And while she knew she was athletic, she had never been drawn to sports.  Even in high school, she had rejected the idea of playing volleyball or basketball, despite the coaches at her small high school practically begging her to.  All except running.  She loved to run.  Never competitively; beyond one annual local half marathon and a couple of charity fun runs; but it was something she loved.  Until recently, which is one of the reasons she now found herself sitting in the waiting area of “TMJ and Sleep Plus”.

She was here because of a referral from the second ENT she had seen.  Her symptoms had begun a little over a year earlier.  At first it had just been some occasional popping in her jaw, stuffiness in one of her ears and the occasional headache.  But things had deteriorated.  After six months, she found herself having headaches more days than not.  She self treated with over the counter pain killers.  But the headaches got worse, more frequent and more intense so that Advil and Tylenol didn’t touch them.  At times they were debilitating.  And then two months ago, the vertigo began.  She finally made an appointment with her general practitioner.  He had run a battery of tests and could find nothing wrong.  He had prescribed her a pair of blue light glasses to wear while at her computer, suspecting this might help.  They hadn’t.  So he had then referred her to see an ENT.  He gave her two offices to contact, her choice.

She had made an appointment with the one closest to her.  But, she zoned out halfway through the appointment.  The man had just been so pompous and arrogant.  His tone and demeanor were condescending.  Tara thought he was just a nasty human being.  She had gotten out of there as quickly as possible and she had set up an appointment with the second on her list

She had found this ENT, Dr. Alicia as she asked to be called, warm and caring.  And with an infectious smile covered in metal braces.  Tara realized how young the braces made Dr. Alicia look.  Dr. Alicia had examined Tara and administered a battery of tests.  Dr. Alicia had noted after the hearing text that Tara did have some issues with hearing high frequency noises and picking out noises amongst background noise. 

At the end of the appointment, Dr. Alicia had sat down with Tara and delivered her assessment.  She had recommended Tara schedule a follow up to get fitted for hearing aids, an idea that terrified Tara.  She was only 31.  And she already wore glasses, she just hated contacts.  Glasses AND hearing aids Tara thought. Nonetheless, Tara had agreed to schedule the followup appointment.

Dr. Alicia next brought up the subject of TMJ.  She explained she herself suffered from TMJ and completely understood what Tara was going through.  She explained that is why she had braces herself.  She explained that while they were an adjustment getting used to, they had helped her so much.  She recommended Tara schedule an appointment with her orthodontist who specialized in TMJ and sleep medicine.  Tara was in a daze.  Hearing aids?  Maybe braces?  How had things gotten so sideways?  But she was desperate.  She couldn’t live like this.  So she reluctantly agreed.  Dr. Alicia lit up enthusiastically and told her that she would have her receptionist schedule the appointment.  When she had stood to leave, Dr. Alicia had hugged Tara and told her she would be so glad she did this.  Which had brought Tara to sitting here.

The hearing aids she had gotten the week before had been an adjustment.  Not because they were uncomfortable.  Or really even noticeable.  But because she was now inundated with so many more sounds than she was used to.  She had just finished signing the last piece of paperwork when she heard the jingle of the bell on the front door.  As Tara turned her head, she realized she would have never noticed the door opening just a week earlier.  She watched as a woman she pegged at around 40 years old entered the office.  But what caused Tara’s jaw to drop open, audibly popping as it did, was the complicated looking plastic and metal mask the woman wore on her face.

I really like what you did with the title, the little orthodontic pun. I also like the first chapter and can see this going a number of different ways. I’m looking forwards to what is next.

Chapter Two.

Tara tried to be discreet as she watched the woman, dressed professionally in a black pants suit with white blouse, a matching bag slung over her shoulder, confidently marching towards the reception desk, her heels clicking on the tile.  To Tara, it appeared she was oblivious to the device she wore on her face.  As Tara snuck another look at her face, she took a snap shot in her head.  On the woman’s face was a clear plexiglas or acrylic mask.  On each side of the mask were two stainless steel looking rods that appeared molded into the mask.  Out of the woman’s mouth several white elastics protruded, attached to two small silver posts that angled up and out about an inch from just below the woman’s mouth.  She noticed there was an oval hole in the mask so that it didn’t cover her eyes, nose or mouth.  Instead it circled around her face, covering the sides of her face and prominent sculpted cheekbones, her forehead, and her lower cheeks and chin.  It appeared molded to her face.  She wondered if she could even take it off or if it was permanent.  The thought of wearing something like that herself made Tara involuntarily shiver.

Tara watched as the woman stopped at the reception desk and smiled broadly.  With her newly enhanced hearing Tara was able to hear the woman say “Good Afternoon Becky!  You look nice!  I am here to get signed in and see how Dr. Brad plans to torture me today” and then gave a laugh.  As Tara had been watching, she had noticed that the mask seemed to move independently, the portion that ran across her forehead and wrapped around her face covering her cheekbones did not move as she spoke.  However, the bottom portion that covered her lower cheeks and chin moved up and down.  Tara realized that must be what the steel rods molded into the mask were for, they allowed for the lower portion of the mask to slide up and down as she spoke.

She couldn’t hear Becky’s reply, there was still a plexiglass divider up.  Tara guessed this was a holdover from Covid.  But she heard the woman’s response.  She said “well, I was in court all day arguing a case.  By the time we recessed at 3, my jaw was just killing me.  I rushed straight to my car and put it on.  I hate the way it looks, but I love the way it feels.  But you know this first hand I know.”  She could hear a long murmur from behind the glass but again couldn’t hear what Becky was saying.  But once she was finished the woman shook her head up and down and said “oh, it is definitely worth it.  I don’t know what I would have done if I had not found you all.”  Another murmur from behind the glass was met by the woman saying “wonderful!  That is great news.  Hey, put in a good word with Dr. Brad and tell him to go easy on me.”  She again laughed and turned towards the reception area.

There were a handful of other patients in the room, and the woman seemed to be headed to an unoccupied corner.  Her path was going to take her in front of Tara, who didn’t even realize she was staring.  As the woman approached she turned her head and made eye contact with Tara.  Embarrassed, Tara quickly averted her eyes down towards the table.  Despite trying to shrink and completely ignore the woman, she couldn’t help but hear the clicking of the woman’s heels approach.  A pit formed in her stomach when she heard the clicking stop directly in front of her.

Tara sheepishly looked up, avoiding the woman’s face.  She was embarrassed and was trying to figure out what to say, how to apologize, when the woman said “Good Afternoon!  I am Beverly Willingham.  That looks like a whole stack of paperwork, are you a new patient?”

Tara responded “yes, and I am so sorry.  I didn’t…”

Beverly cut her off and said “no need to apologize.  I know I look like a cyborg.  And you aren’t the first, and won’t be the last, who’s eyes have lingered.  Heck, I find myself staring at it in the mirror, and I wear it every night and some every day.  But while I look like a cyborg wearing it, I am not a hurting cyborg.”  She noticed Tara’s leg nervously bouncing up and down.  She gestured to the row of seats and asked “are these seats taken?”

Tara shook her head back and forth and said simply “no.”

Beverly said “would you mind a little company?  I just hate waiting in doctor’s offices.  Time just seems to stand still.  And you look nervous.  I totally get that.”

Beverly sat down, leaving a seat between them where she sat her purse, and said “I was so nervous at my first appointment.  The whole idea of getting braces.  At 42. As an active attorney.  I didn’t think I could do it.  But I had such agonizing headaches most days.  And they were getting worse.  I knew if I didn’t do something, I wouldn’t be an active anything for much longer.  It was so nerve wracking.  But coming here, it has been one of the best decisions of my life.  I am mostly pain free now, cyborg mask and all.  And Dr. Brad and his whole staff here are just amazing.”

As she had been talking, Tara had slowly turned her eyes to face her.  She had noticed that this woman Beverly had clear braces on her top and bottom teeth.  Tara realized she even had a clear wire running through the brackets.  There was a little silver visible in the corners of her mouth, but from a distance, and without the obvious mask on, Tara would have never realized she had braces.

Despite her introverted nature, Tara realized how rude it would be to not respond.  Beverly obviously wanted to chat.  Tara replied “I am terrified.  But I am in so much pain too.  The headaches.  And now vertigo.  I was referred here by my ENT.  I hope they can help.  But I don’t know if I can wear braces.  I don’t know if I am brave enough.”

Beverly laughed.  She cheerily responded “honey, I totally get it.  My gosh, the first time I opened my mouth in the courtroom after getting my expander and lower braces I thought I might die.  But I didn’t.  You won’t either.  If you don’t mind me asking, what do you do?”

Tara responded by saying “I am an accountant.  I specialize in corporate accounting, specifically auditing, at Wise-Pricehouse.”

Beverly excitedly said “Hello Miss Client!  Nice to meet you!  I have actually been involved in a few cases with your firm.  Don’t worry, you weren’t the bad guys.”  When she laughed she titled her head back and opened widely.  Tara could see something silver in the top of her mouth reflect light back.  Beverly stuck her hand out and said “it is a pleasure to officially meet you.  Again, I am Beverly Willingham.  And you are?”

Tara said “oh, I’m sorry.”  She stuck her hand out and meekly shook Beverly’s hand, noticing how firm Beverly’s grip was, and replied “It is a pleasure to meet you.  I am Tara Reynolds.  And I am terrified.”

What a good start and what potential!

Maybe Tara´s glasses a myopic and will need a stronger prescription soon?

And some lisp will be possible as well.

We will wait and see...

Chapter Three.

Beverly gestured towards the paperwork and said “you may want to get those to Becky.  She will have to get you all set up in the system before they can see you.”

Tara said “oh, yeah, sorry.  I’m a little out of sorts.”  After returning the stack of paperwork to Becky and answering a few questions, some she could barely make out through Becky’s heavy lisp, she turned back to her seat.  As she walked, she wondered what that was in Becky’s mouth.  It looked like a bunch of steel bars hanging down behind her top front teeth.  Or, maybe a fence or a gate she thought as she sat back down.  Whatever it was, it seemed to cause the poor young woman a lot of issues speaking.

Beverly smiled at Tara and “really, there is no reason to be terrified.  I know, easier said then done.  But really, don’t be scared of Dr. Brad.  He is wonderful.  Don’t even be scared of braces.  Really.”  She reached up and deftly removed the elastics attached to her futuristic facemask.  She unzipped her purse and gently slid the mask in it.  She removed an empty clear plastic baggie from her purse.  Beverly said “sorry for being rude, but left me get these little boogers out of my mouth.”  Tara watched as Beverly removed the four elastics from her mouth one by one, dropping them in the baggie as she went.  Tara felt a mix of fear and fascination as she watched Beverly detach the elastics from somewhere in the back of the mouth.  From the ease with which she did it, Tara could tell Beverly was very practiced at it.

Once she was done, Beverly gave Tara a big wide smile.  She then said “see not too scary.  The ceramic brackets and clear wires and ligatures really are discreet.  Now, they didn’t feel too discrete at first, but I am completely used to them now.  I have to be careful about what I eat, not just because I have braces but because I have clear ligatures that stain, but Dr. Brad has been so understanding.  He gave me some spare clear ligatures.  He had Alex, she is one of his assistants, show me how to change them out and Dr. Brad gave me the green light to change them out on my top front six teeth.  He calls them the ‘social six’ and they are most prominent when someone smiles or speaks.  He really has worked with me.  He has tried to be as flexible as possible with my treatment as he can be to address social and professional concerns I have had.  And I know he will be with you too.  Now the mask?  There is no way to hide it.  But I love it.  It truly has changed my life.  For the better.  It has been a lifesaver despite some of the looks I get on the rare occasion someone sees me in it.”

Tara was still nervous.  But her trepidation was now mixed with curiosity.  She asked “how long have you been in treatment?  How much longer do you have?   How long have you had to wear the mask?  And how much do you have to wear it?  Has it all been worth it?”

Beverly grinned back and said “whoa counselor, one question at a time.  I will start with the last one.  It is easy.  Yes, it has absolutely been worth it.  Now, how long have I been in treatment and how long do I have to go?  My TMJ treatment, at least according to Dr. Brad, has been his standard severe TMJ protocol.  He has tweaked it for my needs, but I think I am a pretty standard case.  I am two and a half years into what was originally a three and a half year sentence.  But Dr. Brad has told me I might get let out a couple months early for good behavior.  I hope so.  It really is motivation to wear everything as directed.  Or even more.  Like me wearing my mask in here this afternoon.  Every little bit helps. 

So, what is standard severe TMJ treatment you may be asking?  I was in splint therapy for 18 months.  Then I got my upper expander installed along with my lower braces and a new lower splint.  After six months of active expansion, Dr. Brad locked the upper expander in place and covered the evil little screws with acrylic.  I also got my top braces then and a new lower splint.  I popped it out before I came in here, I still can’t speak with it in.  But it feels so good, like a little pillow for my jaw.  So I wear it whenever I don’t have to speak.  I still have my upper expander, she is just holding everything in place now.  But since I quit turning her we have finally become friends.  Or at least I don’t hate her anymore.  It is the same with my mask.  She has been in my life, every day and every night, since day one.  At first I hated her.  Absolutely hated her with a capital H.  But I have come to love her.  Or how she makes me feel, the tension she relieves.  I actually look forward to putting her on every evening.  Or like today, I put her on as soon as I got in my car.  I was really sore.  As soon as I put her on I could feel my jaw relax.  Now I won’t lie to you and say it has all been fun.  Or that there haven’t been a few tears along the way.  But has it been worth it?  Absolutely.”

Tara’s head was now spinning.  It sounded like so much.  But this woman was obviously happy she had done it.  Was doing it.  It made Tara think of her own situation.  Of how many times she had told herself ‘I would do anything to fix this.’  She looked at Beverly and said “wow, that is a LOT.  But it cured your TMJ”

Beverly replied “it has cured the root problem.  Dr. Brad was up front and told me short of a joint transplant my joints will never be perfectly healed.  But they are repaired enough that I have my life back.”

Tara asked “how bad is the initial consultation?”

Beverly replied “well, I just know what mine was like.  It was long.  Over an hour.  Poking, prodding, x-rays, bite down, do this, do that. Never painful, just uncomfortable a time or two.  Dr. Brad will then sit down with you and go over treatment options.  And then if you decide to move forward with treatment, and if you are as miserable as I was, you will, then  you will meet with the treatment coordinator and financial coordinator.  It is a process for sure.  But I was willing to try anything.   I was that desperate for relief.  If he had told me wearing a trashcan on my head would have helped, I would have at least tried it for a while.”  Tara laughed.  Beverly replied “I am joking.  But also serious.  I was that miserable.”

Tara said “I can’t tell you how many times over the past few months I have thought that.”

Beverly said “here” as she dug in her purse.  She pulled out a business card and handed it towards Tara.  Tara took it as Beverly said “seriously, TMJ is just the worst.  Way worse than braces. They are a piece of cake.   Or even the facemask.  The expander is rough, but not as rough as the migraines.  If you have ANY questions whatsoever, please let me know.  No, strike that.  Please text or call me after your appointment.  Please?”

Tara glanced down at the card and saw at the top ‘Willingham, Roberts and Bounds’. Underneath in smaller print was ‘Attorneys at Law’.  Underneath that, in larger raised silver lettering was “Beverly L. Willingham, Esq.’.  Tara glanced up at Beverly then down at the card again.  She had heard of Willingham, Roberts, and Bounds.  They were a powerhouse law firm in the city.  They had a reputation for being ruthless take no prisoner savages.  At least in the courtroom.  They had a reputation for crushing their opponents, just grinding them into submission.  She looked back up at Beverly, who seemed nothing like that at all, and asked wide eyed “you are the Willingham in Willingham, Roberts, and Bounds?”

Beverly gave a half smile and answered “guilty as charged your honor.”

Tara was momentarily shocked, speechless.  She had heard of Beverly Willingham.  She was a bit of a legend in the local legal field, talk about her prowess, and especially her ruthlessness, had even reached Tara’s ears during one particular nasty audit that had led to litigation that her firm had been involved in. 

Beverly sat watching Tara, who’s face belayed the thoughts that were running through her head.  Beverly gave Tara a big smile, really showing off her braces, and said “I’m not the monster they make me out to be.  Well, unless you are my opponent.”

Tara didn’t know what to say.  She stammered “no, I, I wasn’t thinking you are a monster.  Just… well you have such a reputation.  You are a legend.  A hero even to some.”

Beverly added “and a villain to others, I know.”

Tara sat there looking at Beverly.  She once again was smiling broadly.  Tara realized that she was a beautiful, elegant and refined looking woman.  Braces and all.

As if reading Tara’s mind Beverly added “and none of that has changed since I started treatment.  No, if anything I am even more ferocious because I am not distracted by the pain and fatigue from not being able to sleep.   I was terrified of having braces.  Petrified.  But it hasn’t slowed me down a lick.  Well, except for my brushing and flossing.  Ugh what a nightmare.”

Tara looked at Beverly ernestly and asked “but why are you being so nice to me, a total stranger?”

Beverly said “good question.  I am a talker by nature.  But that’s not why I stopped.  I sensed your fear.  It looked like you could use a friend.  And maybe a pep talk.  And I have been in your shoes.  So I…”

She was interrupted by a voice calling “Miss Reynolds?  Miss Tara Reynolds?”  Both Tara and Beverly turned their heads.  As Tara stood up on shaking legs, Beverly exclaimed “that’s Alex!  You will love her!”  Beverly gave a wave towards her and said “hey girl!  Take good care of my new friend here.”  As Tara took an uneasy step in that direction, Beverly reached out and physically grabbed her hand, stopping her.  Looking into Tara’s face she said “really, it is going to be fine.  Better than fine.  Let Dr. Brad help you.”

Tara said “thank you.  For everything.”

Beverly said “no, thank you for letting me ramble.  But if I did help, you are welcome.”  She gave Tara a big smile and then said “now giddy up, go get you some braces!”

....yet."

What a promissing end of the sentence!

I can´t wait for the next episode.

I know I certainly am enjoying this so far. There is such a wide spectrum of topics you can cover with the beginning of this story, and where you ended off makes me really want to keep reading. Plus, I always enjoy your stories.

You are off to a good start! Tara will likely need to undergo rather extensive treatment, but she has new new friend Beverly to help her along.

Ooh this is getting good can't wait to see what Tara gets now

Dr. Brad sounds like my kind of ortho! Looking forward to hearing about Tara's treatment.

Chapter Eight.

It was like Janice was launched out of her seat as she rushed towards Tara.  Janice practically ripped Mandy to her feet, barking “get her some tissues.”  As soon as Mandy was up, Janice sat on the couch and wrapped Tara in a hug, pulling Tara’s sobbing face into her ample bussom.  Janice cooed “it’s ok sweetie mama’s got you.” As she began to rock Tara back and forth she asked “what is it honey?  What can I do to make it make it better?”  Dr. Brad watched on in sympathetic silence. 

After a few sobs, Tara croaked “it’s just, I’m falling apart.”  Janice reached over and took a tissue from Mandy and dabbed Tara’s face.  Tara continued “my eyes don’t work, my ears don’t work, my mouth doesn’t work.  Nothing works.  Everything hurts. My life is falling apart.”  She broke back into tears.

Janice softly said “it’s ok sweetheart.  That’s why you are here.  I promise we will make it better.”  After dabbing her face again, Tara quit crying.  But she let Janice continue to hold her. 

As all of this had been happening, Alex had removed her facemask. She walked around the back of the couch and squatted down beside Tara.  She looked over at Tara and said “she is right.  I know it is scary.  I work in orthodontics and am around it every day.  And even for me it is scary.  But Janice is right.  Please let us help you.  I promise you I know exactly what you are going through.  But I will be by your side the whole time.  We all will.”  Dr. Brad looked on with paternal like pride as Alex counseled the potential new patient.

Tara quit crying.  She squirmed out from Janice’s hug.  There was a look of embarrassment on her face.  She took the wad of tissues that Janice was holding out to her and wiped her face.  She looked around and said “oh God, I am so sorry.  I am such a big baby.”  Janice put her hand on Tara’s arm and said “you absolutely are NOT!  This is all scary.”

Alex added “Tara, you have nothing to apologize for.  Nothing to feel ashamed of.  Can I tell you something?  When I was younger, I shed so many tears because of my hearing aids.  And no one knows this except my fiancé who was there to see it.  But the day I got my expander?  That night at home, I cried myself to sleep in his arms.  You have nothing to apologize for.  And I can only imagine how miserable the last months have been for you with TMJ pain.  But we can fix that.  Let Dr. Brad tell you how.  Will you do that?”

Tara composed herself.  She looked at Alex in silence for several moments.  She then weakly nodded her head and said “yes.  I will do whatever you tell me to do if it will stop the pain.”

Dr. Brad, sitting on the couch across from her, smiled.  He loved it when he heard a patient say they would do anything he told them to do.

Chapter Nine.

Dr. Brad gave Tara a reassuring smile and said “Miss Reynolds, are we ok to continue?  We can do this another time if this is all too much at once.  But, the sooner we start the sooner you can get relief.”

Tara pursed her lips and said “please go on.  And again, I am so sorry for my outburst.”

Dr. Brad said “please don’t apologize.  You did nothing wrong.  And thank you for trusting us here.  We do want to help you.  We have a couple of options.  The first is surgical.”

It took about five minutes for him to explain the benefits of SARPE surgery, braces, and a lefort surgery combined with a bilateral joint replacement.  She was shocked to hear that if she chose this route she would be wired shut for 4-6 months, on a complete liquid diet, and then be on a very restricted soft food diet for another 6-8 months.  The whole process sounded horrible.  It got even worse when Janice went over the financial numbers.  The total cost of the treatment would be approximately $60,000, and even with her insurance she would be looking at around $20,000 out of pocket.

Dr. Brad could see in Tara’s face she didn’t like the idea.  Once Janice was done, he looked at Tara and said “we have another option.  A much better option.  And the one I would recommend.”  He glanced at Mandy who went over to the counter.  She returned with her arms full of assorted orthodontic appliances.  After she had placed them on the table Janice stood from her seat beside Tara and Mandy took her place.

Dr.  Brad said “I know you had a chance to meet and speak with Mrs. Willingham.  I am not sure if she explained much about her treatment plan with you or not, but your’s would be very similar.  I want to start you out in splint therapy for 12 to 18 months.  This will stabilize and decompress your joints.  Splint therapy will not fix the root issues, but it will get you out of pain and get to were we can treat the real problem.  We will do this with expansion.  We will widen your upper palate by eight to ten millimeters.  And with aggressive protraction we will be able to get four to five millimeters of forward growth.  Once we have achieved the necessary expansion, we will use braces to align everything.  The process of expansion will take 6-12 months followed by 18 or so months of braces.  The treatment will be all about function.  We will fix your jaw and your bite.  And since form follows function, you will have a beautiful, wide, straight smile.  I provide complimentary whitening to all patients when they complete treatment. As a thank you of sorts.  And my hygienist Lisa is VERY good at it.  I think Janice’s smile is a good example of that.  And speaking of Janice’s smile, she can tell you the financials.”

Janice gave Tara a big smile and said “so, the cost of splint therapy would be $1500, the custom marpe treatment would be $4500, and braces would be $5500.  But, if you do all three Dr. Brad will knock $1,500 off.  Essentially you will get splint therapy for free.  Total cost will be $10,000.  But, I have good news.  I have already spoken with your insurance provider.  And while your plan does not cover elective cosmetic procedures, they do cover sleep apnea treatment, which your case would fall into.  Your out of pocket expense will only be $1,500.  For $1,500, Dr. Brad will give you your life back.  Honey, you are entirely too young to go through the rest of your life in pain.”

Tara sat there in silence looking at the table and the assortment of appliances.  Dr. Brad asked “what do you think?  Do you have any questions?”

With her eyes still studying the table, she said “I know I need to do.  I should do it.  But it just sounds like so much.  And braces at my age?  I just don’t know.  Could we do invisalign?”

Dr. Brad responded “unfortunately, invisalign can not address all your needs.  Braces will be necessary for at least a few months, though I could transition you to Invisalign to finish your case.  It would add $5,000 to the cost of treatment.  I have had several patients that planned on transitioning to invisalign. But not a single one has.  Because every single one has realized having braces is a big nothing burger. Every single one has just elected to keep their brackets for the duration of their treatment.  You met one of those people today.  But, like Beverly, I can fit you with clear ceramic brackets and wires, and for the same price as metal.  These modern ceramic Lightforce brackets are almost as discreet as invisalign and all the attachments that come with it.”

Tara asked “will I need that big appliance?  The one you said your wife is getting?”

Dr. Brad said “let’s not worry about it now.  That would be down the road.  But you would be a candidate for it and it would shave at least a few months off your total treatment time.  But, we could also get the same results from a series of different appliances, it just wouldn’t be as efficient.”

Tara didn’t understand why, but again she felt the same mix of fear and fascination as earlier.  She asked “can I see it again?”

Dr. Brad took the appliance from Alex once again.  He held it up, gazing at it like a proud papa, and said “it really is amazing if I do say so myself.  I am quite proud of it.”  Tara had looked at the other appliances on the table as Dr. Brad had explained her treatment.  Mandy had held them up and demonstrated them as Dr. Brad had been talking.  But this appliance was in another league.

Dr. Brad explained as he hinged the orthodontic model “you see here we have an expander top and bottom.  The top expander is an eight screw custom marpe, or miniscrew assisted rapid palatal expander.  The bottom is a standard hyrax expander.  Both of these appliances by themselves are very common.  But unlike standard expanders, to attach them I am utilizing bands for all but the front six teeth.  This will provide much more strength and symmetry during expansion.  So that is a little different.  But what really makes this appliance stand out are those two Herbst arms you see connecting the two expanders.  This will allow me to adjust Megan’s bite precisely.  In addition, I have come up with a very ingenious feature.

Now, I would never discuss another patient’s case with another patient like I am doing now.  Except my dear, sweet wife’s.  Megan mouth breaths when she sleeps.  Mouth breathing is horrible. I have been having her wear a chincup appliance at night.  It is big, bulky and not the most comfortable thing in the world.  But it is worth it.  Megan does it cheerfully because wearing it, at least after the first few nights of adapting to it, leaves her feeling more rested and refreshed.  But many patients will not wear a chin cup appliance.  I have solved that issue with this.”

He held the appliance up close to Tara’s face and said “see how the bottom of each herbst telescope is a little thicker?  This is to accommodate this tiny torx screw that is threaded into each arm.”  He pivoted the appliance open and closed.  “Now it is unlocked and the jaw is free to open and close.”  He picked up a small screw driver, and with the model closed he made several turns on each screw.  Then he demonstrated as he said “and voila, now it is locked close.  A much less invasive solution to eliminate mouth breathing.  The screws are very accessible for the patient, in this case Megan, so they will be able to lock the jaw closed at night and unlock it the next morning.  This also has a myriad of other applications.  Children that thumb suck?  Solved.  Post surgery patients that have always needed bulky, uncomfortable wiring in the past? Solved.  Hey, it could even be the newest fad diet aid.”  He laughed and said “just kidding on that last part.  I am currently in the patent process for this, along with the Sleep Well mask like Alex is wearing.  And Mandy should be wearing.”  He gave a look over at Mandy, who silently stood and made her way out the door.

He continued “and also this invention.”  He pointed at a rear molar band and said “you notice this hook?  It is pretty standard for protraction cases.  But this” as he pointed to a rounded piece of metal that ran along the outside of it “is not”.  He took an elastic and placed it over the hook.  He then took the same screwdriver from earlier and made a few turns on the torx screw that held the shield shaped piece of metal to the appliance.  As he did, it tightened down covering the hook.  There was a small slot in it from which the elastic protruded through.  He continued “and now the elastic is locked in place.  It can’t be removed without opening the shield.  Or a spring can be used in place of an elastic on the rare occasion we need maximum force.  This really is aimed at younger patients.  But it can also be of use in adult cases too.  I have had a few patients note that they sometimes take their masks off in their sleep without even realizing it.  This will solve that.”

Tara looked on at the appliance.  It was huge.  Terrifying.  And she really wanted to know what it would feel like in her mouth.  Her focus was broken when she heard Mandy exclaim “look who I found!”

Tara looked up to see Mandy walking into the room.  She was now sporting a facemask herself.  Waddling along behind her was a very pregnant but very beautiful soft redhead with sculpted, model like features.  Dr. Brad’s face lit up as he stood.  He seemed to forget he was even holding the appliance in his hand.  As he rushed over he said “hi baby, what a great surprise!  What are you doing out and about?  And where is William?”  Before she could answer he gave her a peck on the lips.

She kissed him back and said “I need to run to the grocery store.  And I thought I would just stop by to see if you needed anything.  William is out front, Maggie is playing with him.”  She glanced down at what he was holding and said “wow, what is that?  It looks super complicated.”

Dr. Brad said “baby, this is your appliance.  The one I have been telling you about.  It just came in from the lab this week. I was just showing it to our new patient.”  He gestured over towards the couch and said “Miss Reynolds, I would like to introduce you to my incredible wife Megan.”

Tara said “hi, it is a pleasure to meet you.”

Megan just stared at the appliance.  She then shook her head and muttered “whatever.”  She looked over at Tara and made her way over to the couch.  She extended her hand and said “it is a pleasure to meet you.  So, are you starting treatment with my hubby?”

Tara said “well, I don’t know, we were just talking about it.”

Megan smiled and said “you really should.  I have never talked to anyone here who says that they regret it.  We could be braces buddies.  Or whatever that monstrosity is he is holding.  I am going to be starting treatment soon obviously.  Apparently that gargantuan hunk of metal he is holding is mine and will soon be in my mouth.  But I know it will be so worth it in the long run.”

Dr. Brad had made his way over beside Megan.  He put his arm around her shoulders and said “it will be so worth it.  You are going to do so great with it honey.”  He gave her a peck on the cheek.

He turned back to face Tara and asked “So, what do you think Miss Reynolds?  Are you ready to be free of TMJ pain?”

Tara looked at Alex, who despite having her tongue crib back in her mouth and her mask strapped to her face, was smiling.  She looked over at Mandy, who now was sporting a matching facemask, also smiling.  She glanced at the appliance in Dr. Brad’s hand and then at Megan, who was smiling despite knowing she would soon be getting it installed in her mouth.  Tara couldn’t believe she was doing this.  But she looked at Dr. Brad and said “yes, I want to be free of TMJ pain. When do we start?”

Dr. Brad looked at her and said “right now.” 

Chapter Ten.

Late that evening, Tara was lying in her bed.  She had read a few pages of the book she had been reading, but her thoughts were racing. She placed the book on the bedside table and replayed the events of the day.  There was so much to process.  And she realized this would be the last night for a very long time she would not have something in her mouth and on her face when she went to sleep.  She then remembered her promise to text Beverly.  She looked at the bedside clock and saw it was 10:15.  She was unsure if she should text her so late.  But, she had made a promise.  She picked her phone up and typed a message.

T: I apologize for texting so late.  I have had so much on my mind.  I apologize.  But I wanted to let you know I survived my consultation.  I am going to start treatment with Dr. Brad.  I go back tomorrow to pick up my temporary splint and Delaire facemask.  My permanent splints and Sleep Well mask will be ready next Friday.  I am so nervous.  But also excited.

She looked at her phone in anticipation.  When she did not get a reply she assumed that Beverly was probably done for the day and not checking her phone.  She placed the phone down on the table, got comfortable, removed her glasses and placed them beside her phone and finally switched the bed side light off.  She then heard her phone ding.  She reached over and grabbed her glasses.  After slipping them on her face she picked up her phone and looked at it.  She saw a reply from Beverly.

B: Yay!  That is so exciting.  You will be SO glad you are doing this.  And don’t worry about texting me so late, I am still at the office.  And thank you for texting, I can’t really talk with my lower splint in.  So, what did Dr. Brad tell you about your treatment plan?

T: It sounds like my plan is almost identical to yours.  And for sure I am going with the clear braces like you have.  They really look good on you. You can barely see them.  I just hope I can pull them off as well as you do.  But that will be a year or more down the road.  What I am really nervous about is wearing the daytime splint at work.  Of how I will sound.  And the night time splint and facemask. The night time splint, or splints, look so big.  And then the facemask on top of it?  I wonder how I will be able to fall asleep.

B:  You will do fine.  I promise.  You will get the hang of talking with the day time splint in no time.  After a week you will forget it is there.  And it will take a few nights to get used to the night splint and mask.  But it will just become routine.  You won’t offend me if you say no.  But would you want to get together for lunch next week, my treat.  Or the firms’ treat miss client.  I am free next Friday.  Would you like to meet me at noon at Monty’s?  I will pass along all my splint and mask hacks.

T:  Oh goodness.  I would love that.  Thank you SO much.  For everything.

B:  You are so welcome.  Remember, I know exactly what you are going through.  Now, I need to run if I hope to get out of here by midnight.  But do not be nervous.  You are doing the right thing.  And you are going to do great with this.  Will you let me know how your appointment tomorrow goes?

T:  Of course.  Again, thank you so much.

B: Again, congratulations!  Your life is about to change for the better.

The next afternoon Tara lay reclined in the treatment chair.  The appliance currently in her mouth felt like a foreign invader.  While the smaller daytime appliance hadn’t been that bad, this big nightguard splint with it’s invasive hooks felt huge.  She realized speech would be impossible.  But as strange as it felt, it didn’t feel as strange as the blue Delaire facemask that Alex was just finishing strapping around the back of her head. She heard the buckle snap shut just before Alex squealed “ah tha ish it.”  With her tongue crib in, Alex was tough to understand.  Alex raised Tara back to a sitting position and said  “fahah me.”

Tara followed along, head down, behind Alex.  She felt every eye in the room had to be on her and her new facemask.  She lifted her head and discreetly looked around the room.  To her surprise neither of the other patients nor any of the staff were paying her any attention.  She realized they seemed to be focused on their own plight.  In one of the chairs was a man around her own age.  It appeared Dr. Brad was using a ratchet to tighten something in his mouth.  And from the grimace on the man’s face it looked painful.  She hadn’t even realized she had stopped walking to watch until Alex tugged on her sleeve.

Tara began walking, again following along behind Alex.  As they entered the lounge Alex slipped the tongue crib out of her mouth and said “I want you to wait here about 15 minutes.  Just to make sure everything feels ok.  Why don’t you get in one of the massage chairs?  They are amazing.”

As Tara leaned back in the chair, Alex turned it on.  Tara realized it did feel amazing.  She asked “what was Dr. Brad doing with that ratchet?  That man looked like he was in a lot of pain.”

Alex smiled and said “Jim is having his marpe installed.  I don’t want to scare you, but getting a marpe installed results in a LOT of pressure.  With the anesthetic it isn’t exactly painful.  But there is a lot of pressure.  And it is just a foreign sensation.  Uncomfortable.  Dr. Brad was hand tightening the screws.  I know it may seem barbaric.  But doing it by hand is so much more comfortable and gentle than using the power driver like some other orthos.  I know that for a fact. Because while Dr. Brad installed four of mine by hand, he did install two with the driver.  Just so I could experience it and be better able to explain it to patients.  No, hand tightening is the way to go.”  She went over to the fridge and grabbed a bottle of water.  She unscrewed the cap and dropped a straw from the cabinet into it.  She walked over and handed it to Tara.  Alex told her “you will want to stock up on straws.  I will include some in your goodie bag.  But you will want to keep a few in your purse along with your travel hygiene pouch with your brush, toothpaste, wax, floss threaders, proxy brushes, all the goodies.  You won’t really need all of it until you get your expanders and braces, but it won’t hurt to go ahead and get in the habit of carrying it all around.  You may also want to keep a kit at work and one in your car.”

Tara watched as Alex began getting things from various drawers and cabinets and placing them in a small zippered “TMJ and Sleep Plus” duffle bag.  The splint and facemask felt so foreign to Tara.  But the massage chair felt so relaxing.  She closed her eyes and tried to focus on the chair’s vibrations..

She opened her eyes when she heard Alex say “Beehee, ha ah ya?”  Alex had obviously put her tongue crib back in.  Tara looked over to see she had also put her mask on and had turned towards Becky, who was getting a water out of the fridge.  Tara watched as Becky, the perky young 20 year old receptionist, smiled at Alex and excitedly said “ah am goo.  Di ya hear tha goo newsh?”  Dah. Brah ish removeh ma crib.  As a Chrishma preshent.  Ah will geh ta enjoy Chrishmash ah ma birfday neh month.”

Alex rushed over and hugged Becky and said “YAY!  I ah sho exshiteh fa ya.  Ya deh nee to shelebrah ya twenrr fahst birfday weh a tahng crih.  Show happy fah ya.”  Becky hugged her back and say “thah ya.  An you betta come to mah partee.”

Alex smiled and said “woonet mish eh.”

As Becky let go of Alex she noticed Tara in the massage chair.  Becky said “ha Mish Reynal.  I lahk ya mashk.  Tha blue reahee comolimentsh ya eyesh.”

Tara attempted to reply but all that came out was “tha ya.”  Her first instinct was to cry.  But she resisted.  And instead just started laughing.  Alex looked at her questioningly.  Tara asked “cah ehone he spee?” Alex smiled and replied “we definely hah isshues wah thah roun hah.”  She then gave a laugh herself before adding “but ish all temprary.  Ah hope.”

Becky left and Tara once again closed her eyes and focused on the calming vibrations.  Until she heard Maggie’s voice say “this way Mr. Simpson.  There is a massage chair waiting for you.  You have earned it.”  Tara snapped her eyes open and saw the man from the treatment room entering.  Looking at him, she realized he was a really attractive looking man.  He was looking at her as he approached the adjacent massage chair.  She felt embarrassed he was seeing her in her new facemask.  He gave her a pained smile, or tried to..  Because out of his mouth protruded two silver springs attached to the clear acrylic mask Sleep Well mask covering his face. 

As he sat down he looked at Tara and quipped “thish ish the worsht, mosht painful mashgurade pahty I have ever been too.”  It was stupid and corny.  But Tara looked over at him and felt a quiver course through her.  She laughed and said “teh me abah it.”  She tried her best to smile at him.  She felt another quiver when he replied “while the party sucksh shome of the other party goers are awfully cute.”  He then gave her a wink.  He noticed Tara’s face turn rosy and thought ‘she actually is really cute underneath that mask’. He looked over at Tara and said  “Hi, I am Jim.  And I wash jusht thinking a few minutesh ago that today wash the worsht day ever.  But I think I wash wrong.”

Chapter Eleven.

Tara’s face turned even more red.  And the tingles she felt intensified.  She knew it wasn’t just the vibrations from the chair she was feeling.  She said “hehoo Im.  I am Tahah.”  She tried again, really concentrating and going slowly, “I ah Tar rah.”  Jim smiled at her, sat up, leaned over and reached his hand over.  He said “hello Tarah, it ish a pleashure to meet you.”  Tara tentatively reached over and shook his hand.  She immediately felt a jolt of excitement hit her.  She didn’t want to try to speak again.  Jim sensed her reluctance to speak.  He said “they make it hard to talk around here don’t they.  They warned me I might have a lishp with my new exshpander.  They shaid I should practish reading out loud.  But maybe speaking with shomeone would be even better.”  He stopped and made eye contact with Tara.  She felt moisture.  He continued “maybe I could get your phone number?  And we could practish speaking together.  I would really like that.  Would that be ok?”

Tara didn’t even realize she was nodding her head up and down when she said “yesh, eh woo lah thah.”

They were interrupted by Alex, who had been busy across the room and didn’t even realize what was happening.  Alex had heard the murmuring though and turned her head in their direction.  She slipped her tongue crib out.  She asked “so, is everything ok?  How is every thing feeling Tara?  Any actual pain?”  She dropped the last item in the bag and started walking over towards the pair.  Seeing the two release their hands from each other, as if they had been simply shaking hands, Alex said “oh, you two have met. Jim, how is that marpe and facemask feeling?  Are you two both ok?”

Tara simply smiled and nodded her head up and down.  Truth be told, for just a second she had forgotten all about the facemask.  Her entire universe had been the man in the chair beside her.  He was sexy.  But also so cute and vulnerable.  She wanted him.

Jim smiled at Alex and said “exshpander feelsh huge.  But it’s not really hurting.  Just weird.  Sho weird.”

Alex smiled and said “they do feel so weird at first.  But you will get used to it.  And you are speaking so well with it considering you just got it.  Now, the pain will increase some as the drugs wear off.  Be sure and stay on top of it with Tylenol and Advil like Dr. Brad explained.  Any pain from the mask?”

He reached up and touched his now plastic face.  He said “no pain, just a lot of pressure.  But no pressure points like Dr. Brad told me to pay attention for.  But I am sure I look like a huge dork.  I have been too scared to even look in a mirror.  I may avoid them for the nexsht 12 months.”

Tara looked over and said “nah a duhk, nah eh ahh.  Ish cuht.”

Alex squinted at the two and wondered what was going on.  She said “well Tara, if everything feels ok, I will get you back out front and explain a few things.  Dr. Brad will want to speak with you.  And then you will be done.”  Alex turned the chair off.  As Tara stood, Jim said “Tara, it wash sho nicesh to meet you.  And that number?”

Alex realized that her first instinct had been right.  She said “somebody needs a pen I think.”  She walked over to the counter to get a pen and pad of post it notes.  Tara followed her.  Tara felt like she had been caught doing something naughty.  But she didn’t care.  She wrote her name and cell phone number on a post it, pulled it off, and walked over towards Jim.  He reached his hand out.  She ignored it and stuck the post it on his facemask and giggled.  She leaned over close to him and whispered “cah me. Sho we cah practish usin our mous.  Tahgetha”  Jim’s eyes got big as she gave him a wink and turned towards Alex.

Alex watched as Tara walked towards her, Jim visible in the background watching Tara. 

Walking down the hall towards the treatment area, Alex slowed her pace and slid in beside Tara.  She whispered “Jim really seemed to like you.  And he would be a catch.  I don’t know what you told him, but it had quite the effect on him.  Quite the visible effect.”

Tara turned her facemask endowed face towards her and asked “wha ya mean?”

Alex said “even from halfway across the room I could see that he liked what you said to him.”

Tara was confused.  She asked “wha?”

Alex said “think about it for a second.  How could I have known he was excited?  What could I have possibly seen that would have tipped me off?   That you wouldn’t have seen with your back to him.”

Tara took a few more steps and stopped in her tracks.  She turned her face towards Alex, eyes wide.

Alex said “yes, I think Jim fancies you quite a bit.  You certainly had his undivided attention.  Or maybe I should say you stood him to attention.”  She gave Tara a sly, naughty smile as she arched her eyebrows.

So, I care not one bit about having guys in my story, braces or not.  I would be just fine describing how the entire Dallas Cowboys cheerleading squad was made to get full metal braces and wired in headgear.  By a female orthodontist with metal braces and headgear herself.  But, hopefully having some male characters with braces and what not appeals to some readers.  And it is actually an important part of of this story.  Even so, I can’t wait till Megan has the baby and has to start treatment.  That will be fun.

Chapter Thirteen.

The trio chatted in between bites of food.  Bev had ordered the shrimp and crab salad she had earlier raved about.  She had just swallowed a bite when she looked over at Tara and asked "so, how's that lobster tail?"

Tara looked down at it and said "it may be the most delicious thing I have ever tasted.  You shouldn't have ordered it for me, it is way too much.  But thank you."

Bev smiled and said "like I said, this is a celebration."  With a smile on her own face, Tara looked up and into Bev's smiling face.  Tara's smile faded.  Bev had a huge piece of spinach from her salad stuck in the bracket on her left canine.  Tara didn't know what to do. She didn't want to embarrass her new friend.  She looked at Bev and said "um, Bev..." and pointed towards her own canine.

Bev asked "what?" as her husband turned his head and looked at his wife.

He said "turn your head towards me baby."  As Bev turned her head she said "I've got something in my braces don't I?"  Tim reached up and plucked the piece of spinach from her teeth.  Instead of being embarrassed though, Beverly just laughed and turned towards Tara.  She gave Tara a big smile and said "and, welcome to braces.  One thing Dr. Brad didn't tell me is that not only are these braces straightening my teeth, they are like a lunch box for snacks."  She laughed and said "but the good news is, I am now SO good at brushing and flossing.  Lot's of practice."

After they had finished with lunch, Bev and Tim escorted Tara out to her car.  As they wrapped things up, Bev leaned in and hugged Tara.  She said "this afternoon is going to go great.  I just know it.  But just the same, please let me know how you are doing this evening.  Please?"

Tara smiled and said "of course."  She then remembered something.  She unzipped her purse and pulled out her pink retainer case.  She popped it open and pulled her day splint out and stuck it in her mouth.  Bev said "good girl!  Now, get going.  You don't want to be late for your appointment."

As Tara walked across the parking lot, she felt the familiar butterflies in her stomach.  She entered the waiting area and walked over to the reception area.  As Tara sat her purse with her night splint and facemask inside it on the counter, Becky looked up at her and smiled.  Becky said "good afternoon Miss Reynolds!  Here to check in for your appointment?"

Tara realized it was the first time she had ever heard Becky talk clearly.  She said "Becky!  You got your tongue crib out!  Congratulations!"

Becky replied "it is such a relief.  After six months, I was so ready to get rid of it.  So, how has your first week been?  Any bumps in the road?  You haven't come in for any emergency appointments so that is a good sign."

Tara was just about to answer when she heard "seeing you is just like turning my palate expander, it takes my breath away."  Tara was startled, but she recognized the voice and turned.  To her amazement, there stood Jim.

She said "wha.. wait... What are you doing here?"

Jim smiled at her.  He said "I wanted to be here for your appointment.  For moral support.  I hope it is ok I surprised you."  As he smiled at her, Tara studied his face.  She looked at his smile, the little silver hooks just visible in the corners of his mouth.  She was so attracted to him.  She would have been regardless.   But the fact he was going through treatment too made him that much more desirable to her.  She had no idea why she felt this way.  But she knew that she did.  She said "it is a surprise.  The sweetest surprise ever."  The pair continued to make eye contact.  Becky interjected "Miss Reynolds, I've got you all signed in.  We will call you when it is your turn."

As they walked over towards a pair of empty seats, Jim whispered "I really hope I wasn't wrong for surprising you.  But I have just been dying to see you.  I don't know if I could have made it until tomorrow."  Tara reached down and took his hand and whispered back "you did perfect."

Tara was reclined back in the chair, Dr. Brad leaned over her with Alex assisting, as Jim sat on a stool beside Tara.  Dr. Brad had just finished seating Tara's new day time splint over her lower teeth when he asked "how does that feel?"

Tara felt around with her tongue inside her mouth, then opened and closed her mouth a few times.  She said "it feels good.  It seems smaller than the other one.  And I don't have a lisp like I did with the other one."  Then she realized something.  She exclaimed "and my jaw isn't popping."

She could tell Dr. Brad was smiling behind his cloth mask.  He said "excellent.  This new appliance is smaller.  And a lot more durable than your temporary appliance.  Now, I do need you to wear this one all the time, anytime you aren't wearing your night time appliance.  You need to have one or the other in your mouth at all times except when performing oral hygiene.  Even eating.  It will feel a little strange at first.  And it will be a bit of an adjustment for you as your front teeth won't completely close now.  But, you will get the hang of it in no time.  Now, let's see your night appliance and new Sleep Well mask."  As Alex handed over a pink plastic retainer box, Tara noticed it was twice as big as the ones her previous appliances came in.  He popped the box open and withdrew a huge acrylic and metal appliance.  It didn't look like what he had showed her during their consultation.

He held the appliance up in front of Tara and explained "so, this is your new night time appliance.  I have incorporated the locking herbst telescopes I showed you.  I can tell you mouth breath at night.  This will alleviate that and train you not to do it.  Also, I mentioned you have an open bite.  This is caused by your tongue thrusting.  This tongue crib that I have integrated into the top plate will fix that.  And it is almost anti-climactic, but these hooks here on top are where you will attach your protraction elastics.  Are you claustrophobic at all?"

Tara's head was spinning as she looked at the appliance.  It was so much bigger than she expected. Dr. Brad asked "Miss Reynolds?"  She looked at him, pleading in her eyes.  She said "it is so big.  And yes, I am claustrophobic."

Dr. Brad reassured her "you will only need to wear it in the privacy of your own home.  No one will need to see you in it." 

Tara thought 'that's not true. Well, I hope not.'  She looked over at Jim.  Despite being in treatment himself, she expected to see a look of revulsion on his face.  Instead, she found him looking at her with a warm, relaxed smile on his face.   As if reading her mind he said "it's ok."  He reached over and gently placed his hand on hers.

Dr. Brad said "he is right.  And guess what, you won't be the only one with the herbst telescopes.  Isn't that right Alex?"

Alex pulled her mask down and smiled at Tara.  Alex said "nope Dr. Brad.  Thanks to you, my mouth is now on lockdown."  She giggled and then added "it really isn't that bad Tara.  I promise.  These are actually more comfortable than the springs I had.  At least these don't pinch my cheeks."

Despite the reassurances, Tara's heart rate was through the roof as Dr. Brad instructed "open wide for me please Miss Reynolds."  He worked the huge appliance into her mouth, first one side and then the other, then pushed down on it to seat it on her lower teeth.  He instructed her to bite down, which she did.  She was on the verge of a panic attack.  She felt her tongue was locked in place, there was just nowhere for it to go.  Dr. Brad examined her mouth, seemingly oblivious to the fact that Tara was on the edge of a breakdown, poking and prodding.  He said "incredible, it fits like a glove." 

Jim looked on with concern.  He could see the panic in Tara's eyes.  He stroked her hand and said "just breathe.  Deep breaths.  You are doing so good."  Tara was so embarrassed he was seeing her like this.  But at the same time, his tenderness and concern was making her fall for him even harder.  She made eye contact with him as her nostrils flared.  She wanted to say something.  But she knew it would come out a mangled mess if she tried.  Jim stood from his seat on the rolling stool and knelt beside her, his face less than a foot from her own, and said "focus on me."  She looked in his face and felt her heart rate slow just a bit.  It was still racing, but having him by her side was calming her.  He smiled at her.  He then leaned in and whispered in her ear "you are so beautiful."  He leaned back and smiled at her again, maintaining eye contact the whole time.

Dr. Brad said "are you ok Miss Reynolds?"  She broke eye contact with Jim and looked up at him.  She gave him a very subtle nod.  He said "you are doing good.  Again, this is just for home.  You will get comfortable wearing it in no time.  In fact, I predict eventually you will look forward to wearing it, for the relief it provides.  Now, let's see how your masks fit."

Tara tried to relax, then realized he said 'masks'.  As in plural.  She didn't have long to dwell on it as Alex handed Dr. Brad a Sleep Well mask.  Tara thought it looked identical to the ones she had seen Alex, Mandy and Jim wearing.  Her thoughts went back to him and she turned her face towards him again.  She remembered how cute he had been the week before wearing his.  She knew he felt embarrassment wearing it.  He had told her that during one of their long phone conversations.  About how embarrassed he had felt wearing it when they had met.  But regardless of the mask, he had told her he just couldn't help himself from flirting with her.   He had told her how, even alone in bed, he felt embarrassed wearing the mask.  Yet he did it anyway, because he knew he should.  Tara didn't understand why, but that really turned her on.  She was snapped out of her thoughts as she felt Dr. Brad place the mask on her face.  He studied it and said "perfect fit.  Now, let me get these elastics on."  He quickly hooked a pair of elastics to the hooks in her mouth and then the posts on her facemask.  He looked at her and said "the fit looks perfect Miss Reynolds.  Is this more comfortable than the Delaire mask?" 

Tara lay there feeling the mask on her face and realized it was more comfortable than her previous mask.  This one did not hurt her chin.  She nodded her headed up and down.  She then thought of what Jim must feel seeing her in this contraption.  She looked over at him once again.  She expected him to be repulsed.  But instead, he just bit his lip and subltly winked at her.  No one else had even noticed.

Dr. Brad said "so far, so good.  So, this is what I want you to wear at home in your free time.  In the evenings, weekends, that sort of thing.  But, I have another mask for night time wear.  I have studied your x-rays further, and you do have some cervical instability associated with your TMD.  I think this is one of the reasons you are waking up with headaches every morning.   This will address that."

Tara watched as Alex stood and walked across the room.  Tara watched her open a cabinet and get something big out of there.  As she turned and walked back in her direction, Tara was confused.  Why was Alex holding a neck brace?

Dr. Brad explained "so, your cervical instability is all tied to your temporal mandibular joint instability."  Alex handed the brace to Dr. Brad.  He continued this "is a modified CTO brace.  I had the lab integrate a Sleep Well mask into the neck brace component of the brace.  At night, before you go to bed, I want you to change into this.  It will take a few nights to get used to.  But, eventually you will come to love it I predict.  Let me sit you up so we can fit it to you." 

Alex removed the mask from Tara's face.  Alex could see the concern in her face.  Alex said "it wil be ok.  Nothing to worry about."

Tara felt humiliated and terrified as she felt Dr. Brad and Alex hold the brace up to her for the first time.  The facemask that was attached to the chinrest of the brace fit flush against her face.  They then wrapped the brace around her.  She immediately felt immobilized from her hips up.  They made adjustments to the straps that went over her shoulders and the ones that wrapped around her torso.  There was ten minutes of tugging, pushing and adjusting before Dr. Brad announced "that looks good.  Just a couple last things."  He first wrapped a strap around her forehead and the top of the facemask.  Now, Tara truly was unable to move her head.  He next attached a pair of elastics from her mouth to the facemask.  And for the final indignation, he asked her to keep her mouth closed while parting her lips.  He reached in, first one side and then the other, and tightened the locking screws of her herbst telescopes.  Dr. Brad said "so, since you can't mouth breath and must breath through your nose, the final thing you will need are these nasal dilators.  They will ensure that your nostrils don't collapse at night."  He gently slid the white plastic cones, attached via a looping piece of plastic, into her nose.  It now looked like she had a white plastic septum piercing

Dr. Brad looked at her with a huge smile on his face and said "it looks perfect, just perfect.  You look like you are ready for a good night's sleep Miss Reynolds."  Tara felt anything but perfect.  And she had no idea how she, or anyone, could ever fall asleep wearing all of this.  She so wanted to look towards Jim for reassurance, but she couldn't turn her head.  Dr. Brad cheerfully said "Alex, why don't you show Miss Reynolds how to remove and apply her appliances in the mirror?  I need to go check on another patient." 

Alex helped Tara up to a standing position.  Tara wanted to melt into the floor and hide from the world.  She felt Jim wrap his arm around her waist.  He leaned in and said "it is ok.  And wow, you have the most incredible posture."  She realized he was trying to lighten the mood.  But she just wanted to die.  Alex helped guide her over towards the mirror.  Upon seeing her reflection in the mirror, Tara burst out in tears.  Big, ugly alligator tears.  Jim wrapped her in a gentle bear hug.  He whispered "it is ok.  You are ok.  We are ok.  We will get through this."  Tara's tears slowed and came to a stop.  She thought 'we'?  She looked into the mirror.  Jim's back was to her in the reflection, his head laying against the ghastly brace now wrapped around her neck, his arms wrapping her in a protective embrace.  She thought she looked like a hideous Transformer.  But she liked the feeling of Jim's arms around her, his warm breath on her ear.  Maybe she thought, just maybe, this WILL be ok.

Chapter Fourteen.

With his head on her shoulder, Jim said softly "I am so sorry you have to wear this.  I am sure it feels so strange.  But it is just temporary.  And it doesn't change how sweet, funny, or gorgeous you are."  Tara felt herself melt into him.

Alex looked on, surprised by the whole thing.  She thought to herself 'didn't they just meet a week ago?'  But then she remembered meeting her fiancé.  And how sometimes the heart just knows things that the head can't fathom.  She was so grateful that Jim was here to help console Tara.  Looking at her, Alex felt sympathy for her.  What Dr. Brad had prescribed for her was so much.  In fact, Alex had never seen such a contraption before, and surely never seen a patient get fitted with it.  She imagined how upsetting it would be to be surprised with it like Tara had been.  Despite that, Alex had a job to do.  And she knew there were more patients to be seen.  She let the two, were they a couple?, continue their embrace for a moment before she said "Tara, how about we get you out of all of that?  Then, you can practice putting it back on."

Alex stepped up to them as Jim reluctantly let go of Tara.  It surprised him how strongly he felt compelled to protect Tara.  Alex smiled at Tara and said "I have never seen anyone rock a brace as well as you do.  But let's get you out of it.  Here, watch what I do."

Tara watched herself in the mirror as Alex began by gently pulling the nasal cones out and wrapping them in tissue.  She placed them in their own plastic case.  She then detached the elastics from Tara's facemask and removed them from her mouth.  She then began working on loosening and unhooking the straps and buckles that held Tara's upper body firmly immobile.  As she watched, Tara felt like she was being disassembled.  With her CTO brace and facemask removed, Tara felt a sudden wave of relief.  She managed a half smile towards Alex and said "aye ya".

Alex smiled at her and replied "you are welcome.  Now, let me show you how to unlock your Herbst."  Alex grabbed the torx screwdriver and had an idea.  She said "here, watch me do it myself."  Using the mirror, she seated the screwdriver on the herbst telescope in the left side of her mouth and made several turns.  She then repeated the process on the other side.  She smiled at Tara and said through her clenched jaw "piece ah cake.  Jus turn it till it stopsh, dah force it.  An now to unlock eh."  She repeated the process in reverse.  She explained "when you unlock it, again just turn it until it stops, don't force it.  It could break it.  Now, you try it."

Tara took the screwdriver.  She bared her teeth in the mirror and attempted to get the screwdriver seated on the tiny screw.  After her third unsuccessful attempt she let out a long, frustrated sigh.  Jim placed his hand over Tara's hand.  He took the screwdriver from her.  He smiled and asked "can I help?"  Tara nodded her head up and down.  Jim easily placed the screwdriver on the screw head and gave it three turns, until it offered resistance.  He did the same on the other side.  He looked into her eyes and asked "better?"  Tara slowly opened her mouth.  She nodded her head, then wrapped her arms around him and said "aye ya".

Alex interrupted and said "let's get that nighttime appliance out of your mouth."  Tara let go of Jim.  She turned towards Alex and opened her mouth.  Alex gently popped the appliance's clasps free from Tara's teeth.  As she removed it from her mouth, a little string of saliva followed it.  Alex reached up with her other hand, and with a tissue, wiped it away.  She looked at Tara and said "and now you're free!  After wearing your night appliance, you won't even realize you have the daytime appliance in your mouth."

Tara said simply "thank you."  She looked at Jim and said "thank you both.  I might need some help getting this all back on though."  She looked at Jim nervously.  Jim smiled and said "I can never turn down a damsel in distress.  I would feel honored if you would let me help."

Tara took the appliance from Alex and after a little struggle managed to get it seated in her mouth.  She then picked up the CTO brace.  She placed it up to her chest, the chest piece running between her breasts and the facemask resting on her face, and attempted to get the first of the shoulder straps attached.  She struggled until Jim stopped her.  He said "just hold it in place.  Let me help you."

As Jim attached the straps, Tara realized how much wearing this was going to suck.  But she also felt tingles in her body.  Despite hating the brace, she loved the way it felt as Jim was cinching her into it.  Once the brace was in place he took two elastics and attached them from the hooks in her mouth to her mask.  Finally, he took the screwdriver and locked her jaw closed.  Once he was done he took a step back and looked at her.  Tara felt like some kind of grotesque side show freak.  Until Jim said "she is such a beautiful shield maiden in all her armor."  Tara made eye contact with Jim.  He gazed back into her eyes and said "nothing can hide how beautiful you are though."

They were interrupted by the always upbeat Dr. Brad exclaiming "wow, it looks like you have gotten the hang of it in no time.  In a few days, you will be able to do it blindfolded.  Tara, why don't you keep that on until you leave, just to make sure nothing needs adjusting.  If you want, you can go wait in the lounge."  He turned to Jim and said "since you are here, why don't we take a look at your expander Mr. Simpson?  It looks like your suture has yet to split.  Maybe we can do something about that."

Jim looked at Tara then back at Dr. Brad.  Jim asked "is it ok if Tara stays?" 

Dr. Brad said "of course.  I just thought she might be more comfortable in the lounge.  But you know what, it would be great if she gets a look at what is going on with your expander since she will be getting one eventually." 

Tara sat stiffly and uncomfortably on a rolling stool beside Jim.  Their roles were now reversed as it was Jim who was reclined in the treatment chair.  Dr. Brad said "open wide for me please Mr. Simpson."  Dr. Brad leaned over him, the light on his loupes illuminating the inside of Jim's mouth.  It was hard for Tara to see, but she leaned her body and cut her eyes.  She was stunned by what she saw.  The roof of his mouth was completely covered by a huge stainless steel and acrylic expander, eight screws sticking out shockingly far.  It looked so uncomfortable.  She had no idea how he was able to speak as clearly as he did.  She instinctively reached her hand out and placed it over his.  He smiled at her.

Dr. Brad said "I am going to make some turns on your expander Mr. Simpson.  I really want to get that suture opened up.  Once we do, we can reduce the number of turns to one every other day.  If it gets too uncomfortable just hold your hand up."

Tara watched Dr. Brad insert a wrench into Jim's mouth, seating it over the large screw in the middle of his expander.  He made one turn.  He wiggled the wrench free and placed it on the screw again and made another turn.  Each time, Jim's face contorted in one of pain.  It hurt Tara to see it, but he took it stoically and didn't make a sound.  Until the sixth turn of his expander, when he made a pained "mmmm" sound and held his hand up.  Dr. Brad said "that one hurt?"  Jim nodded his head.  Dr. Brad said "let me get two more and we will call it a day."  He reached in and made two more turns.  Tara could see the agony etched in Jim's face.

Once Dr. Brad removed the wrench from his mouth, Jim reached up with his free hand and ran it over his face.  He said "holy cow, that will wake you up."

Dr. Brad said "you handled it like a champ.  Go ahead and keep making your two turns a night, including tonight, and I bet we get the diastema we want by the end of the weekend.  The good news is we are making progress.  Both of you are.  And unless you have any questions, you two are both done.  Why don't you head to the lounge, you know the way.  Tara you can take your night brace off there if you want before you leave.  Just see Becky when you leave to make your follow ups.  And as always, thank you for trusting me with your care."  He looked at Alex and asked "Alex, could you come with me?  Maggie is fitting Mrs. Jones with a set of herbst telescopes.  She is not very enthused about it.  Maybe you could show her yours and explain they aren't a big deal?" 

Alex said "of course Dr. Brad, I will be right over.  Let me just finish up here."  As he walked away, Alex said "duty calls.  But you did great, especially you Tara."  She leaned over and gave her a hug.  She continued "the next few nights will be an adjustment I know.  But if you need anything, let me know.  You should have an 'emergency' card in your goodie bag, if not grab one from Becky on the way out.  It has my cell phone number on it.  Please do not hesitate to call if you need anything.  Anything at all.  Now, I've got to run.  But again you are doing great."

Later that day in a rare moment of calm, Alex asked "Dr. Brad, why didn't you tell Mrs. Reynolds about the CTO brace ahead of time?  It was a shock to her.  Heck, it was a shock to me when you showed it to me this morning."

Dr. Brad said "well, my intention wasn't to shock her.  But, I also did not want to scare her away from treatment.  She will do fine with it.  I know she will."

Alex said "I hope so, it just looked so imposing.  And I imagine it can't be all that easy to get used to wearing."

Dr. Brad said "no, but she will manage."  He then looked Alex up and down.  He said "you do make a good point though.  None of us here know what it feels like to wear one.  I would like you and Mandy to stay after we are done with patients.  I think it would be good for my lead assistant and treatment coordinator to have experience with one.  It would be a good addition to each of your treatment plans.  I will get you and Mandy each fitted for your very own.  I wouldn't anticipate either of you will need to wear it for more than 12 months."  He looked at Alex.  He noticed the look of shock on her face.  He smiled at her and said "with the full support of the CTO and Sleep Well mask, I can also move you into springs to really get some horsepower behind your protraction."

He then looked over at Maggie, who was slumped over working on a patient.  He said "and I know you girls are always saying your backs are hurting after working on patients all day.  While I am getting the lab to fabricate your and Mandy's CTO braces, I will also get them to fabricate something for you and Maggie to wear here in the office.  It should really help with your back pain and slouching."

What would happen if Jerry Jones sold the Cowboys to a new owner?  A new owner who had made his billions selling dental equipment.  And who, now that he owns the Cowboys, thinks it would be great marketing for his primary business to get all the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders, America’s Sweethearts, into his company’s brackets and archwires.  The ladies would accept it.  But then, his orthodontic division’s launch of a new extraoral device,  that he had sunk tens of millions into, failed.  No patient would wear it.  No orthodontist would prescribe it.  It was just to big.  But he had an idea. 

It failed because it was so massive, obtrusive and uncomfortable to wear.  It just looked nerdy.  But it could be used for both retractive and protractive cases.  What orthodontist wouldn’t want one appliance that could do it all?  Apparently all of them because it was SO big that no patient would wear it.  The product launch failed horribly.

But what if America’s Sweethearts showed up wearing it at games?  And promotional events.  Heck all the time, even when they were going grocery shopping or going to the gym. To generate a buzz about the product?  To get people asking ‘what is that’?  To turn this new… helmet for lack of a better word… into a fashion statement.  Maybe that would revive the product he thought would be so successful.  After all, he had already lost $27 million on it.  And he did own the Cowboys….

Just an idea that ran through my head.

Chapter Fifteen.

Tara finally gave up.  She felt defeated.  She had been wrestling with her CTO brace for almost half an hour and still could not manage to get all the buckles and straps in place.  She looked in the mirror and let out a sigh of frustration.  She didn't know if she could really do this or not.  Feeling deflated and sad, she decided she would try her best.  She took the screwdriver that Dr. Brad and Alex provided and bared her teeth in the mirror.  She did eventually get the torx driver seated into the screw.  She gave it three turns until it stopped.  She removed the screwdriver, and with just a little less struggle, managed to get the other side locked.  She used the little plastic tool she was given to attach an elastic to each of the two hooks in her mouth and then picked up her Sleep Well mask.  As Tara was right handed, she held the mask to her face with her left hand while she attached the elastics to the posts of her mask with her right hand.  She stepped back and squinted into the mirror.  As she looked at the blurry reflection she thought she might be better off not putting her glasses back on.  But, out of habit, she did.

Sitting on the edge of her bed, she removed each of her hearing aids and placed them in their charging cradle which she kept by her bed.  She then crawled under the covers.  She lay there thinking about her appointment and her new CTO.  She thought of Jim, and of how tender and sweet he had been.  She thought he was a patient, caring man.  And while he was still a man after all, and Tara was on guard as she would be with any man, she rolled over and looked at the empty bed beside her.  She thought of him.  Of how confident he seemed to be when it came to business.  But about how shy he seemed to be with her.  She thought of that afternoon.  Of how he had walked her to her car after her appointment.  He had insisted he carry the drawstring bag in which her CTO brace rested.  And he insisted on getting the car door for her.  At the car, despite the fact that his mouth must be hurting Tara thought, all he cared about was her.  About how she felt.  She thought he had wanted to ask her something.  And she thought he had wanted to try to kiss her.  But he seemed shy and unsure of himself.  Tara thought he was being a gentleman.  Tara found this intoxicating.  But, she made up her mind that the next time he showed hesitation, when he was being too much of a gentleman, that she would take the lead.  Because she wanted to feel his lips against hers.  Among other things.  As she looked at the empty bed beside her, she wished Jim was in it with her.

That next evening, as Tara sat leaning against Jim on a well lit park bench over looking the city, she thought it had been the perfect date.  The painting and wine tasting had been so much fun.  And while Tara realized that Jim might not be the world's best painter, he realized it too.  And he reveled in it, making funny, self-deprecating jokes about his painting, or as he called it, "insult to art".  All the while he had been nothing but complimentary of her's.  Afterwards, they had exchanged their paintings.  Tara didn't admit how much it meant to her as they each stowed their new "artwork" in their vehicles.  Jim had asked Tara, saying as it was such a nice night and he wasn't ready for it to end, if Tara would like to take a walk.  They had ducked into a few of the shops that were still open and just enjoyed each other's company.  The one thing they had not talked about all evening was orthodontics.

As Tara leaned into Jim, enjoying the feeling of his arm around her and his warmth as the night air began to turn just a little chilly, she tried to figure out how this had happened and what to do next.  Despite being alone with a man she really didn't know, she somehow knew she was safe.  Tara realized what a nice feeling it was.  She was lost in her thoughts when Jim said "I have had the most wonderful time with you tonight.  But, they probably don't want us squatting on this park bench all night.  How about I escort you to your car before I manage to mess this evening up?"

Tara nuzzled up against him a little harder and said "just a few more minutes?  It is still early.  And this is so nice.  And I don't think you could mess this up if you tried."  Jim had caressed her and said "it is nice.  But I do need to get home soon."

Tara leaned away from Jim and turned to look at him.  She realized he could in fact mess this up, by saying what he just said.  She asked "what is it?  Do I not make good company?  What, have you got another hot date lined up?"

Jim looked at her.  He realized what he had said hurt her.  He shook his head back and forth and said "No!  That's not it at all.  It's not you.  It's me."  Tara thought to herself 'oh no, it's the "it's not you it's me" line.  And I thought there was something here.  Between us'.

Jim sat there in silence looking at Tara, who had wilted where she sat.  He said "I have had the most incredible night.  And I so hope we can do it again."  He went silent a moment before continuing "It's so embarrassing.  I am such a dork.  But Tara, I need to go home so I can put on my facemask."

Tara looked at him and was able to breath again.  She said "that's it?  That's why you want to leave?"  She looked him in the eyes and said "you are so silly.  That's no reason for the night to end."  She leaned over and kissed him.  It caught Jim by surprise, but after a moment he responded, gently kissing her back.  And just as soon as soon as it started, Tara pulled back and gave him a big smile, her small daytime appliance just visible.  She said "that is absolutely no reason to kick me to the curb.  Nope, you'll have to come up with a better excuse than that."

Jim looked at her and said "the last thing I want to do is kick you to the curb.  Is it too forward of me to ask if you would come back to my place?  Maybe we could watch a movie.  And continue our wine tasting?"

She snuggled up beside him and said softly "no, it is not too forward.  It will save me from having to ask you back to my apartment."

Jim wrapped his arm around her and asked "do you promise not to laugh too hard at me?"

Tara replied "sweetie, you picked me up wearing it, why would it be any different tonight?  Plus, you have seen the monstrosity I got yesterday and am supposed to wear.  Supposed to being the key word there.  So, no.  And can I tell you a little secret?  I found your embarrassment when we met the sexiest thing ever.  You were just the cutest.  I am not sure I would have fallen for all of your obvious charms if you hadn't been wearing it in fact."

Jim stroked her shoulder as he said "well, I certainly would have never expected that.  So, how does this work since we drove separately?"

Tara said "it's simple.  I run home and get my night appliance and CTO, and I then drive to your house.  Where you are waiting for me with a glass of wine."

As Tara pulled into the driveway of Jim's home, she was blown away.  It was huge.  She knew that Bev's husband had mentioned he was successful.  She had thought he meant he had a good job, a nice home, and wasn't broke.  She didn't realize he had meant he had a starter estate.  Standing at the door after ringing the bell, she wondered if a butler would answer the door.

Finally the door opened.  It was not a butler.  Instead, there stood Jim.  He was not wearing his facemask.  For some reason this disappointed Tara.  But she decided to make the most of it by leaning in towards him.  This time he took the hint and leaned in and kissed her.  After coming up for a breath of air, Tara smiled at him and joked "Hi! I am here to talk to you about your vehicle's extended warranty."

Jim gave a big laugh.  He looked at her and said "how is anyone as beautiful AND as funny as you?  It just isn't fair.  How could anybody resist you?  Please, come in.  I already have the wine poured."

The two were on the couch in his spacious den as a movie played in the background.  But neither was paying any attention to the television.  Instead, they sat kissing, cuddling and feeling each other.  Eventually, Tara pushed away from him gently.  She said "Jim, stop honey."

He looked at her and asked "what?"

Tara said "I really like you.  I mean, a lot.  But I don't want to move too fast.  It's not that I don't want to.  I do.  But more than that I think there is something here.  Between us.  But I don't want to rush into something.  To do something in the throes of passion that could jeopardize something bigger."

Jim looked at her earnestly and said "I understand.  I am nervous too.  Scared even.  Scared of losing control of some part of my life.  Because I feel there may be something here too.  Oh gosh, the fact we are even talking like this now is crazy.  Insane.  This whole thing is crazy.  But I don't want to rush you.  And I won't."

She sat there looking at him.  The mass of emotions she was feeling was overwhelming.  She wondered if this was a mistake.  If she was pushing him away.  She felt so unsure of herself.

She said "it's just, I'm sorry, I don't know what I am doing."

He leaned over and said "that's ok, there isn't an instruction manual for this.  I don't know what to do either."  He thought for a moment before saying "but I know what I am supposed to do.  I was actually supposed to do it three hours ago.  I will go put my muzzle on.  That will surely cool the passion."

He returned a few minutes later to the den wearing his facemask.  As he approached he said "you promised not to laugh.  And a promise is a promise."  As he sat down she wiggled in beside him.  She said "why would I laugh?  You are just the cutest.  And sexiest."

Despite her compliment, she could tell he felt very self-conscious.  She said "you know, I need to put my armor on too.  I wasn't able to get it on last night.  Would you help a lady in distress?" 

In Jim's bathroom, Tara stood in front of him wearing just her bra and panties, her glasses lay on the sink counter.  He looked at her and said "you are the most beautiful thing I have ever seen.  I want you so badly.  But I know anything worth having is worth waiting for.  It will be so hard to concentrate but let me see if I remember how I did it yesterday."

With Tara holding the front of the brace up to her chest, the facemask resting on her face, Jim began snapping and velcroing the brace securely on her.  She watched him in the mirror.  He was so sexy.  The facemask just made him sexier she thought.  With every strap, the brace became tighter and more restrictive.  And it was turning Tara on so much.  As Jim finished wrapping the final strap around her head he looked down at her chest.  If he didn't know any better, he would have thought that this was turning her on.  He looked at her and said "and the maiden is now adorned in her armor, ready to slay dragons.  And count sheep."

Tara looked at him longingly.  With the huge night-time appliance in her mouth, she couldn't talk.  But Jim could read her eyes.  And her body.  He wanted her so badly.  And he thought she wanted the same.  But he didn't want to pressure her.  Jim said "almost done.  I need to attach your elastics and lock your splint."

After gently attaching her elastics, he used the screwdriver to lock her jaw closed.  It should be horrible Tara thought.  The whole idea of having to do this every night.  Of having someone else do it for her in this case.  But it wasn't horrible.  In fact Tara thought it might be the most erotic thing she had ever experienced.  It was so intimate.  And then it was over, he was done locking her mouth.  She stood there erect and locked in her orthodontic prison.  He looked at her and said "I have some extra pillows, I think we can get comfortable on the couch." 

As she followed him out of the bathroom and across his bedroom, she grabbed his sleeve.  He stopped and turned to look at her.  She turned and walked over to his bed.  She could tell he was confused.  And rightfully so, she had just told him no.  But the flesh is weak.  She extended her right arm and beckoned him over with her index finger.  As he stepped in front of her, she managed "Im, ey nee ya. Rah na."  Jim smiled at her and said "I need you too."

Love this! Your creativity never ceases to amaze me.

Chapter Eighteen.

The afternoon after Christmas, Tara rode the escalator down towards baggage claim.  As she did, she scanned the faces down there.  She then saw Jim.  He was holding flowers and smiling at her.  As soon as she got to the bottom, she rushed towards him and gave him a big hug and kiss.  She said "I have missed you!"

Jim smiled and said "I have missed you too.  I brought you a little something" as he handed her the flowers.

She said "aww, they are so pretty.  And you are sweet."

Jim said "they aren't as pretty or as sweet as you."  Tara hugged him again and laid her head on his chest.  He said "your bag is supposed to be at four."

As they drove, Tara asked "is this the way to your house?"

Jim reached over with one hand and took hers.  He said "no, I wanted to surprise you with a dinner date.  I have missed you.  Plus, I did schedule my appointment in two days.  I am hoping that I won't feel like I did after getting my expander and not be able to eat, but just in case I want to enjoy some food.  With you."

She looked at him and said "aww... thank you.  Can I come?"

Jim said "I was hoping you would.  To hold my hand."

Tara responded "I would feel so honored.  Of course I will.  So, how was your Christmas?  How was your family."

He told her it was nice, everyone was well.  And then he said "next year, it will be more complicated.  We will have to coordinate how we see my family and yours, together.  So, how was your Christmas?  How was the fam?"

Tara was thinking about Christmas together as she said "it was good.  I hate I got delayed getting back and made you wait.  I do have one funny story though.  Well maybe not funny, but kind of embarrassing for me."

He said "well, you can't leave me hanging."

Tara said "well, as you know I was a good compliant patient and took my CTO with me.  I did not wear it out of my old bedroom.  But, yesterday morning, my younger sister Elise came in my room to wake me up to open presents.  She saw me wearing it and freaked out a little.  After her shock, and making fun of me, she did help me out of it.  And then of course, it become one of the topics of conversation at lunch.  My parents were so concerned if I was ok.  My sister thought it was just the funniest thing ever.  She egged me on to put it on and model it for everyone.  I wouldn't.  But later that evening, my sister in law Mackenzie, she is my older brother's wife, cornered me about my TMJ.  It seems she suffers from it too and had a million questions.  So, I did show her my appliances and explained how much they seemed to be helping, even if they are so obtrusive.  So who knows, maybe I won't be the only one in my extended family undergoing orthodontic treatment."

Jim said "oh baby, I am sorry she made fun of you.  But my expander was also the topic of conversation at Christmas."

Tara said "really it is ok.  I picked on Elise a little when we were kids.  Maybe this is karmic payback.  But it was ok.  It was good naturedly picking.  So, what did your family say about your expander?  Did you wear your mask in front of them?"

Jim said "goodness no I didn't wear it in front of them.  But I had it easier since they are local.  I just went to visit with them on Christmas eve and Christmas day.  But I didn't stay over.  There is only one person I trust enough to wear it in front of.  Because I know how sweet and understanding she is.  No, my sister asked me about my treatment.  She asked if I would be getting braces.  It seems she has been thinking about getting them herself.  She has a couple of teeth that are bothering her.  I gave her the contact info for our ortho.  I don't know if anything will come of it.  But it was interesting to learn she had been thinking about it.  You know, after starting treatment, I have had several people mention they have been thinking about it.  And I notice how many more adults actually have braces."

Tara giggled and said "braces are the new black".

Two afternoons later, two days before New Years, Tara and Jim sat waiting to be called.  While Tara did not have an official appointment, just to be safe she had brought her CTO and night-time appliance in it's plastic case.  Both were hidden in the draw string bag she had brought.  It was sitting in the chair beside her while Jim held a zippered bag hiding his mask and elastics.  As they spoke, they looked around the waiting area.  It was more sparsely occupied than normal.  There was only a mother with her teenage daughter and a black haired woman in a white medical coat waiting.  The mother and daughter were called back by Maggie soon after Tara and Jim sat down.  Tara glanced at the woman across from them.  She noticed her coat was embroidered 'Dr. Morales'.  She looked nervous and fidgety.

After about 10 minutes, Tara saw Alex emerge through the treatment room door.  She didn't even pay attention to the mother and daughter that followed behind her.  Nor did she pay attention as they walked over to Becky.  Tara couldn't take her eyes off of Alex.  She was wearing a CTO mask like her own. She had her blond hair pulled up into a bun on top of her head, her hearing aids very visible.  Not only that, she was wearing tortoise shell rimmed glasses.  The lenses were incredibly thick.  As Tara examined her face in profile, she saw one other thing. Instead of elastics she appeared to have thick metal springs emerging from her mouth.  Alex looked over and said "Dr. Morales, Dr. Brad is about to begin Megan's installation.  He asked if you would come on back.  I can start prepping you for your installation." 

Alex turned her whole body so she was facing towards the couple and said "Hi you two.  We will get you back shortly."

Jim quickly responded.  Tara was still shocked.  Alex registered the look on Tara’s face, she thought it was one of trepidation.  Alex said "yes, it is certainly a look isn't it?  But don't worry, I am sure Dr. Brad would never ask anyone but an employee to wear their CTO outside of the privacy of their own home.  Surely he wouldn't."

Chapter 19.

Tara and Jim continued to wait.  Jim remarked that he had never had to wait this long and went to speak briefly with Becky.  Returning beside Tara, he said "Becky said it shouldn't be too much longer.  She apologized, she said that had fallen a bit behind."

Ten minutes later, the treatment room door finally opened.  Alex said "Jim?  Tara?  Would you come on back."

As Tara followed along behind Alex and Jim, she noticed the dark haired woman from the reception area, Dr. Morales, was reclined back.  Dr. Brad was using the ratchet looking device, the one she had first seen used on Jim, to tighten something in the woman's mouth.  Maggie was sitting beside him watching intently. 

Alex got Jim seated in the treatment chair beside her and wheeled over a stool for Tara.  After sitting, from her close vantage point Tara briefly studied Dr. Morales' face.  Her eyes were wide open staring at the ceiling.  They were very red, like she had been crying.   Tara thought she looked like she was in a lot of discomfort.  Dr. Brad said "Olivia, you are doing great.  Just four more to go.  Are you ok?  Did those last couple hurt?"  Olivia just shook her head no.

Dr. Brad noticed Tara watching.  He turned to look at her and said "Dr. Morales is getting the second ever Miller Appliance installed.  The one I showed you at your consult.  I already got Megan all fitted into hers.  She is back in the lounge resting."  He turned to look at Dr. Morales and asked "Olivia, Miss Reynolds here is going to be getting an expander of her own in the future.  Would you mind if she looked on?"  Dr. Morales again nodded her head no.  Dr. Brad said "thank you Olivia."  He then turned to Tara and asked "would you like to wheel over a little closer?  Jim is in great hands with Alex.  Once we finish up here I will take a look at his progress.  It sounds like his suture split.  That is great news."  He then noticed the bag she was carrying.  He asked "did you bring your CTO?  Even though you don't have an appointment?  That is so thoughtful of you.  Once we get done with Jim and Olivia, I will make sure everything is on track with you too.  But first, why don't you take a look at a mini-screw assisted expander getting installed."

Dr. Brad turned and picked up a tiny screw from the metal tray beside the treatment chair.  He held it up to Tara and said "this is one of the screws.  Since everyone's mouth is a little different, and all our expanders are custom made, the screw length can vary between patients.  But this is a pretty standard one.  I am going to install it through one of the holes in Olivia's expander to anchor it into the bone of her hard palate.  I start at the back and work my way to the front.  She already has the four back ones placed, now all that is left are the four front ones."  After getting the screw started, Dr. Brad began tightening it with the ratchet.  As he did he explained "the anesthesia didn't completely numb Olivia on the first go around.  That is one reason we are running a little behind.  She felt the first one go in and we can't have that.  But now she is numbed up.  It doesn't hurt does it Olivia?"

She replied back "oh".  Tara thought she was trying to say no.

Dr. Brad continued "in addition to having to wait for the second round of anesthesia to take effect, both Megan and Olivia have eight screws.  That is the max number we use.  And as you can imagine, it takes a little longer to install 16 screws than it would 8 or 12.  Plus, the tongue cribs integrated into each of their appliances make it a little more awkward for me to install them.  I say all of that to tell you that this afternoon has taken longer than I expected.  I apologize you both had to wait so long.  But you guys are our last patients of the day, so I won't feel rushed to get either of you out of the chair.  And there, that is screw number 5.  Three more to go."  As Dr. Brad worked on installing the sixth screw, Tara looked at the appliance in the woman's mouth.  She felt sympathy for her.  There was so much metal on display Tara didn't know how she could manage it.  On the roof of Olivia's mouth was a huge expander.  It looked very similar to Jim's.  But, in addition to the top expander, there was also a huge tongue crib that hung down in front of it.  Tara could see it hung down past the bottom of her front teeth.  Along her lower palate was a hyrax expander that rested behind her front teeth.  Tara could tell it stuck up above her bottom teeth.  In addition, all of her teeth from her molars to her canines were fully banded, and several of the bands had cleats on the lingual side of them.  Tara thought that they would feel horrible on the tongue.  And finally, connecting Olivia's top and bottom arches was a set of locking twin-force telescopes like Alex wore.  It was more metal that Tara had ever seen in a person's mouth.  Tara was amazed that anyone would voluntarily elect to have something so large and obtrusive installed in their mouth.  Finally, Dr. Brad finished installing the eighth screw.  He excitedly announced to both Olivia and Tara "and that is all there is too it.  It was a piece of cake.  We are done with your installation Olivia.  I will let Maggie take you back to the lounge to relax a few minutes.  And then we can fit you and Megan with your CTO masks."  Tara watched as Maggie removed the lip retractor and blocks that had kept Olivia's mouth blocked wide open.  Tara noticed Olivia moving her mouth around, feeling everything.  She could also see her tongue feeling around, or trying to, trapped behind the fence now in her mouth.  Dr. Brad noticed this and said "it will take a few days to get acclimated to everything Olivia.  But, I know you will.  And speech will be a challenge, but you will adapt.  Now, let Maggie take you back to one of the massage chairs.  See how everything feels.  Let me know if you feel any sharp pains."  He gave her a big smile and then turned towards the treatment chair Jim occupied.

Dr. Brad rolled himself over and asked Alex, who was perched stiffly and awkwardly on the edge of her stool in her brace, "so, how does everything look?  Do we have a suture split?"

Alex replied "yes sir.  Jim's suture has definitely split.  And his hygiene looks good for the most part."

Dr. Brad said "wonderful, let me take a look."  After 30 seconds or so, using a pick to check a couple of spots, he leaned back and looked at Jim.  Dr. Brad said "Jim, you have done great.  It looks like you have been following the treatment plan to a T.  We have achieved the first part of the process.  Your suture is split.  To minimize the risk of assymetrical expansion, I believe slow and steady wins the race.  Really back off on your turning schedule if you have not already.  Just make one turn a day now, skipping Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.  That will only be four turns a week, at least until your next appointment.  Now that we have the lateral expansion underway and your suture is open, we need to really focus on protraction.  The next three to four months, before your sutures have refused, are critical for forward movement.  So, I would like to fit you with a CTO mask with springs, like Alex is wearing right now, for wear at home and while you sleep.  I really need you to be in protraction for at least 16 hours a day, with at least 12 of those in the CTO with the springs.  I don't like to give estimates on how long, but for at least the next four months."

Tara noticed Jim's face turn white.  She reached over and grabbed his hand.  She smiled at him and said "baby, it will be ok.  Now we will match."

Jim looked at Dr. Brad and said "but... sixteen hours a day."  Tara could see him doing the math in his head.  He continued "that only leaves 8 hours a day.  I work more than that most days.  And I CAN NOT wear that at work" as he pointed at Alex.  Jim immediately noticed the hurt look on Alex's face.  He said "no, I mean, I didn't mean it like that.  I am sorry Alex.  It's just... no, I can't do it."

Dr. Brad said "I understand work is a priority for our adult patients.  But Jim, the success of this whole process depends on the forward movement.  And the only way to get it is by wearing the needed appliances the needed amount of time.  How about this?  Wear it as much as you can during the week.  And then try to catch up on the weekends.  Would that work?  And you actually could wear it at work, at least in the office.  Look at Alex here.  She is wearing hers.  All while actively treating patients.  She is managing 20 hours a day now.  So is Mandy.  My sweet Megan needs to wear hers full time, 24 hours a day.  I know you can get in at least 16 on average."

Jim looked into Tara's face silently.  Tara knew he had a thousand thoughts running through his mind.   She patted him on the hand and said "just try it sweetie?  For me?  For us?  We can do this together."

Defeated Jim replied, looking at Tara and not Dr. Brad, "I will try."

Dr. Brad excitedly exclaimed "AWESOME!  I knew you would say that!  Because you are a great patient.  And I know you want this treatment to be a success too.  I mean, why go through all this time, money and discomfort not to get the best results.  Right?  Well, why don't you hop up and let me take a look at Tara since she is here." 

After swapping places, Dr. Brad briefly examined Tara's mouth with her daytime splint in.  He said "Tara, everything looks great with the daytime splint.  How are you feeling?  Less jaw pain?  Less headaches."

Tara said "actually, yes.  I am already feeling better.  That is one reason I am so dutiful about wearing my night time appliance.  That and the fact that Jim has been so sweet and understanding about it."

Dr. Brad said "that is great.  Having an understanding and supportive partner is important.  I didn't even realize you and Jim were a couple.  Is he who encouraged you to come see us?"

Tara said "we weren't a couple then.  We met here."

Dr. Brad's eyes lit up and he exclaimed "Really?!!  Oh wow, that IS exciting.  Bonding over bonding!"  He gave an uproarious laugh and said "sorry, orthodontic humor is a niche segment.  Anyway, congratulations you two.  I guess we are doing more than just fixing your bites and improving your health.  But, enough of me rambling.  Alex mentioned how hard it is to put on the CTO solo.  Have you figured that out?  Could you put in your nighttime appliance and put on your CTO for me?"

It took Tara a few minutes, but finally she got her nighttime appliance in her mouth and was all strapped into her CTO.  She asked "sho da ya wah me ta lah ma schopes ah puh eh ma bands?"

Dr. Brad said "no, no need for that.  But I would like you to keep your CTO on.  Can we go back to the lounge?  I need to fit Jim for his own CTO.  I can fit his current mask to it.  And I know Megan and Olivia are eager to get fitted into theirs as well, even though they are both nervous about it.  Seeing you and Alex so comfortable in them might help.  And Mandy.  Alex, will you grab her and a box of protraction springs please and meet us in the lounge?  Four sets of springs please?  I am going to move Tara into springs as well.  And go ahead and bump her wear time up to 16 hours a day too.  Her and Jim will be on the same wear time schedule then.  That should make it easier for the both of them."

After getting everyone fitted into their new CTO braces, shiny steel springs protruding from their mouths, Dr. Brad looked at them with pride.  Tara could already feel the added pressure from the springs and realized her mouth was going to be sore soon.  She turned her body towards the others and realized all of their mouths would soon be sore.  Especially poor Olivia's and Megan's she thought. 

Dr. Brad said "you all look incredible.  Fit, healthy, and working on getting even healthier.  This is so exciting.  The first day of your new lives!"  The looks on everyone's face but Dr. Brad's showed anything but excitement.  Instead there were looks of resigned discomfort or embarrassment.  He continued, upbeat, and said "Alex, Maggie, would you two please take Olivia back into a treatment chair and go over do's and don'ts, hygiene, all that stuff.  I think she will be able to manage getting her brace on and off just fine though, she is the expert."

He looked at Olivia and said "I know it seems like a lot Olivia.  But you will manage 20 hours a day no problem.  I mean, what more normal place to see an orthopedic brace than in a bracing clinic right?  Just like seeing staff in an orthodontic clinic with braces.  It just seems natural.  What do you say?"

This was the first time that Olivia had attempted to speak since getting her new appliance.  She struggled with "ah eh trah... Ow gah, I ke eun eek.  Ow gah." 

Dr. Brad looked at her and said "you sound great Olivia!  Really, I can understand you just fine.  And so will your patients.  I promise.  And look on the bright side, soon you won't be the only one in your office with a Miller Appliance and CTO Mask.  You are going to do great.  You all are.  I promise.  Now, go on with Alex and Maggie.  They will finish up your appointment."

He looked over at Tara and Jim.  He said "thank you both for being such great patients.  Please see Becky on the way out to make your follow up appointments.   You can take your braces off there in the waiting area.  Again, thank you."  He turned back towards Alex and Maggie and said "Alex, go ahead and get Olivia started with her hygiene, and Maggie go ahead and put together her care package.  I want to speak with my wife for a moment."

After everyone had departed the lounge, Dr. Brad walked over to his wife.  He said "I am proud of you kitten.  You look so sexy in your new outfit.  Your corset holding you tight?  Underneath your new CTO mask holding you upright?  All complimenting your new shiny mouth?  Well, I have never seen anything more incredible.  I know you aren't in love with it.  But I know you are a good girl and will wear everything like you should.  To make sure though, I am going to go ahead and lock your scopes shut and lock your springs on every morning.  That way you won't be tempted to cheat, even when you are at home with the kids and I am here at work.  Oh, just the thought of that...  And your new appliances and corset will be a constant reminder that I am right there with you.  And I have one more surprise for you when we get home."

Chapter 20.

That evening, Tara and Jim helped each other to clean the table and do dishes from their dinner.  After depositing the last plate into the dish washer and turning it on, Jim slid in behind Tara, who was still at the sink, and put his hands on her hips.  He said “thank you for being so supportive about this whole thing.  It is going to be an adjustment.  If it weren’t for you, I would have just stood up today and said no.  Even though I know I need to, I couldn’t have done it by myself.”

Tara turned towards him and gave him a quick kiss.  She laid both her hands on his chest and said “sweetie, I don’t think I could have done this without you.  If I had I would have been miserable about the whole thing.  But you, you have made this a good thing.  I can’t say it is exactly fun.  But I am glad I am doing it.  But only because of you.  Only because you have made me still feel beautiful and desirable, even when I look like a cyborg.”

Jim looked into her eyes and said “baby, you don’t look like a cyborg.  But if you did, you would be the sexiest cyborg ever.  Now me?  I look like a broken down robot ready for the scrap yard.”

Tara pursed her lips, a serious look on her face, and shook her head back and forth.  She said “you are not a robot.  And you are definitely not ready for the scrap yard.  We will figure this out.  Together.”  She kissed him, a long slow kiss.  She pulled back and smiled at him.  She said “we are going to have to definitely plan for a few breaks though.  Going 16 hours at a time without kissing is just not going to work for me.  But there are other things we can still do.  Come on love.  We both need to put on our braces.  I will help you.  And then we can figure out how this is going to work.”  She stepped towards their bedroom.  He stood firmly in place not moving.

Tara reached out and took his hand.  She said “come on baby, we need to put on our braces and springs.  I know you don’t want to.  I don’t want to.  But we need to.  I promise I will try to make you forget all about it.”  She gave him a mischievous smile and said “your little cyborg girl is feeling a little squeaky.  She needs you to check her oil with your big dipstick.  Come on baby.”

Jim managed a smile and said “you know me too well.  I am a sucker for a girl in distress.  Even a little cyborg girl.  Or maybe especially my little cyborg girl.”

She stepped over and playfully swatted him on the arm.  She said “you are mean.”  She was smiling as she said it.

He looked at her “I don’t know how this will work.  But let’s find out.”

Tara turned, his hand in hers, and headed towards the bathroom.  She said “we will figure it out.  Maybe you can fix this squeak I am feeling.”

The dynamic was a little different at the Millers.  After getting their oldest to bed and nursing their newborn and putting him in his crib, Megan followed Dr. Brad into their bedroom.  Dr. Brad instructed Megan to sit on the bed.  He stood over her and stared down at her.  She sat looking down at the floor.  Dr. Brad instructed her “look at me kitten.”  Megan looked up at him.  He said “I know it is hard kitten.  I know eating was so difficult for you tonight.  Your mouth hurts.  And speaking is a challenge for you too.  But it will get easier for you.  I know this is all an adjustment for you.  That is why I have given you a break this evening.  A break from the CTO.  I will continue this for a few nights.  But eventually, we will work you up to 24 hour wear.” 

He reached down and put his hands on her waist.  He said “you look so incredible in your new corset.  Just stunning.  Even though I know it is an adjustment as well.  But you are such a good kitten.  Now, what do you say we go get your appliances cleaned up, your expanders turned and get you into your CTO.  Then I will show you your other new present.  Come on kitten.”

As Megan stood she replied “ye shu.”

In the bathroom, Dr. Brad guided Megan in front of the mirror.  He said “you need to remove your contacts.  It will be easier now than after we put your CTO on.  So, go ahead and get your contacts out and we will turn your lovely expanders.”

Megan involuntarily whimpered as Dr. Brad turned her expanders.  After he was done he stroked her cheek.  He looked at her and consoled her “I am sorry kitten.  But it is crucial to your training.”  He smiled and said “I mean treatment.  And it will get easier.  Now, let’s get your CTO on.”

Dr. Brad stood looking, marveling really, at this beautiful creature in front of him.  He thought she looked amazing, her tight overbust corset, CTO brace and facemask transforming her into the woman of his dreams.  He caressed her upper arm and said “I am such a lucky man.”

Megan said “eh ah so luee too shu.”  The truth is, there was a large part of her that hated the pain she was feeling in her mouth and the restriction the corset and brace had on her body.  But another part of her, a very important part of her, loved it.  It was a dream come true.  She really did feel lucky to have found Brad.  They were both different.  But they fit together perfectly.  He was stern with her.  If others had known what their relationship dynamic really was, some might have thought him cruel at times.  But Megan knew at it’s core it was driven by love.  She knew he did it out of love for her.  She loved him too.  Even though he had fitted her with these intrusive devices.  In fact, she might love him even more because of it.  Because she knew, deep down, she needed this.

Her thoughts were broken by Dr. Brad saying “just a couple of more things.  Open for me kitten.”  It took a few minutes, but Dr. Brad got the springs locked onto her expander hooks and then hooked them onto her protraction mask.  He finished up by turning the screws on the scopes on each side of her mouth, firmly locking it shut.  He said “you are so beautiful and sexy.  And you know I want to protect that which is dearest to me.  To keep it locked up safe and sound.  You are my most prized possession.  Please, stay here a minute.”

He returned with her sleep mask from the bedside table.  He gently placed it over her face.  He said “I want to surprise you with your new gift.”  She sensed him return a few moments later.  He didn’t speak as she felt him wrap something around her waist.  When she felt him pull it up between her legs she knew what it was.  They had talked about it in the past.  It was something that she had wanted, but Dr. Brad had not seemed enthused by.  But as she felt him pull hard to mate it together she knew what it was.  The click of the lock was further proof.  He said “it is beautiful.  A perfect fit for a perfect kitten.”

He pulled her sleep mask up.  She looked at her reflection in the mirror.  Her eyes were focused on the shiny stainless steel chastity belt wrapped around her.  Dr. Brad asked “what does kitten think?  I know she has been wanting one.”

Megan turned.  She was so overcome she forgot about the rules they had.  She stiffly wrapped him in a hug, squeezing him tight.  She said “eh ish sa itty.  Sa booful.  Eh lu eh.  Tha ya shu.”

Dr. Brad was so happy with her reaction he didn’t even say anything about her breaking their rules. Instead, he just hugged her back, running his hand over the back of her head and base of her neck brace.  He said “I am so glad you are happy.”

Megan whispered “eh yu pramsh ta tay cah uh yu itten.  Weh yu leh huh ou ta ay eh sha ish eh a goo gah?”

Dr. Brad squeezed her tight and replied “I will always take care of you kitten.  I would lay down my life for you.  And of course I will let you out when you are a good girl.  And you have been such a good girl today.  Come with me and I will show you.”

I was off grid for much of December but am starting to get caught up on the stories here and I have to say about this one that you had a great way to get more than the normal number of characters in a story getting braces and I liked the reason it was so many of them.  I've often challenged myself to have a disproportionately large percentage of characters in a story in braces without it seeming outside the realms of reality.  This was a great concept.  There are a lot of very interesting characters in this story and I like how you developed them.

Chapter Twenty Two.

That evening also marked a change in Megan's life.  Not because of Beverly Willingham's announcement that she was running for governor; Dr. Brad and Megan had not even watched the news that night and were unaware of it at the time; but for another reason.  After getting the children settled, Megan performed her oral hygiene in preparation for bed.  She was still wearing her corset, but Dr. Brad had removed her CTO.  Dr. Brad came in and wrapped his arms around her as she used her Waterpik on her expander and whispered "I am so proud of you kitten.  You have been doing so good getting adjusted to everything.  You are speaking so much better.  And I am so proud of how well you have adapted to eating in your CTO.  I want to reward you just as soon as we get done with your turns."

After Brad had finished turning her expanders, Megan stood up straight so that Brad could reapply her CTO brace and lock her jaw for the night.  He surprised her when he said "not tonight kitten, tonight you get a reward.  Because I think you are ready.  Tomorrow, I will have you start wearing your CTO full time.  But not tonight.  I want you to enjoy one last night without it.  Without any of it."  He reached down and unlocked her belt and gently removed it from her.  He took her by the hand and led her into their bedroom.  Entering the bedroom, she could see that while the lights were off, he had lit several candles on each nightstand. He had placed fresh flowers in a vase on her side of the bed.  Megan thought it so thoughtful.  And sexy.  He stopped her at the foot of the bed.  Standing behind her he untied the knot on her corset and loosened the laces.  He whispered "you are so sexy.  The most beautiful kitten.  And unlacing you is like opening the most wonderful present in the whole world."

Being so soon after birth, the two simply cuddled in bed, Brad caressing and touching her.  Megan did not speak much per their rules, only replying to Brad's inquiries.  He again told her "you are so amazing kitten.  I hope you have enjoyed tonight."

She looked at him and said "thahnk you shir.  I have enjoyed it."

He leaned in and kissed her.  He said "I am just amazed how well you are speaking.  You have worked so hard.  Reading out loud, practicing.  I really am proud of you.  And I know you hate the tongue crib.  But it is necessary.  Have you come to terms with your CTO?  I think you have.  But either way, tomorrow you will have to."

Megan realized while it had been an adjustment getting used to, she was actually missing the feeling of her corset and neck brace.  She answered "yesh shir.  I have come to termsh with it.  I actually mish not wearing it."

Brad cocked his head on his pillow and asked "really kitten?"

Megan answered "yesh shir.  The constriction and immobolization are hard to get ushed to.  But I am ushed to it now.  Now it jusht reminds me of you.  It ish like you have me wrapped in a tight embrace, even when I am not with you.  But sir, your kitten still needsh to run errands, go grocery shopping, pay billsh.  How will she do that wearing her CTO full time and not being able to drive?"

Brad said "you are so thoughtful.  But I have thought of that.  I am always thinking of you and your needs above everything else.  I have a solution.  On Mondays and Fridays I will give you a break from your CTO during the day.  I have had a sleep well mask made for you.  I will have you wear this on these days.  You will be able to drive and do all of your household duties while wearing it."

Megan looked at him and said "thank you shir.  Shir, I hope I am not out of line, but will kitten have to wear her mashk in public?  Your kitten ish scared people will shtare and make fun of her."

Brad petted her intimately and said "yes kitten.  But you will be fine.  You are the most incredible creature in the whole world.  Who cares what lesser people think?  Let them stare.  It will only be because you are the most beautiful and seductive woman in the world.  Your sleep well mask will just make you that much more seductive.  But kitten, don't worry about that tonight.  Enjoy this last night of freedom."

The next morning, both Brad and Megan got dressed for the day.  Megan donned her corset out of habit. They had already attended to their children, and there was just one last thing to do before Brad left for the day.
 
Brad looked at Megan and asked "is kitten ready?"

Megan smiled at him and then answered "yesh shir."

Brad first locked her belt on, pocketing the key.  He then gently applied her CTO brace, caressing her body as he did.  One she was strapped in, he attached the springs from the hooks in her mouth to the posts on her mask.  He picked up a pair of needle nose pliers and squeezed the ends of the springs where they attached to the mask.  He said "kitten's springs are now secured permanently to her mask."  He then took the little torx driver and tightened down the covers integrated into her appliance.  As Megan felt the screw bottom out, she felt a shiver run through her body.  Brad smiled at her and said "and now kitten's springs are secured in her mouth until I remove them."  Finally, he tightened the screws on the scopes on her mouth.  He wrapped her in a hug and kissed her on the cheek.  He felt the tremor run through Megan's body.  He asked "does kitten like that?"

Megan looked at him and said "yesh shir, thank you.  Your kitten is happy."

Brad squeezed her and said "I love you so much."

That Friday afternoon, at the end of the day after they were done seeing patients, Becky looked up with a big smile on her face as Megan approached the reception desk.  Becky practically shouted "Megan!  Oh look at him, he is just the cutest thing ever."  Megan stood there smiling, the metal springs protruding from her mouth connected to her mask, with one arm wrapped under her newborn resting in the papoose sling she had on and her other hand holding onto the hand of her oldest.  Becky said "you have your hands full!"

Megan smiled and said "if you only knew."

Becky laughed, oblivious to what Megan was really talking about.  Becky said "Come on back, I know all the girls can't wait to meet Chance.  And I just know Maggie will want to play with William."

When Dr. Brad saw Megan trailing behind Becky, he gave her a big smile and said "honey!  Thank you for coming.  The girls have just been dying to meet Chance.  How about we all head back to the lounge?"  By now, Maggie and Alex had noticed Megan.

Alex rushed over and bent over stiffly at the waist, cooing over the newborn, while Maggie knelt down and hugged William.  Dr. Brad said "why don't you girls head on back to the lounge.  I will let Lisa, Mandy and Janice know.  I know they can't wait to meet him.  But first..."  He walked over and gave Megan a peck on the cheek.

In the lounge, Dr. Brad stood beside Megan watching on as the ladies cooed over the newborn, taking turns holding him, all the time saying how beautiful, handsome, and perfect he was.  They both looked on with pride.  Dr. Brad looked on with pride over his son.  But also the fact that three of his girls; Alex, Mandy and Lisa; were all wearing their CTO braces.  As they fussed over the baby, it looked like they had forgotten they were even wearing them.  At least for the moment.  Megan also looked on with pride.  She too was proud of her son.  But she also was proud of what a good kitten she was.  Dr. Brad wrapped his arm around Megans waist. The loose fitting dress she wore underneath the bulky papoose sling hid the silhouette of her body and hid from view what was underneath her outerwear.  When he felt the belt, he turned his head towards her and said, loud enough for everyone to hear, "I love you so much honey.  You are just the best wife and best mother."   Then he leaned in and whispered in her ear so that only she could hear "and the best kitten."  She swelled with pride even further.

Across town, Tara sat in the passenger seat of Jim's SUV as he pulled up the long tree lined drive of Beverly and Tim Willingham's home.  They had a 5 pm meet and greet for Beverly's new campaign team, followed by dinner.  After parking behind another vehicle, Jim turned the SUV off.  Tara looked at him and asked "am I doing the right thing baby?  I am so scared.  It is such a change."

Jim grabbed her hand and looked into her eyes.  He said "I can't predict the future.  But it sounds like an incredible opportunity Tara."

Tara said "but what if she doesn't win?"

Jim said "remember, you didn't just sign on for Bev's campaign.  You are employed by Willingham, Roberts and Bounds.  Bev has assured you that whatever happens, you have a place there.  And frankly, even if Bev hadn't decided to run, the position at Bounds sounds so much more interesting than your current job.  Or I guess next Friday it will be your old job.  But whatever, this is so exciting."

Tara said "it is exciting.  But it is scary.  There is one other thing that I am nervous about."

Jim asked "what is that sweetie?"

Tara said "most likely I will be getting my fixed appliances towards the end of the campaign.  I am so afraid I will get the Miller Appliance.  From looking at Facebook, it looks like Dr. Brad is using it on just about everyone now.  And prescribing a CTO for 20 hours a day.  Did you see the picture they posted earlier this week?  The picture of Alex, Mandy and Lisa from Dr. Brad's office along with Dr. Morales and her four staff members?  All wearing Miller appliances and CTO braces?  And did you not see the caption?  That they were all wearing them 20 hours a day?  How will I manage being somewhat in the public spotlight, having to talk with so many people, with that... monstrosity." 

Jim replied "he doesn't use it on everyone."  He smiled at her and said "see? No lower expander, no hydraulics, no tongue crib.  I am sure he will work with you.  And if you do need it, so what?  No one will think less of you.  I know I won't.  And if anyone will understand it will be Bev."  He patted her hand before taking it in his.  He said "let's go in and meet everyone.  Tonight will be fun.  This is exciting."

Tara walked hand in hand with Jim towards the front door.  She knew she should be excited.  But she wasn't.  She instead felt a sense of dread.  Because despite the pep talk Jim had given her, she just knew she was going to be getting a Miller appliance.  And she wondered, how in the world will I manage to be Beverly Willingham's campaign finance coordinator if I can't even talk?  Or worse she thought, can't talk AND have to wear a CTO brace for 20 or more hours a day.  A shudder ran through her, but it was very different from the one that had earlier run through Megan.

You are doing very well  with your phantasy story becoming more and more complex.

Can´t wait for the next chapter. 

Who knew Dr. Brad was such a sadist? How far will he go?

I've updated my file in TheArchive to include the latest chapter, and hope there is going to be more to read.

Chapter Twenty Six.

Being a Saturday, Tara and Jim had planned on a leisurely day.  Tara awoke to find the bed beside her empty.  She stiffly got out of bed and made her way to the kitchen still wearing her CTO, noticing that Jim's was laying on the floor beside the nightstand.  She found him sitting at the kitchen table reading the newspaper, a spread of untouched breakfast lay out in front of him.  As she approached Jim turned his head towards her and gave her a pained smile.  He said "good morning baby.  I made us breakfast.  Although I'm not sure I can eat."

Tara came and sat in his lap.  With her nighttime appliance in talking was still difficult for her.  She asked "wah ish eh bae?  Mouf hurtin?"

Jim replied "I try not to complain too much, but yes my mouth is killing me.  These new screws are so sore.  My mouth is on fire.  And those six elastics I wore last night pulled my head inside out."  She shifted her body against him and whispered "thah ya fa breafash, but there ish sumpin elsh I'd rather have firsht."  She arched her eyebrows and gave him a sly smile.  Despite everything she was wearing, Jim still found her so beautiful and sexy.  He lifted her up, swatted her on the bottom and said "be careful what you wish for young lady or you just might get it."

That evening as the two waited to be seated at Bellini's, an Italian restaurant they both loved, Tara excused herself to use the restroom.  As she returned, she was surprised to see a familiar face.  Alex was sitting across from a man whom Tara assumed to be her husband.  She didn't want to intrude on their dinner, but neither did she want to be rude.  She turned so she would walk by their table.  As she approached, Alex noticed her.  A big metallic smile broke out on her face.  Tara watched as Alex struggled to get out of the booth.  She wondered why until she caught the flash of stainless steel and white plastic around her ankles that was largely hidden by the elegant black dress that Alex was wearing.  Finally getting to her feet, Alex took a few stiff, clumsy steps towards Tara and said "Hi!  Small world!  How are you?"

Tara gave her a big smile back, her daytime splint just visible behind her lower teeth and her new hooks visible on her upper arch.  She said "I am wonderful!  So good to see you.  How are you?"

By now the man with Alex had stood and had his arm wrapped around her waist protectively.  Alex said "You got you some new hooks!  Congratulations.  Making progress.  As for me, I am ok.  I am having to relearn how to walk thanks to Dr. Morales.  But that is a whole other story.  Let me introduce you to my husband."  After they had made their introductions, Alex said "are you here with Jim?"  Tara answered affirmatively.  Alex asked "how is he?  Even though I was out yesterday, I know he was supposed to get some more tads placed.  How is he feeling?"

Tara looked over Alex's shoulder and said "speak of the devil.  Why don't you ask him yourself?"

Jim walked up and said "Hey babe, I was worried you got lost.  Oh, Alex, hi!"

Alex turned and said "we were just talking about you.  How are you feeling?"

Jim said "honestly?  Pretty sore today.  But it is better this evening than last night or this morning."

Alex said "You are wearing your elastics!  Yay!  Good job!  I promise it will get easier.  Anytime you get tads installed they will be sore for a few days.  Plus what is that now, a total of ten in your mouth?  That is a lot.  But again, it is just part of the process."

Tara asked "so Maggie and Dr. Brad mentioned you hurt your ankle?  How are you?"

Alex pulled her dress up slightly showing one of the hinged ankle braces she was wearing and said "well, I just have more hardware.  I am turning into a robot it seems.  I have some pretty bad instability in both my ankles, so Dr. Morales fit me with a couple of ankle braces.  She is having some custom ones made for me that she says will be more comfortable and less obtrusive, but for now I have these two clunkers."   She wrapped her arm around her husband and said "baby, I am sorry you married a lemon."

He replied "you are anything but that.  I know I way outkicked my coverage with you. I like you AND your hardware.  Now it will be harder for you to run away from me" and laughed.

The hostess walked up and interrupted, saying "Mr. Simpson? Your table is ready."

Alex said "oh poo.  I wish we had known we were both going to be here.  We could have doubled.  Maybe another time?"

Tara smiled at her and said "absolutely!  That would be fun."

Alex said "well you have my number.  Hey it was so good to see you two!  And you are both doing so good.  Enjoy your evening!  The special 7 cheese lasagna they have tonight is to die for by the way.  Even if it is going to take me all night to clean it out of my expander.  Seriously, give me a call."

Tara leaned in and gave Alex a hug.  She said "thank you.  Thank you for everything.  And I will.  A double date sounds like fun.  I don't think I have been on one since college."

As Tara followed Jim and the hostess away, she turned and watched as Alex's husband helped her back into the booth.  She wondered what it would be like to have to wear ankle braces all the time.  She thought it surely couldn't be fun.  But Alex seemed to be taking it in stride.  And it could always be worse.  Tara thought of Ellen, the woman they had seen the day before fully braced from head to toe.  Tara then thought about her own right knee, it had been bothering her off and on for the last year.  She had been wearing a compression sleeve over it when she ran, but it seemed to be slowly becoming more painful.  She thought she might should schedule an appointment with Dr Morales herself.  Just to see what she said.  What is the worst that could happen she thought?

The intrigue! As long as the worst thing that could happen isn’t the same fate as Jennifer, Mel, Sarah, and Peter, I’m all in. I don’t know if I can take any more tragedies with characters I get so invested in. 

The special 7 cheese lasagna they have tonight is to die for by the way.

This is troubling though.

What is the worst that may happen?

The best might be a kafo! 

Chapter Twenty Eight:

Tara made her way back to the lounge.  She noticed Maggie and Mandy still at the bistro, chatting away with Lisa and Janice, who had apparently joined them while Tara was with Dr. Brad.  They were so engrossed with their lunches and their conversation they didn't even pay attention to Tara.  Tara turned her head to see Alex sitting in one of the massage chairs, her eyes closed.

Tara made her way over to the chair.  As she looked down she noticed something peculiar.  Underneath Alex's scrubs, around her quads and her knees, there was something angular printing against her pants.  Tara said "hey!  I am ready when you are."

Alex jumped a little as she snapped her eyes open and said "oh, you schared me."  Tara could see and hear she had her tongue crib in.

Tara smiled and said "sorry."  She watched as Alex reached over and turned the chair off.  Then, she attempted to stand up.  After two unsuccessful tries, she rose up and fell back both times, Tara noticed her face becoming red and upset.  Tara still didn't know what exactly was going on, but remembering Ellen she thought she might know.  Alex was wearing leg braces under her scrubs.  Tara didn't say anything about them but instead stepped in front of Alex and held her arms out.  Alex took them and pulled herself up to a standing position.  Tara simply smiled at her, unsure of what to say.

Alex said "thank you.  It ish sho embarrassing.  Mortifying."

Tara cocked her head and asked "what is?"

Alex knocked on her thigh with her knuckle, the hollow sound very audible.  She said "my new KAFOSh.  I picked them up on Friday.  They are sho musch bigger than I wash expecting.  Come on, I will tell you about them at lunsch."

Alex walked stiffly over to the counter and opened up one of the cabinets.  She pulled her purse out and placed it on the counter.  She unzipped it and removed her retainer case and deftly removed her tongue crib from her mouth, placing it into the case.  When she went to place it in her purse, it slipped from her hand, bounced off her purse, and landed on the floor.  She attempted to bend over.  She couldn't reach it.  She tried squatting down, which didn't work either.  Tara bent over and said "here, I've got it" as she picked it up off the floor.

Straightening back up, Tara looked into Alex's face.  It looked like she was on the verge of tears.  Tara handed the case to Alex with her right hand and placed her left hand on Alex's upper arm.  Tara said "it's ok, this is what friends are for.  Come on, I am starving."  She noticed Alex blink a couple of times then reach up and wipe the excess moisture from her eyes.  Tara said "come on, I will drive."

Out at her car, Tara helped Alex into the passenger seat.  She still hadn't gotten a look at the braces Alex was wearing.  But from the way she moved, it was obvious they were very restrictive.  And it was very obvious Alex was not used to them.  Once she was in the driver's seat, she looked over at Alex who had her head turned, looking vacantly out the passenger window.  Tara asked "so where is a good place to eat around here?  You choose since you are buying."

Alex said simply "I don't really care.  I'm not even hungry."

Tara reached over and placed her hand on top of Alex's.  She said "ok.  Do you want to talk?"  Alex just looked at her.  Tara continued "I don't know if you remember, but I had a little cry of my own right inside the office.  You helped me so much.  You have continued to help.  Is there anything I can do?"

Alex said "I am so depressed about this."

Tara looked at her and asked "your leg braces?"

This seemed to break the dam for Alex.  She animatedly said "YES!  These stupid leg braces.  See, I knew you could see them through my scrubs.  And even if you couldn't, I know you couldn't help but notice how I am tottering around like a new born.  I was expecting a petit little pair of ankle braces.  No big deal right?  But no!  Dr. Morales said my blood work came back and I have mild ehlers danlos myself.  That is why I kept twisting my ankles.  She said if she just braced my ankles, she was afraid that it would put the stress on my knees, and I would have problems with hyperextension and dislocations in them.  So, she fit me with this huge pair of plastic and steel braces.  They start under my foot and go all the way up to my pelvis with hinges at the ankles and knees.  They look horrible.  They feel horrible.  I can't move right.  It is just horrible.  On top of that, Dr. Brad still wants me to wear my CTO 20 hours a day."  She finally broke into tears.

Tara leaned over and wrapped her arms around her.  She cooed "Alex, I am so sorry.  I can't imagine what they are like.  But, I most definitely know what the CTO is like.  I know it isn't fun.  I am sorry, what can I do?"

Alex quit crying.  She whimpered "nothing, there isn't anything anybody can do.  I am broken.  I just know Marc is going to break off the engagement.  My whole life is in tatters."

Tara rubbed her hand on Alex's back and responded "no, that isn't true.  I know he loves you.  I could see that just from the little time at the restaurant the other night.  In fact, I thought he was your husband the way you two acted with each other.  Has he said anything about this?  Been mean?"

Alex said "no, he has been so sweet and understanding.  But I know deep down he doesn't want to be with me, with anybody that has as many problems as me."

Tara responded "you mean problems like being beautiful, smart, funny, a hardworker, and obviously in love with him?  You mean problems like that?"

Alex said "no, you know what I mean."

Tara said "I don't know what you mean.  Tell me why you think he doesn't want to be with you?  What has he done or said that indicated that?"

Alex said "nothing.  He has been so sweet.  So understanding.  So gentle.  But how could anyone want this?"  Alex pushed away from Tara and gestured to herself.

Tara said "that is an easy one, I thought you might have some tough questions.  He wants you because of you.  He knows you.  He loves you.  He doesn't care about some silly brace, he simply loves the woman that is wearing it.  That is how."

Alex looked at her and wiped her eyes in silence. 

Tara said "I know you said you aren't hungry, but let's get something anyway."

Pulling back into the parking lot an hour later, Alex said "thank you.  Thank you so much.  For listening.  And for lunch.  I feel so much better.  I guess maybe I was hangry."  She gave Tara a little smile, the first one Tara had seen from her.  She continued "and I am sorry if I ambushed you today.  Dr. Brad did want to talk to you.  But I did too.  I wanted to vent to someone.  I didn't want to do it to one of the girls in the office.  And I sure couldn't talk to Marc about, well, Marc.  Not like this.  Thank you.  So much.  Are you really going to make me?"

As she turned the car off, Tara smiled back and said "absolutely I am.  This Friday.  Marc, Jim, me, you.  And your cute KAFOS.  It is a date.  And you cannot back out.  And I will let you in on a little secret. I had a really good time today.  And it is me who should be thanking you.  You bought."

Alex smiled back at Tara.   Tara was glad to see her friend smiling.  Alex said "thank Dr. Brad, he paid for it.  Hey I have to run."  Alex laughed and said "ok, maybe not run.  I have to waddle.  But thank you so much."

Tara patted her hand and said "you will get the hang of it.  It will get easier.  You will have it down in no time.  But until then, do you want me to help you out?"

Alex shook her head, a determined look on her face, and said "no, absolutely not.  I need to do this myself."  To Tara's surprise, Alex got out of the car on the first try with relative ease.  Tara shouted "see, nothing to it" as Alex closed the door.  Tara then got out of the car.  As Alex walked around the back of the vehicle, Tara met her at the back bumper.  Tara stuck her arms out and said "come here."  She gave Alex a hug.

Alex pulled away and said "again, thank you so much.  Is there anything I can do for you?"

Tara shook her head and said "nope, you just better not try and back out of our date." 

Alex leaned back in and gave Tara the hug this time.  She said "I won't.  I promise.  And I owe you."

After Alex had released her, Tara said "you owe me nothing.  This is what friends do for each other."  Then a thought popped into her head.  She looked at Alex as she pulled her retainer case with her tongue crib out of her purse.  Tara said "I do have a question.  What was that thing that Dr. Brad was fitting on that patient?  You and Maggie were having to help her.  Or were you having to hold her?  Anyway, it looked terrifying."

Alex hesitated putting in her tongue crib.  She said "Dr. Brad needs to quit inventing things.  That is a new headgear he just invented.  It can be used for both retractive headgear, you know the silver facebow and straps around the head and or neck, or reverse pull headgear, like we wear.  It is like an interlandi headcap, facemask, and chincup mated with a motorcycle helmet .  Like his Miller appliance, one appliance that can do it all.  But like the Miller it is so big.  And it is just so obtrusive.  And that is saying something since we both wear his CTO.  I felt bad fitting it on her.  But she only has to wear it at home.  I don't think Dr. Brad remembers what it is like.  Or he thinks anyone will just wear anything as long as it is only at home.  But this new device?  I really hope he doesn't start using it on many patients."  She went quiet a second and added "please don't tell him I said that.  I mean, it's just..."

Tara said "I understand, I won't.  Now, run along.  And yes, I mean run along."

Alex gave a laugh and then added "well, our definitions of running apparently are different.  I am really nervous about this Friday.  But really excited."

Tara squeeled "we will have fun.  I promise.  Leg braces or no leg braces."

Dr. Brad had been watching the pair through the blinds in his office.  He thought it a shame that neither of the women were wearing their CTO braces.  He also watched Alex's gate in her new KAFOs as she made her way to the door.  He felt sympathy for her.  He knew she hated them and her first few days back at work with them had been tough on her.  But he thought, they are for her own good, to protect her ankles and knees.  So while she doesn't like them, she needs them.  He then thought of his beautiful wife Megan.  While she did have "off days" from her CTO, today was not one of them.  He thought of her managing all of her day to day stay at home mom duties while wearing her corset, belt and CTO; her mouth filled and locked shut by her Miller appliance.  Thinking about it made him want to get home to her.  He thought further.  While she had never had issues with joint instability, you can never be too careful he thought.  Especially with two kids.  No, he would hate for his Megan to ever twist her ankle or knee.  He walked over to his desk and dialed Dr. Morales' office.

What would happen if Jerry Jones sold the Cowboys to a new owner?  A new owner who had made his billions selling dental equipment.  And who, now that he owns the Cowboys, thinks it would be great marketing for his primary business to get all the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders, America’s Sweethearts, into his company’s brackets and archwires.  The ladies would accept it.  But then, his orthodontic division’s launch of a new extraoral device,  that he had sunk tens of millions into, failed.  No patient would wear it.  No orthodontist would prescribe it.  It was just to big.  But he had an idea. 

It failed because it was so massive, obtrusive and uncomfortable to wear.  It just looked nerdy.  But it could be used for both retractive and protractive cases.  What orthodontist wouldn’t want one appliance that could do it all?  Apparently all of them because it was SO big that no patient would wear it.  The product launch failed horribly.

But what if America’s Sweethearts showed up wearing it at games?  And promotional events.  Heck all the time, even when they were going grocery shopping or going to the gym. To generate a buzz about the product?  To get people asking ‘what is that’?  To turn this new… helmet for lack of a better word… into a fashion statement.  Maybe that would revive the product he thought would be so successful.  After all, he had already lost $27 million on it.  And he did own the Cowboys….

Just an idea that ran through my head.

Alex hesitated putting in her tongue crib.  She said "Dr. Brad needs to quit inventing things.  That is a new headgear he just invented.  It can be used for both retractive headgear, you know the silver facebow and straps around the head and or neck, or reverse pull headgear, like we wear.  It is like an interlandi headcap, facemask, and chincup mated with a motorcycle helmet .  Like his Miller appliance, one appliance that can do it all.  But like the Miller it is so big.  And it is just so obtrusive.  And that is saying something since we both wear his CTO.  I felt bad fitting it on her.  But she only has to wear it at home.  I don't think Dr. Brad remembers what it is like.  Or he thinks anyone will just wear anything as long as it is only at home.  But this new device?  I really hope he doesn't start using it on many patients."  She went quiet a second and added "please don't tell him I said that.  I mean, it's just..."

Hmmm, the ideas seem connected.

I’m enjoying all the twists and turns this story keeps taking. I can’t wait to see where it goes next! Thanks mr_90proof!

Thank you for already quiet a lot of surprises. 

Chapter Thirty:

Dr. Brad stared at Janice silently.  After a moment, Janice said "I hope you aren't upset."

Dr. Brad snapped out of thought and replied "I am upset.  But I am not upset with you Janice.  I have a lot to think about.  And do you really want me to fit you with a CTO and headgear?  They aren't compatible at this time.  You wouldn't be able to wear them at the same time.  But... I would like to have someone in the office wearing them.  I mean, like you said, I am proud of them.  And I do want to show them off.  If you want to, I will."

Janice gave an exaggerated smile and said "well, I do have braces now.  So it wouldn't seem that unusual to have some extraoral components.  I won't say that I really want to or relish the idea of it.  I know it will be an adjustment.  But I am willing to do it.  For you.  Like I said, you are like a son to me."

Dr. Brad said "let me think about it Janice.  I have a lot to think about."  He glanced at the clock on the wall.  He said "we have about 10 minutes until we open back up, but we already have one patient in the waiting room.  Would you do me a favor and gather up everyone but Becky in the lounge?  I want to have a quick word."

A few minutes later, Dr. Brad entered the lounge to find the group.  Mandy, Maggie, Lisa and Alex were all being good compliant patients and were wearing their CTO masks.  They were talking amongst themselves as Dr. Brad walked in.  As he walked over he could hear Mandy ask "I wonder what this is about?"  Dr. Brad announced "my goodness what a good looking group.  You all look stunning in your CTOs."

The group quit talking and stiffly turned their bodies in his direction.  Dr. Brad said "I am so proud of all of you.  You really are just the best staff ever.  And you all look so good in your CTOs.  But I have been doing a little thinking.  At least for the rest of today and tomorrow, I think you have earned a break from them here at work.  If you want of course.  I am not making you take them off.  But if you want to please do.  Tomorrow afternoon we will talk about new wear schedules for everyone.  I think we need to adjust them to account for the work week versus the weekend."

The group didn't move or speak.  They cut their eyes in each other's direction seeing what the others would do. 

After a moment, Janice walked over in front of Alex.  She began unbuckling Alex's CTO as she said "Alex, you first."

As Janice helped Alex out of her brace, Mandy and Maggie also began removing theirs.  Lisa did not.  Dr. Brad looked at her and asked "Lisa, really, if you want to take yours off you can."

Lisa said "thank you Dr. Brad.   I will later today for my myofunctional appointments.  I will keep it on until then.  I know the more I wear it the better."

Without a word, Janice cut her eyes over towards Dr. Brad and gave him a knowing look.

Dr. Brad said "Lisa, you are amazing." 

As soon as Janice had removed Alex's CTO, Alex gave her a big hug.  She said "thank you sho, sho musch."

Janice patted her on the back and said "don't thank me, thank Brad.  Dr. Brad made this decision, not me."  Alex released her hold of Janice and looked at her.  Janice saw the look on Alex's face.  Once again, it looked like she might cry.  Janice said "baby girl, don't cry.  But if you do I hope they are happy tears."

Alex composed herself and gave Janice a smile.  Alex apologized "I am shorry.  It hash jusht been an emotional week.  And yesh, they would have been happy tearsh."  Dr. Brad looked on surprised.  He had no idea that Alex had been having such an emotional time.  But knowing they had a patient already waiting, he said enthusiastically "ok, let's snap to it.  We have patients to see."

He stood there as Janice, Maggie and Mandy all stepped over and placed the braces on the counter.  As they did so, Lisa walked by in front of him.  Dr. Brad said "Lisa, thank you." 

She gave him a thumbs up and replied "hey, the more I wear it the quicker I am done.  Right?"

Dr. Brad said "that is exactly right."

Alex followed along stiffly behind Lisa.  When she got to Dr. Brad she stopped and gave him a suffocating hug.  She said "thank you Dr. Brad.  THANK YOU!"

Dr. Brad said "there is no reason to thank me Alex.  I am just trying to do what is best for my patients.  I do wish you had said something to me earlier this week.  Will you promise to do so in the future?  If something is bothering you?  I won't be mad."

As she continued hugging him she said "yesh, I will.  Again, thank you."

Dr. Brad said "you are so welcome.  And don't thank me too much.  You aren't off the hook wearing it at home.  Or really anytime you aren't working with patients."

Alex stepped back and said "oh poo!  That ish no fun."  Despite what she was saying, the huge metallic smile on her face really said it all.

Dr. Brad "I am glad to see you smiling Alex."  He then said to the rest of the group "come on now gang, saddle up.  We have patients waiting."

Friday evening Tara sent Alex a text that they had arrived at the restaurant.  She got an immediate response that she and Marc were about 10 minutes away, there had encountered a wreck that slowed them down.  Tara had asked her if she wanted them to wait for them.  Alex had shot back a reply to go ahead and get a table.

Upon being seated Tara had text Alex where their table was located and Tara had positioned herself and Jim so they could see in the direction from where they would be coming.  They had been seated only a few minutes when Tara saw Alex and Marc emerge around the corner, Tara shot her hand up and started waving.  Alex gave her a big smile and a little wave.  The pair made their way over to the table hand in hand.  But Tara didn't think it was to steady Alex.  No, Alex seemed to be walking so much better than just two days before.  With the dress she was wearing, Tara couldn't tell whether she was wearing her leg braces or not.  For some reason, she hoped she was.  She cut over eyes down towards Alex's ankles.  She saw white plastic and stainless steel emerging from the tennis shoes she was wearing.

As Alex and Marc arrived at the table, Tara and Jim stood.  Tara made her way around the corner of the table and gave Alex a big hug.  She excitedly said "yay!  You made it!"

They had gotten settled into their seats and made small talk.  Alex and Tara were glad to see that Marc and Jim seemed to hit it off, even if Tara did notice Marc looking at Jim's mouth some as Jim spoke.  Tara hoped that Jim didn't notice this knowing how self-conscious Jim was about his appliances and elastics which he was dutifully wearing.

After about 10 minutes, the server arrived with their drinks and their appetizer sampler platter.  As the server placed the platter down, Tara announced "we ordered it before you arrived.  And I asked them to sub out the crunchy taco bites for some extra shrimp."

Alex said "oh girl, you are so thoughtful.  Thank you.  You are going to do so good when you get your braces."  Tara noticed the expression change on the server's face, a pretty young woman who had yet to smile and had seemed to try to hide her teeth when she spoke.  Tara thought the server wanted to say something as she stared at Alex's mouth.  Instead, she just said "I hope you enjoy, and are you ready to order?"

After everyone had given her their orders and she had left, Tara said "Alex, I think that young woman wants to ask you about your braces."

Alex replied "really?  Why do you say that?"

Tara said "I don't know, just call it intuition.  That and she couldn't stop staring at your mouth.  And not to be mean, it looks like she could use some."

Alex said "interesting.  I didn't even notice. Huh."

Jim piped in "well, speaking of braces, would any of you be offended if I remove my elastics at the table?  It isn't exactly great etiquette I know."

Alex gave a chuckle and said "Jim, do you think we are going to mind?  Really?"

Jim smiled and said "no, but I had to ask."

Tara saw Marc watching Jim.  After Jim had removed the pair of elastics, wrapping them in a tissue and depositing them in his shirt pocket, Marc asked "what's it like having braces as an adult?  An adult guy?  Someone, and I won't say who, keeps twisting my arm to come see her and get a consult."  As he said this last part he gestured with his head towards Alex.  Alex gave him a look.

Jim replied "it sucks.  But, I keep telling myself it will be worth it."

Tara playfully punched Jim in the arm and said "baby, it does not suck."

Jim said "says the one without her expander yet.  Marc, it sucks.  But it is worth it.  And it is so much better going through it with someone you care about who is going through the same thing.  I am glad I am doing it.  If for no other reason than I met Tara because of it."

Tara leaned over against Jim and said "oh baby.  That is so sweet.  So sweet I am even going to let that first comment slide."  She sat back up and smiled at Marc.  She said "Marc you should totally do it.  You would be cute with braces.  And let me just say from a woman's perspective it is such a turn on to see a man that actually takes care of himself."

He said "really?"  He turned his head towards Alex and asked "do you feel the same?"

Alex smiled back at him seductively and replied "yes.  It might blow your mind just how much."

Marc "hmm....  well, maybe...."

He was interrupted by the server who stepped up and asked "everyone doing good over here?  Your food will be out shortly."

Alex turned and gave her a big smile, her braces reflecting the flickering light from the candle on the table.   She said "I could use another glass of wine.  And can I ask your opinion on something?"

The server, Tiffany, said "of course" as she used her lip to hide her upper teeth.

Alex said "what would you think if your partner got braces?  Would you be supportive?  And my fiance Marc here, smile for her baby, wouldn't he just be the cutest with braces?"

Tara could see the questions caught the young woman by surprise.  She stammered "umm... yes I would totally be supportive.  And, uhh, yes, I think he would be cute."

Alex beamed at Marc as she said "see, the ayes have it.  You are coming to see me."

The young woman just looked on wide eyed.  Alex turned and said "sorry, this is weird.  But I am an orthodontic assistant.  I have been trying for months to get him to come see me."

The young woman said "really?  I need braces so bad.  I want them so much.  Me and Kara both want them.  They are just so expensive."

Alex said "they are.  But it is an investment for life.  We do payment plans.  And we even do interest free financing with just a $100 down payment."

The young woman asked "really?"

Alex said "really.  You should totally come see us if you are interested in braces.  You and your friend should come in.  Consultations are completely free. Here."  Alex dug into her purse and pulled out a card and handed it to her.  As the young woman looked at it Alex said "you should totally give us a call and schedule an appointment.  And if you can get your friend to come in, we offer a $500 credit for referrals."

The young woman looked up at Alex.  She said "thank you.  I need to go check on your food.  But would it be ok if I talked with you some more about it later?"

Alex said "absolutely."

The server Tiffany smiled for the first time, her crooked and crowded teeth obvious.  She said "thank you."

As she walked away Alex said "that was fun.  Wasn't it fun baby?"

Marc shook his head and said "no, that was not fun.  But if you really want me to come in, I will."

Alex practically shouted "yay!" as she hugged him.  As she squeezed him she said "I love you so much."  Releasing her hold on him she came face to face with him and said "and I will take such good care of you.  In the office.  And at home." She gave him a wink.

Turning back to Tara, Alex said "I hope Tiffany and her friend will come see us too.  I don't know about her friend, but Tiffany could benefit so much."

Tara said "she could.  But I am not sure if Kara is her friend."

Alex gave Tara a confused look and asked "what do you mean?"

Tara said "I don't know if Kara is just her friend.  Maybe it is just intuition.  But the way she said 'me and Kara'.  And the look on her face as she said it.  And that pink triangle tattoo that Tiffany has on her arm.  I think Kara might be a little more than just her friend."

Later that evening after they were done with their entrees, Tiffany stopped back by the table.  She asked if anyone was interested in dessert as she went through the choices.  The group eyed each other. 

Jim said "I am stuffed."  Marc agreed.

Tara said "speak for yourself.  That chocolate cheesecake sounds incredible.  Would you share it with me Alex?  It should be easy on all of our appliances."

Alex said "twist my arm and throw me in the brier patch.  Yum!"

Tara turned back to Tiffany who was examining her mouth.  Tara said "I am in treatment  too."  She pulled back the corner of her mouth to expose one of her molar bands and hooks.  "Jim and I both are.  It has been so incredible going through the process together.  Plus Alex and Dr. Brad, the whole staff, they are just the best.  And not only do they have that referral benefit Alex mentioned, they have even better discounts available for family plans.  Even if it is just a couple.  You should absolutely make an appointment with them."

She looked at Tara and then over at Alex.  She asked "so what do I need to do?"

Alex smiled and said "two things.  One, call the office number on my card on Monday and make an appointment.  Two, make sure you bring us the biggest piece of cheesecake they have" and laughed.

When Tiffany returned, she had a plate in each hand, a piece of cheesecake on each.  She sat one down in front of each of the ladies as she said "instead of one big piece, how about two pieces.  It is the least I can do."

Alex and Tara almost simultaneously said "thank you." 

Tiffany said "No, thank you.  I do have one more question.  Um, how do I say this?  You mentioned a family discount.  That applies to couples.  Does that apply even if you aren't officially married?  Just like common law?  I really want to come in and see you.  I don't know if I can afford it, but I am going to schedule a consultation.  I want to make an appointment for Kara too.  I want to surprise her with it.  Because she is embarrassed of her smile and hides it.  Which I hate.  Because I love to see my wife smile."

 

Chapter Thirty One:

The following Friday afternoon, Dr. Brad knocked on Janice's door.  From the other side he heard "come in".

He opened the door to find Janice looking at him, her hair poofing out around the edges of her headgear.  He said "I wanted to speak with you a second before the staff meeting."

He sat down across the desk from her and asked "first off, thank you.  How is it feeling?  Are you getting a little more used to it?  Is it causing you any pain?"

Janice said "no, not too much pain.  The elastics still rub on my lips some.  And the facebow?  It is just feels weird. But the facebow actually keeps my lips and cheeks from rubbing on the brackets.  It's just, well, it's just so big.  I am still not used to feeling it wrapped around my head.  And I am definitely not used to how it looks."

Dr. Brad smiled at her and said "it looks wonderful Janice.  And since we are incorporating equal parts protraction and retraction, we aren't moving teeth or bone.  So, you shouldn't have discomfort like you would if we were actively moving things around.  Again, I appreciate it so much.  I do think we need to show our patients that we walk the walk too."

Janice smiled and said "well you know Brad, there is only one of us in the office who isn't."

Dr. Brad laughed and said "I did my time.  And you girls make much better models that I would.  Again, thank you.  Just remember, I am giving you latitude as to how you wear it."

Janice said "I know Brad.  Can I share a little secret with you?  I hate it.  But I love it.  And I am happy that you are happy."

Dr. Brad said "that I am.  Also, again, thank you so much for calling me to the carpet last week.   You were completely correct.  The girls have done such a good job taking the initiative on their own.  Speaking of which, let's go have our meeting.   I have some big surprises to announce."

Dr. Brad followed behind Janice as they entered the lounge.  He saw all of the girls sitting on the couches.  Mandy, Maggie, Alex and Lisa were all sitting stiffly on the edges of their seats, all dutifully wearing their CTO braces.  From the lisp he heard, he could tell Alex was wearing her tongue crib as well.  He looked at Maggie and Lisa, thinking about the fixed cribs in their mouths.  He realized they seemed to have much less of a speech impediment than Alex.  He wondered if that was because they were forced to live with theirs 24 hours a day.  He filed that away as something to think about later.

He waited until there was a lull in the conversation and cleared his throat loudly.  The girls shifted in his direction.  He said "today's meeting is going to be fairly quick.  But important.  But before we start, I want to thank you all.  And say how proud I am of all of you.  You really are the best in the business.  The only problem we have is that we can only treat so many patients.  Well, that is going to change.  Because we are growing."  He looked at Janice, who left the room.  Dr. Brad continued "I am about to introduce you to Dr. Andrea Bender.  I think you will love her.  She is young and energetic, and has a passion for orthodontics and helping patients.  Twice the orthodontists, twice the fun!  She will be starting with us on Monday.  We will also be adding a couple of new assistants.  We will begin interviewing for them next week as well.  I want you to know that I am going to have candidates meet and chat with all of you as well.  I want your input as well.  Because we are a family here."  At that time Janice reentered the lounge, followed by a fit brunette who was about 5' 6" and appeared to be around thirty years old.  She was wearing a knee length skirt, a white blouse, and sensible 2" pumps.  She had her hair pulled back in a ponytail and on her face sat a pair of tortoise shell framed glasses.  She was pretty in a librarian type of way.  She smiled at the group as she entered, her white teeth unadorned by any apparent orthodontia.

Janice led her over beside Dr. Brad.  Dr. Brad smiled at her and then looked back at the group.  He said "I am honored to introduce Dr. Andrea Bender.  Dr. Bender, would you like to say a word?"

Dr. Bender smiled before she said "thank you all so much.  I am so excited to be joining you.  But first, before we go any further, Dr. Bender is my father.  I am Andi or Dr. Andi."  For the next few minutes she explained her background, where she was from, her family, her schooling, and her experience.  When she was done, she went around the room, shaking hands with each of the ladies.  Once she was done, she stepped back beside Dr. Brad and said "again, I am so excited to be joining you.  What you and Dr. Brad are doing for patients is amazing.  Cutting edge.  And I want to compliment all of on jumping into treatment yourself.  I will be joining you soon.  I am excited about that as well."

Dr. Brad said "ladies, this is a big day.  An exciting day.  And I couldn't be happier.  Monday we will begin interviewing assistants and getting Dr. Andi settled in.  Until then, all of you have the best weekend.  And remember, weekends are a great time to get in a little extra appliance wear.  Thank you all, I love each and every one of you.  And I will see you all on Monday morning!"

That evening, after getting their children in bed, Dr. Brad stood in front of Megan in their bathroom turning her expander.  Once he was done, he leaned in and kissed her, his tongue running along her tongue crib.  Pulling back he said "you are amazing."

She said "thank you shir."

He said "please come with me." 

She asked "shir, what about my CTO?"

He said "kitten, you have earned a break from your CTO.  Would you like it if you could sleep without your corset and CTO for a few nights?  Tell me the truth."

Megan said "shir, I am conflicted.  I love the way my corshet maksh me look.  And I know my CTO ish helping me.  But yesh shir, I would l like a break."

Dr. Brad said "good.  Because this weekend you are getting one.  Next week will be an adjustment for you, you will be adapting to your new leg braces.  I want you to have a weekend of freedom."  He watched her face as he mentioned her upcoming leg braces to see if there was any reaction in her face.  He was almost disappointed there wasn't.  He continued "I know they will be an adjustment for you.  But I will take care of you."

She nuzzled up against him.  He thought she was purring.

He squeezed her and said "I love you so much."

The next morning as Dr. Brad woke he felt something digging into his shoulder.  He turned his head to find Megan curled up around him, her arm over him and her head laying on his shoulder.  One of the prongs from her mask was what he was feeling.  He gently shook her.  As she awoke he whispered "good morning."  She replied "goo morneh."  He smiled at her and said "you are so beautiful in the morning.  And I have another surprise for you today."

Dr. Brad had removed her mask, unlocked her mouth, and made the turns on her expander when she reached down to pick up the mask.  He put his hand over hers.  He said "kitten, no sleep well mask today."  She looked at him, surprise on her face.  She said "thank you."  He smiled and said "but you are at a very important point in your treatment.  I have something else for you."  He opened a drawer and pulled out a bright red petit facemask.  He held it up to her face as he adjusted it to fit with an allen wrench.  He said "perfect.  I want you to wear this during the day this weekend.  But not all day.  I will let you take it off at the zoo.  You have earned it.  And we won't be locking your scopes either."

After leaving the house, they stopped by the Starbucks around the corner.  It was late in the morning and the crowd was sparse.  Megan held the baby while Brad held their older son's hand as they walked in.  The barista had taken a long look at Megan wearing her facemask before she noticed the baby.  After cooing at him a moment, she asked if she could help them.  After ordering and paying for their drinks, the barista, her name tag said Emily, looked at Megan and said quietly "I have to wear one of those too.  Mine is purple.  You are so brave for wearing it in public."

Megan smiled at her and replied "It ishn't sho scary after the first few times.  Plus, I am married to my orthodontist, sho it ish hard for me to cheat." 

The barista looked at Brad then back at Megan and asked "oh, wow, I guess not.  How much are you supposed to wear it."

Megan said "pretty musch full time." 

The barista swallowed and said "wow, I thought fourteen hours was bad.  I'm always getting in trouble because I can't even get that in." 

Brad said "the more you wear it, the better it works.  And the quicker you will be done."

Megan chimed in "he ish right.  You should wear it here at work.  At leasht you don't have a tongue crib and exshpander."

The barista smiled and replied "I do have an expander.  But my facemask, here, oh no.  Everyone would make fun of me." 

Megan said "you speak sho well!  I am jealoush.  And no they won't.  Do you have it with you, your facemashk?"

Emily said "yes."

Megan said "well then?"

Emily "oh no, I could never."

Brad glanced over his shoulder to make sure there were no customers waiting behind them.  Seeing none, he looked back at Emily and asked "who is your orthodontist?"

Emily said "Dr. Blakeney."

Brad replied "great guy, great orthodontist.  I speak with him every once in a while.  You know, if you did put it on I would be sure to tell him I saw you wearing it at work.  That might get him off your back a little."

Emily looked from Brad to Megan, a confused look on her face.

Megan added "if it ish important to your treatment, you should do it.  Who cares what anyone thinksh.  You are doing thish for you right?"

Emily looked trapped.  She said "yes, I am."  After a second she said "oh my God, I can't believe I am even thinking about this."

Megan said "if you won't do it for you, will you do it for me?  So I won't be the only one in here wearing one?  Please."

Emily put up one last defense.  She said "nobody wears them in public."

Brad said "not true.  You are looking at someone doing it.  The most beautiful woman in the whole world is standing right in front of you wearing hers proudly.  And most of my staff is in treatment, many of them wear masks.  And they wear them in public occasionally.  Instead of not getting their time in.  Because they know how important it is."

Emily looked at them a moment.  She stepped over and tapped another young woman on the shoulder and said "man the register a second?" as she disappeared in the back.

About 20 seconds later Emily reemerged from the back.  On her face was a purple petit facemask, bright pink elastics emerging from the corners of her mouth.  Stepping back up to the register she said "happy?  God I feel mortified.  I can't believe I am doing this."

Megan said "you are so cute Emily!   I love the glitter in your mask!  And those bright pink elastics are so fun".

Emily said "this is not fun."  She looked at Brad and said "oh God....  now you will be able to tell on me to Dr. Blakeney."

Brad looked at her and said "snitches get stitches.  I won't tell on you for not wearing it.  That is between you and Lawrence, er Dr. Blakeney.  But I will tell him about you wearing it."  He pulled out his phone and held it up. 

Emily asked "what are you doing?"

Brad said "I am about to send Dr. Blakeney a picture of his patient doing such a good job of wearing her facemask."

Emily said "no, it's bad enough I am wearing it."

Megan said "how is that supposed to make me feel?  Come on."  She turned, her back to the counter, the baby in her right arm as she reached her left arm out.  She continued "come on, let's get a picture together." 

Emily hesitantly leaned in.  Brad said "you ladies look incredible.  Say cheese."  Megan gave a big, eager smile.  Emily's was much more subdued.

Brad held the phone up so the two ladies could see the picture.  Megan squeeled "how cute!"  At that time a younger girl brought three drinks to the counter and placed them in front of Emily.  As she turned, the girl's gaze lingered on Emily.

Emily noticed and said "see?  Staring?  I can't do this."

Megan said "do you think I don't understand.  Most people are just curious.  Maybe she wants to ask you about it?  Maybe she had one?  Or maybe she is thinking about getting braces herself?  Who knows?  But mainly, who cares?  Would you at least wear it until I leave?  For me?  We will be right over in that corner.  I will keep an eye on you.  You will be fine."

Emily reluctantly said "Kayleigh already has braces so that isn't it.  But yes, I will wear it.  At least while my orthodontist's friend is here."  She looked at Brad and asked "so does this mean you are going be checking in on me?  Spying for Dr. Blakeney?"

Brad said "absolutely not.  But I promise you, when you are all done with treatment, you will be glad you did.  I have yet to meet a patient who wasn't.  You get out what you put in.  And I have a lot of patients that tell me they wish they had done a better job wearing their appliances.  I have yet to have one tell me they wish they had done a worse job."

Megan stuck the straw in her iced latte and took a drink.  She said "delicious.  Thank you Emily.  And we will be right over there."

Megan had kept a close eye on Emily.   While it was obvious she was very self-conscious, Megan was happy to see she seemed to be managing.  Several of the customers had given long stares.  She couldn't hear what was said, but nothing said had seemed to visibly upset Emily.  The girl from earlier had come up to Emily during a lull.  Megan could tell from the way that Emily was pointing to her facemask, elastics and mouth that she was explaining it.  The other girl had then gestured animatedly around her own head as she spoke.

Once they were done with their drinks, Brad and Megan stood.  Brad made his way over and deposited the empty cups in a trash can.  Emily was with a customer, but after he departed she made her way back up to the counter.  Megan said "see?  You haven't died.  And it looked like there for a second you even forgot you were wearing it.  What do you say you try to leave it on a little longer?  It will help me knowing someone else is wearing one too."

Emily said "I will.  I didn't know that Kayleigh, that's my co-worker," as she gestured in the direction of the younger girl "wears headgear.  High pull headgear.  She was complaining to me about having to wear it in high school.  She is a junior this year.  I told her to wear it now, wear it as much as she could.  So she doesn't end up wearing headgear in college like me."

Megan said "you are right.  She should wear it as much as she can.  Just like you should.  And just like I should."  She leaned over, she still had the baby in one arm, and said "here."  Emily leaned over as Megan gave her a little hug.   She said "and now I have a reason to stop by more often.  To check on how my new friend is doing.  Maybe she will even be wearing her facemask?"

Emily gave her a smile and replied "we will see.  Maybe I can talk Kayleigh into wearing hers too?"

Megan smiled and said "that would be fun!  You should try.  Remind her that it's not just kids that have to wear it.  Emily, you have made my day.  Thank you so much.  Now, off to the zoo we go.  Facemask and all."

You have so many interesting things happening in the story.

This keeps getting better. Can’t wait for Tara’s update!

Chapter Thirty Three:

That Friday afternoon at the weekly staff meeting, Dr. Brad looked around at all the ladies.  As always, he was so proud of them.  Proud of how well they treated their patients, and also proud that they were all so good about wearing their appliances.  He gave them a big smile and announced "great week everyone.  Thank you all.  Dr. Bender, how was your week?  Getting settled in?"

Dr. Bender said "It was an amazing week."  She looked around the room and continued "I want to compliment you all on running such a tight ship.  I have never been in an office where everything runs so smoothly.  And thank you all for welcoming me with such open arms.  I am so excited to start seeing patients.  And I am excited to start my own treatment.  I had forgotten how much spacers suck though."  She gave a laugh as the ladies looked on smiling.  They could all relate.

Dr. Brad said "speaking of which, I want all of your input on the potential assistants we interviewed this week.  Today is election day.  Janice is going to pass around a ballot to each of you with all of their names on there.  Please rank them as to how you think they would fit in here.  Number one is your first choice and so on to number five.  Don't put your name on it, I want this to be anonymous.  And I can't guarantee that we will hire your top two choices, but I am going to consider them all.  Thank you."

Janice began handing out the ballots and pens.  She was about half-way done when Maggie said "remind me again who Katie was."

Alex chimed in "she wash the one who ish jusht about to graduate from dental asshisting school, the blond with bracesh."

Mandy laughed and replied "she would certainly fit in here.  All she needs is a CTO of her own" as Mandy tapped the brace she was wearing.

Becky responded "hey, we don't all wear CTOs here."

Mandy said "rub it in."

Dr. Brad looked at Becky and said "well Bec, we could certainly make that happen if you want."

Becky looked up and said "Nooo...  Please, I am so ready to get them off."  As she spoke the collection of elastics in her mouth stretched back and forth.

Dr. Brad smiled and said "just keep on wearing those elastics full-time like you are supposed to and you will."

Mandy asked "so how is it that the youngest person in the office is getting her braces off first?"  The comment drew a couple of laughs from the ladies.

After all the ladies had filled out the ballots in front of them, Janice collected them back up and handed them to Dr. Brad.

He said "thank you all.  Dr. Bender and I are going to review all this and make decisions over the weekend on who we hire.  We will let everyone know on Monday.  Also, Monday will be the first day for Janice's replacement Aubrey.  Welcome her with open arms.  I know you will.  Janice, thank you so much for staying on an extra month to show her the ropes.  I just don't know what we will do without you."

Janice tried to smile.  But the two pairs of elastics and the new facebow she had gotten that morning made it difficult and unnatural.  She said "it is my pleasure.  And you know I can't be a stranger" as she pointed up to her mouth and the complicated headgear that encircled her head.

Dr. Bender piped in "your headgear is amazing Janice.  Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.  And in a week, you will have a little company.  Me!"

Dr. Brad looked at Dr. Bender and said "You are going to be such an inspiration to your patients."  He looked around the room.  Becky and Dr. Bender were the only ladies not wearing an extraoral appliance.  He smiled and said "Again everyone, great week.  As always. Enjoy your weekends.  And I will see you all bright and early on Monday."

Janice slid in beside Alex, Maggie, Mandy and Lisa at the counter.  They were all removing their CTO braces for the drive home.  Janice opened up one of the cabinets and grabbed her purse.  As she turned to leave, Alex asked "you aren't going to take off your headgear Janice?"

Janice turned and gave Alex her new, awkward smile.  She replied "no, I can drive fine with it.  It is so complicated to put on and take off, I might be here an extra thirty minutes.  Plus, this new facebow is going to take a little practice putting in and taking out.  I will practice a little at home this weekend."

By now Alex had removed her CTO.  She said "you are hardcore Janice."

Janice laughed before she replied "no, Alex, that is you.  This headgear really isn't that bad.  It doesn't hurt, and it isn't restrictive at all.  Well, except for eating and smiling.  No honey, you are the trooper with your CTO and leg braces.  But do you know something?  The way you are walking now, you can't even tell you are wearing them."  Janice stepped over and gave her a hug.  As she released her she said "have a great weekend!  I hope you and Marc have just the best adventures."

As Janice walked away, Alex wondered what it would be like to wear the new Miller headgear.

That night at Jim's, Tara slid in stiffly beside him on the couch.  Jim had cooked dinner for them and they had finished cleaning the table and kitchen before each put on their CTO braces.  They were now settling in to watch a movie they had both decided on.  As they watched Tara said "this is an exciting evening baby, this is the last night you are supposed to wear your CTO for 17 hours a day.  You have done so good.  I am so proud of you."

Jim replied "I did it for you baby.  Seriously." 

Tara ran her hand up and down Jim's thigh as she said "I know you did.  And it is the sweetest thing.  Is it weird that I am looking a little forward to our appointments next week?  Maybe you will be done turning your expander and can get your braces?  And maybe I am close to being able to get my expander?  It terrifies me.  But I am also eager to just get it over with.  Plus, I want to be able to go through it with you.  Together.  Is that weird?"

Jim put his arm around Tara's shoulders and squeezed her "no, it is sweet.  We both seem to have committed to this."

Tara wondered what he meant by 'this'.  Was he referring to orthodontic treatment?  Or to them as a couple?

That following Friday, Tara and Jim walked in for their appointments.  After checking in with Becky, Tara and Jim took a seat.  A few minutes later the door to the treatment area opened.  Tara's friend Aubrey walked over to them with a big smile on her face.  Tara stood and gave her a hug as she said "my appointments here just keep getting better!  How was your first week?"

Aubrey sat in the chair beside Tara describing her first week.  It had been quite a change from the world of accounting, but Aubrey said it was so much more interesting than just staring at spreadsheets all day.  After they had caught up, Aubrey said "well, I guess I better get back to work.  There is so much to learn.  But Janice is so wonderful."  As she stood Tara asked "so, when are you getting braces?"

Aubrey looked down at Tara and replied "haha, real funny.  Thanks, but no thanks."

Tara smiled, the silver hooks just visible in the corners of her mouth, and said "hey, why don't we get together this weekend and catch up?  This wasn't long enough."

As Aubrey smiled at her, Tara noticed how narrow her friend's upper arch really was and how she had some crowding on bottom.  Aubrey said "that would be fun.  Lunch tomorrow?"

Tara smiled and said "and maybe a little shopping.  Jim has an open house for his new residential development the next few weekends.  And I would just be a third wheel.  So let's do it.  I will call you tonight."

As Aubrey walked away Tara realized two things.  One, she checked out everyone's teeth since she had begun treatment herself.  And two, she thought it looked like Aubrey could actually benefit from braces herself.

Who knows?  Dr. Bender is going to start seeing patients of her own soon.  She seems very enthusiastic about all of Dr. Miller’s inventions.  And it sounds like she will be getting to learn all about them first hand.  I wonder who her first patient will be?  And what his or her treatment will involve?

Chapter Thirty Four:

After a five minute wait, the treatment door opened.  Alex called out "Tara, Jim, you can come on back."  Tara turned her head and looked at Alex.  The first thing she noticed is that Alex did not have anything on her face.

When Tara got within easy earshot of her, she excitedly asked "are you done with your CTO?"

Alex replied "no.  But, I am done with it while working with patients.  It might add a little time to my treatment, but it is worth it.  You can't even imagine how difficult it was leaning over working on patients when you can't bend over.  I do have to admit though, my back pain is better though since I started wearing it.  Come on back!  I have someone for you two to meet."

As Tara followed along behind Alex, she noticed how effortlessly she was walking.  She could tell she had her leg braces on, they did print against her scrubs every once in awhile.  Nonetheless Tara asked "are you not wearing your KAFOs either?"

Alex stopped and turned.  She pulled up the leg of her scrubs and showed the steel and white plastic that encased her legs.  Alex said "sadly I am.  I am not sure if these won't be with me a while.  Maybe forever."  She had a frown on her face.

Tara said "well, I couldn't even tell you were wearing them.  And I am sure it won't be forever."  Tara was glad that Alex' frowned turned into a smile.

Approaching one end of the row of treatment chairs, Tara saw the same mother with her two daughters from her previous appointment.  The two girls were sitting side by side, each wearing their pink facemasks, as they watched Maggie work on mom's braces.

She was watching Maggie, who like Alex was not wearing any type of extraoral appliance, install a power chain on the woman's brackets when Dr. Brad's voice startled her.  She turned in his direction when she heard him boom "Mrs. Reynolds!  Mr. Phillips!  Wonderful to see you."  Tara looked at him and saw the woman standing to his side and slightly behind him.  Tara saw she was wearing a white coat with 'Dr. Bender' embroidered on it.  Dr. Brad said "we are growing!  I want to introduce you to Dr. Andrea Bender."  As Dr. Bender shook Jim and Tara's hand, Dr. Brad continued "Dr. Bender, or Dr. Andi as she likes to go by, has been with us a couple of weeks.  She will sit in and observe your appointments.  And then on Monday, she will start seeing new patients herself."

Dr. Andi said "it is a pleasure to meet you.  Dr. Brad will still be your ortho, but I will be available to help in any way possible.  Maybe Dr. Brad can finally take a vacation.  And thank you for letting me sit in on your appointment.  I am so eager to start with my first patient on Monday morning."  She looked up at Alex as she said this.  Tara saw that Alex was silently clapping.  Tara wondered what this was all about.

As if reading her mind Alex looked at Tara and excitedly said "my momma is going to be Dr. Andi's first patient.  I get to put braces on my momma!"

Dr. Andi added "it is exciting Alex.  You can show her the ropes.  Maybe even turn her expander for her."  Turning her head to towards Tara and Jim she said "but she won't be the only one getting a Miller.  I am getting my own set of appliances this afternoon at the end of the day.  I am excited.  But hey, you can't work in ortho and not go into treatment right?  Or I guess in my case, three times.  Once as a teen, once in dental school, and now once again.  But this time it is so exciting.  What Dr. Brad is doing is amazing.  The Miller appliance and his new extraoral devices are just amazing.  I can't wait to get my own.  Anyway, enough of me babbling.  You can tell I am excited.  It was a pleasure to meet you."

Dr. Brad just smiled as he listened to Dr. Andi ramble.  Once she was done he added "and we are all excited for you Dr. Andi.  Now, how about we get you in the chair first Jim."  Looking at the bags Tara and Jim each were holding, he said "I see you both brought your appliances.  Good job.  And I assume you have been wearing them as prescribed?"

Jim handed the bag with his CTO in it to Alex.  As he sat down in the chair he replied "yes, I have.  We both have.  I am so glad I am only having to wear it 14 hours now.  Three hours doesn't seem like much.  But those were the longest three hours of every day."

Dr. Brad said "I am so glad you were so dedicated.  And I am sure it paid off.  Let's take a look and confirm that."

As Dr. Brad examined Jim's mouth, Tara heard laughter coming from the other end of the room.  She looked down there to see the two teens leaning on each other laughing.  Tara noticed that the mom was now sitting up in the treatment chair and was wearing her matching pink facemask.  Tara hoped the girls weren't laughing at their mom.  When Tara saw mom give a slight smile and then laugh herself, she felt relief.  Somebody must have just said something funny she thought.

She was splitting her attention between Jim and the trio when they all stood.  After Maggie shook mom's hand, the three turned and began walking in her direction, all three wearing their matching pink facemasks.  As they approached, Tara stood and took a few steps towards them.  She didn't know why, maybe it is because she had worried they had been making fun of mom, but Tara said to the trio "you three are just the cutest.  You all match!  I wish my CTO brace was pink.  I am so jealous."

Mom stopped.  The look on her face was a mix of confusion and embarrassment.  But not wanting to be rude, she replied "thank you.  The girls are cute in them.  Me?  Awful."

Tara said "no, not at all.  I know you have seen a CTO brace."  She held up her bag.  Tara continued "me and my boyfriend each have to wear one.  Now they really are huge.  Your facemasks are cute.  Really."

The mom said "well... thank you.  The girls here have taken to them like a fish to water.  It has been a real struggle for me.  The weekends especially.  We are supposed to wear them pretty much full time then.  It intrudes on life so much.  But the girls stay on me about it.  It's funny, I thought I would be the one that had to stay after them.  But they are doing so well.  I'm the cheater.  But I just can't bring myself to wear it in public like these two.  And it hurts my chin after four or five hours."  She went quiet a second and said "how rude of me."  She stuck out her hand and said "hi, I am Margaret.  These are my two girls Savannah and Elise."  She pointed to each one as she said their names to identify them.  "It is a pleasure to meet you."

Tara shook her hand and responded "Margaret, I am Tara Reynolds.  And my boyfriend over there is Jim."  Tara turned her head to the girls and said "and it is a pleasure to meet you two as well.  And I mean it that you both look adorable.  And you wear them in public?  Go girls!"

Both girls said hello.  Then the taller one, Savannah, said "it really isn't that bad.  I mean, we don't wear them to school.  But I am not going to stay locked inside all weekend either.  I wish mama wouldn't lock herself away either.  I even wear it in front of my boyfriend."

The shorter, younger of the two Elise pouted before she replied "rub it in."  She looked at Margaret as she said "mom won't let me date until next year when I turn 15." 

Margaret said "Elise, that is not true.  I just won't let you date unsupervised."

Savannah said "you will be fine Elise.  And at least you are doing this now.  Maybe we will be done with these by then.  Do you know how weird it is to be in high school and have to wear this?"

Tara couldn't help but laugh.  She replied "try wearing it in your thirties.  Right Margaret?"

Margaret smiled a real smile.  It was the first time Tara had seen one from her.  Tara saw that she had metal braces top and bottom with lavender power chains on both arches.  Margaret answered "absolutely.  And I wish I were still in my thirties.  Thank you Tara."

Tara said "you are welcome.  And I would never have guessed.  But seriously, Savannah is right.  You shouldn't let orthodontics slow you down."

Margaret asked "so you wear yours in public?"

Tara cocked her head and replied "no, I haven't.  But I totally would.  Especially if it were just the facemask and not a whole upper body brace."

Margaret looked at her with sympathy.  She said "you poor dear.  I guess I don't have it that bad."

Tara replied "really, the CTO isn't that bad.  We have both kind of gotten used to it.  Well, it was wonderful to meet you and chat.  And I guess we are on the same schedule."  Tara saw the confused look on Margaret's face.  Tara added "we were both here at the same time at our last appointments."

Margaret responded "oh, wow.  I am sorry.  I was in such daze getting this."  She pointed up at her facemask.  She continued "all I could really focus on was the silver bar running in front of my face.  But you know what, I really don't even notice it now."

Tara smiled and said "nothing to apologize about.  I just hope maybe I will see you at our next appointments.  So you can tell me how everything is going."

Margaret said "well, how about I just give you my cell phone number.  It would be nice to be able to talk to another adult going through this.  Would that be ok?"

Tara smiled and said "absolutely!  I would love that.  And are you on Facebook?  I will look you up and send you a friend request."

Margaret smiled and said "I am.  And I will totally friend you."  She smiled at Tara after saying this.  She then gave Tara her phone number and last name as Tara entered it into her phone.  Tara shot her back a text.  Margaret said "got it!  Tara thank you so, so much.  You have made me feel so much better about this whole thing.  I hope your appointment goes great.  Maybe shoot me a text and let me know how it goes?"

Tara smiled and said "I totally will."

Before she departed Margaret said "again, thank you.  And you know what?  I just decided I am going to wear my facemask all the way home.  Why not?"

Tara smiled.  She replied "yay!  Why not?"  She watched as Margaret led the two girls out of the treatment area.  Unlike the previous appointment, Tara noticed that Margaret was holding her head up proudly, facemask and all.

Tara stepped back over beside Jim and took her seat.  She whispered to Alex "does everything look good?"  Alex shook her head up and down.  After a few seconds, Dr. Brad leaned back.  He looked at Tara and said "everything looks great."  He turned his attention back to Jim and said " you really have done a great job.  And your dedication has paid off.  I want to have Alex do some imaging to make sure.  But, I think you are done turning your expander Jim.  Not only that, I think it is time to cut the arms off your expander and get you into some braces."

Tara squelled "oh baby, that is so exciting!"

Jim didn't look as excited as he asked "today?  Right now?" 

Dr. Brad said "maybe.  I do want to take a look at your CBCT scan first.  If it looks good, and I am pretty certain it will, I can do metal or ceramic brackets today.  You would be a candidate for Invisalign.  I personally hate Invisalign, but if that is what you want we can go that route.  If we do though, it will take a couple of weeks to get your aligners in.  In that case, I won't remove the arms from your expander until then.  And it will be several thousand more dollars."

Jim looked at Tara and said "I'm not worried about the money.  What do you want sweetie?"

Tara said "I want whatever you want.  But you would look so cute and handsome with brackets."

Jim looked at Dr. Brad and asked "Tara isn't a candidate for invisalign is she?  She will have to get brackets won't she?"

Dr. Brad replied "that is correct.  Tara has some occlusion issues that Invisalign just can't address.  She will need braces."

Jim looked at Tara and smiled at her.  He said "well, I am not crazy about the idea of having braces.  But we are in this together.  I guess I am getting braces today."

Tara couldn't contain herself.  She hopped over and gave Jim a big hug.  She said "thank you baby.  You are the best."  She whispered "and you are going to be so sexy with braces."  She then kissed him.  She said "next time we kiss, you will have braces!  I am sure we will need to practice.  A lot.  I know I sure plan to."

Jim thought to himself 'maybe having braces won't be too bad afterall.'

Thanks for not leaving us hanging too long between chapters this week. Still intrigued to see what extremes will be experienced by everyone.

This sounds very promising! Hope you get to enjoy some of your weekend and not work too hard.

Chapter Thirty Six:

It was still almost an hour before they officially opened Monday morning when Dr. Brad heard a knock on his office door.  Before he could reply, the door swung inward and Dr. Andi entered the office.  Dr. Brad gave her a big smile and exclaimed "good morning!  You look wonderful this morning!  Excited for your first patient?"

Dr. Andi didn't even try to smile.  Behind the Miller headgear she was wearing a look of exhausted misery was etched on her face.  Without a word she walked over and sat down in one of the chairs facing Dr. Brad.  She said "ish eh ok eh I take ma heaggeh off thish morning?  It ish sho distracting.  I wah tah make sure my firsht inshtall goesh smoothly.  I am nervoush.  Could you sit over mah shoulder thish morning?"

Dr. Brad looked at her and replied "of course, you are an orthodontist after all.  If you think you need to take your headgear off, then certainly do.  Patient care is our absolute top priority here.  But you of all people know how important it is to get the necessary wear time in.  And I think you know what kind of message that might send to our patients.  But by all means, if you need to take it off, then take it off."

Andi looked at him as she weighed what he said.  Finally she answered "I know.  And I will wear it more ash I get more ushed to it.  If I get ushed to it.  But for my firsht inshtall, I am going to remove it.  Will you obsherve and help me?"

Dr. Brad responded "of course I will.  I was actually planning on it.  I just didn't want you to think I was looking over your shoulder.  Mrs. Grisham, er Alex's mom, is your patient."

Dr. Brad looked on as Dr. Andi worked at unhooking her headgear.  She pulled her glasses off and sat them on the desk in front of her. She next removed the four elastics that stretched from the hooks on her chincup to the hooks on her upper molars.  Next she unhooked the plastic modules that were attached to the facebow that was inserted in the tubes of her lower molar bands.  Once it was loose, she slid the facebow from her mouth and sat it beside her glasses.  With that done, she began loosening the wide black nylon strap that ran around the base of her skull and neck.  Each end of this strap was permanently secured to the plastic face frame that began at the curve in her jawline and followed upwards along the outside of her face, up and over her forehead, and then down the other side of her face.  The face frame was shaped somewhat like an upside down horseshoe, though wider than a horseshoe and it was made of white thermoplastic custom molded to her face.  The face frame was the core of the headgear, and what all modules and straps attached to.  This main strap she was working on held the frame securely to her face.  In addition to this main strap with it’s buckle, the face frame had several other black nylon straps that looped over the top and around the back of her head.  She didn’t need to loosen these, they had already been sized to hold the frame securely in place.  But until the main buckle strap was loosened, a patient could simply not remove the headgear.  Once Dr. Andi had the main strap free, she reached up and unclipped one of the plastic modules coming off the frame that held the oversized chincup firmly in place on her chin.  With everything free, she pulled the whole assembly up and off her head.  She let out an unconscious sigh of relief as she did.

With her headgear removed, Dr. Brad got a better look at Dr. Andi.  He noted the dark circles under her eyes and the haggard look on her face.  He asked "Did you have too much fun last night?  Go out partying?"

Dr. Andi gave a snort.  She replied "not funny.  I am misherable.  I have barely gotten a wink of shleep since Friday.  My mouth ish killing me.  I can't shleep with my CTO.  The headgear ish pushing and pulling at the shame time when I am not in bed.  And my tongue ish shredded."

Dr. Brad said "it will get easier.  I promise.  All the girls here have gotten used to sleeping with their CTOs.  Megan has too.  She wears hers almost full time now.  Maybe that would be a good way for you to get more used to it?  Wear it more during the day.  And I don't know why I haven't thought of this before.  Maybe I can consolidate everything and integrate the headgear into the CTO portion of the brace.  That way you would only have to get used to the one device.  And that gives me another idea.  To protect your tongue.  Let me work it out in my head, but I think it would be a good solution."

Dr. Andi replied snarkily "what, more shit in my mouth?"  She sat a moment and said "I am shorry.  I am jusht tired and hurting.  I thought thish was going to be no big deal.  I wash sho exshited about it.  It ish just a lot.  I know it will get better.  I will put my headgear back on later.  I jusht want to do the besht job I can for any patient.  And I better since thish firsht one is Alexsh mom."

As Alex walked across the waiting room, she had a huge smile on her face.  She was holding her mother's hand as she walked.  Alex' mom did not have a smile on her face.  Alex knew how nervous her mom Barbara was.  Alex said "mom, it will be no big deal.  Piece of cake.  You will be so glad you did it."

Barbara responded "I hope you are right."

The installation of the Miller appliance took almost an hour.  Dr. Andi was tedious and careful to make sure everything was perfect.  Dr. Brad noticed it took her twice as long to install the eight screws in Barb's mouth as he would have done it.  During the procedure, Alex assisted in the installation but also provided constant words of encouragement.  Alex knew having a cheek retractor in for so long couldn't be comfortable.  And as Barb's eyes clamped shut, a pained look on her face during the installation of the eight screws thru her palate and into her sinus cavity, Alex squeezed her hand and told her "you are doing great.  Steady breathing."

Finally, Dr. Andi leaned back, a look of relief on her face.  Her first Miller appliance installation was complete.  She smiled at Barb and said "you did sho good.  And now we match!"  Dr. Andi gave an exaggerated smile, her pistons and hooks visible in the upper corners of her mouth and her metal brackets with their violet ligatures visible on her lower arch as she did.  She repeated "you did sho good.  All that ish left ish for Alex to bond your lower bracketsh and get the archwire on.  Oh, and get your CTO fitted.  She is a pro, you know that.  You have to be sho proud of her.  Firsht though let'sh remove that cheek retractor for a minute and give you a little break."

As Dr. Andi had been talking, Barb had been exploring the huge device in her mouth with her tongue.  The roof of her mouth was completely numb so she didn't feel any pain.  But what she could feel felt completely foreign.  The tongue crib felt huge.  Even the simple lingual arch that ran along the backside of her lower teeth felt cumbersome.  But none of that could compare to the feeling of the huge expander screwed into the roof of her mouth.  She wondered if you could even see any of her palate or if it was just completely covered in metal.  It certainly felt that way.  And then there were the 8 screws.  They weren't sharp, but they were small and they poked her tongue mercilessly.  After Alex removed the cheek retractor, Barb could also feel the device with her cheeks and lips.  The bolts that held the telescoping pistons dug into her lips and cheeks.  The hooks poked her.  She hadn't even registered Dr. Andi's last comment.

Dr. Andi repeated herself "I know you have to be sho proud of Alex.  How cool ish it that your daughter getsh to inshtall your bracesh?"

Barb looked at her and said "ahm sho prou ah huh".  Barb's right hand shot up over her mouth.

Alex squeezed her mom's other hand and lied to her.  She said "you are talking so good mom!  Seriously, many patients have so much more trouble.  You know I still struggle some when I am wearing my crib.  But you sound great.  By tomorrow, you will be talking like normal."

Barb looked into her daughter's eyes.  Barbara was doing everything she could to fight off a panic attack.  She wanted to say something.  But she was afraid to try to speak.  Alex said "why don't we get you over to the sink so you can rinse?  And then I will get your brackets installed?"

As Barbara swished the water around in her mouth, Alex wrapped her in a protective hug.  Alex said "it takes a little getting used to. I know it does.  But I know you will.  And thank you."

After rinsing her mouth and spitting into the sink, Barb turned without speaking and hugged Alex back.  After a moment, Alex asked "can I install your lower braces now?"  Barb allowed Alex to lead her back over to the chair.

Once the brackets, archwire and ligatures were installed, Alex raised Barb back up to a sitting position.  As Alex held up a mirror for her mom, Dr. Andi arrived back.  Barb was smiling, or trying to smile, into the mirror when Dr. Andi excitedly exclaimed "Mrs. Grisham!  They look sho good!  Alex did a wonderful job.  And the blue ligaturesh completely match your eyesh!  Now, let's get you fitted for your CTO!"

It took fifteen minutes to get Barb's CTO sized to her.  With the brace tightly fastened to her, Barb had no choice but to sit up ramrod straight.  With two elastics exiting her mouth hooked to the posts on her mask, Dr. Andi said "that looksh perfect.  Now, you need to wear thish CTO for 14 hours a day.  But, over half of that time will be while you shleep.  And make two turnsh on your expander every day.  Alex will do your firsht two here and show you how everything worksh.  And I bet she even makesh house callsh for VIP patients.  Congratulations!  Do you have any questions for me?"

Barbara sat in silence absorbing everything.  Wondering if she had made a mistake.  She then did think of something.  She asked "how ahm ah gonna weh thish with ma CPAP?"

Dr. Andi looked at Barbara and said "oh goodness.  You wear a CPAP?  Oh dear, thish may be a problem."

Alex was disappointed in herself.  She knew her mom wore a CPAP to sleep.  She was kicking herself for not realizing that the CTO mask that her mom was being asked to wear was not at all compatible with the CPAP mask that she had to wear.  She said "mama, I am sorry.  I didn't even think about that.  Dr. Andi, what should we do?"

Dr. Andi sat in thought.  She finally asked "what kind of CPAP mask do you wear Mrs. Grisham?"

Barb answered "it ish a Philipsh. Ah doh nah exshactly wah model."

Dr. Andi asked "does it cover your nose and mouth?"

Bara replied "yesh".

Dr. Andi dug her phone out of her pocket and typed on it.  After a few seconds, she held the screen up to Barb and asked "ish it like thish one?"

Bara replied "yesh".

Dr. Andi smiled "good!  My husband ushed to wear the shame one.  He ish in a total facemask model now, but I know he shtill has a couple of these laying around.  I will she if I can't figure out how to integrate your CPAP mask into your CTO brace and sleep well mask.  And you know Dr. Brad ish quite the inventor.  I know he can come up with shomething.  But, in the meantime, I don't see many choices."

Dr. Andi sat thinking a moment.  She finally said "there really ish only one option.  Until we can get shomething figured out, you will have to wear your CTO during the day.  If you put it on at 7 am after showering and wear it until 10 pm when you get ready for bed, you will be able to get your time in.  Just think of it like a bra.  You put it on when you get ready for the day, take it off when you get ready for bed.  That is actually fifteen hoursh, so that will give you one hour to take it off for eating and hygiene.  So, that is the plan.  Wear your CTO during the day, wear your CPAP at night!.  Problem solved."

Alex read the look on her mother's face.  Alex hugged her and said "it will be ok mama.  Why don't we go back to the lounge?"

After Alex got her seated in the massage chair and turned it on, Barb closed her eyes and tried to ignore what a nightmare this was.  She was unaware of anything but the buzzing of the chair and the foreign feel of all the orthodontic devices she now was contending with.  She didn't notice Alex walk back beside her until she felt her hand on her arm and Alex' voice saying "look mama." Barb opened her eyes to see Alex standing over her wearing her own CTO brace.

Alex smiled at her and said "you look so cute, I had to put mine on.  I was jealous.  And I am not going to let you out do me.  If you are going to wear yours during the day, I am too!" 

Welcome Darlene and Tricia as future patients to this very nice story! 

Chapter Thirty Nine:

Mid-morning Megan dropped the boys off with Brad's mother Wanda.  Megan's first stop was for her hair appointment.  After signing in, she sat and scrolled on her phone.  She noticed the woman sitting across from her, she appeared to me in her mid fifties, looking at her uncomfortably.  Megan looked up at her and smiled.  Megan said "good morning."  The older woman said "good morning" and put her head back down into her magazine.  A few minutes later, Megan felt herself being watched again.  She looked up to find the older woman quickly averting her eyes.  Megan said "I know, it's not every day you see someone wearing one of these."

The women's face turned red.  She looked up sheepishly and said "I'm sorry."  After a moment she said "my daughter had to wear one when she had braces.  She was twelve when she got her expander and facemask.  It looked exactly like yours.  Well, except hers was blue.  She got braces about six months later but had to keep wearing the mask.  Altogether she wore the facemask for almost two years.  She hated it. But it worked and she is so glad she did it.  We both are.  She is 27 now and still has a gorgeous smile.  I'm sorry, I didn't mean to stare.  It just reminded me of her."

Megan gave her a big smile and replied "aww, that ish sweet.  I am so glad it worked for her.  I am hoping thish worksh for me.  I know it will.  It is easier for kids though that is for sure."

The woman said "I am sorry, I'm Liza.  And you are?"

Megan said "I am Megan!  Pleasure to meet you."

Liza said "I guess adult braces are in now.  I notice more and more adults have them.  Even people my age.  Mal has them too.  At my last appointment her and Kari were talking back and forth about them.  Kari was quizzing her on them, what it was like.  It sounded like she was considering getting them herself."

Megan said "that is how I met Mal!  It is why I started coming here.  My husband is her orthodontist.  Well, all of ours.  I was in the office one day and she overheard me complaining to Maggie, that's his scheduling coordinator and front desk boss, about my hair.  Mal was in the waiting room and overheard.  She introduced herself and gave me her card.  That is how we met.  And I am glad we did meet.  Isn't she just the best?"

Liza said "both of them are.  Kari is my girl, but when she is out Mal has done fantastic."

Megan said "yep, both of them are great.  And Kari was considering braces.  Was."

Liza gave her a puzzled look before she heard "Lishza dear!  Sho good to she you!"

Liza turned towards the familiar yet slurred voice.  There in the doorway stood Kari.  She had a big metallic smile on her face.  Kari said "shorry about my shpeech, I just got these lasht week.  I am just now feeling human again.  And I am shtill learning to speak around thish scaffolding."  She looked over and saw Megan and said playfully "thish is all your husbandsh fault.  At least he said no headgear until my next appointment.  But I will let Mal know you are wearing yoursh.  And that a spy is amongsth us."  She let out a hardy laugh giving a good view of the metallic framework on the roof of her mouth.  She said "Lishza dear, why don't we go on back." As she turned she said "Mal is jusht finishing up a color and curl.  I will let her know you are here."

As the older woman stood she said "it was a pleasure to meet you sweetie, I will see you in the back I guess."  Megan smiled and said "absolutely!"

About five minutes later a college aged woman emerged from the back, her fresh blonde curls bouncing with each step.  The young woman was exiting the salon door as Mallory, or Mal as everyone called her, entered the waiting area.  She was in her mid-thirties, curvy with a very pretty face framed by short bob cut black hair with blue highlights.  But what really stood out was the silver facebow coming out of her mouth, hooked to a black high pull headgear strap with dark blue modules that blended in well with the color of her hair.  As she made her way over, Megan noticed that the blue highlights in her hair exactly matched the shade of the headgear modules. As Megan stood she thought this was surely intentional.

Before she said anything Mal gave Megan a big hug.  When she did, she felt the corset Megan was wearing.  Stepping back Mal said "it is so good to see you.  It has been too long.  Congratulations on the baby.  Chance is just adorable.  So, let me see."

Megan quickly removed the facemask from her face, tilted her head back, and opened wide.  Mal examined everything in Megan's mouth and said "wow.  I thought I had it rough with my nance and the headgear.  So, how goes it with everything?  And is that a corset you are wearing?"

Megan said "and that is not all."  She pulled up her dress briefly and let it fall back.  As Megan put her facemask and elastics back on she said "I even got the matching leg braces to go with it."

Mal squatted down and with no shame pulled up the hem of Megan's dress.  She said "oh wow babe, what did you do?"

Megan said "apparently I have a faulty flux capacitor, because everything seems to be breaking down.  But the leg braces are to help stabilize my ankles.  Plus, between me and you, Brad likes them because I can't run away as easily."  Mal laughed at what she thought was just a joke as Megan continued "and yep, I am wearing a corset.  You may have even felt the matching belt".  Megan omitted exactly what the belt was for.  She continued "I am working on the baby weight.  But just between me and you, I really like wearing it.  The support it provides.  And let me guess, you just put your headgear on?"

Mal grinned sheepishly and said "guilty as charged.  Kari told me you were here wearing yours.  Come on, let's get you in a chair.  We have so much catching up to do."

Mal and Megan bantered back and forth while Liza and Kari did the same.  Much of the time the two conversations intertwined.  As could be expected, much of the talk was about Megan's baby and orthodontics.  All during the appointment, Megan noticed that Liza kept looking at her and Mal in the mirror.  At one point in a lull, Megan locked eyes with Liza in the mirror and said "It isn't too bad wearing it.  Especially when you are around other people who understand.  Isn't that right Mal?"

Mal laughed and said "I don't know about that.  It is pretty awful.  Why do you think I chopped off my hair?  Because of this stupid headgear."  Megan swatted her arm and said "it is not that bad.  And your hair looks amazing now.  You even colored it to match the headgear.  How glam.  And I promise it could be worse."

Kari said "she ish right.  At leasht you don't have six schrews drilled into your mouth Mal.  You can shpeak.  And eat.  And I am getting a new, bigger, better headgear than you have.  Lucky me.  But Dr. Miller says I only have to wear it at home."

Mal laughed and said "ha, at home.  I have heard that.  Just wear it at home.  For 14 to 16 hours a day."

Kari said defensively "well that is what he said.  And didn't you say that he mentioned you getting a Miller headgear at your next appointment if there wasn't more progress?  Hey Megan, you are the expert on this, how crappy is it to wear?"

Megan said "well, I haven't worn it.  It does look imposing.  But a couple of the women in the office wear it.  They seem to be ok with it.
 At least Brad says they are.  I know he is pretty proud of it."

Kari said "well, I will find out in two weeks.  I will make the best of it.  Whatever, as long as I don't have any more headaches."  After a minute she said "and of course my headgear will be bigger, I can't let Mal out do me."

Mal laughed and said "well, if I don't do a better job the next few weeks wearing mine, we might be matching.  Even if I know who will wear theirs with more flare."

Kari said "no way bish.  It is on."

Mal said "oh, so now you think you are a better stylist and will do a better job wearing your headgear than me?"

Kari said "I don't think so, I know so."  While the mood was light, Megan knew the two women were super competitive.

Mal said "oh no, NOW it is on."

Liza said "wait, what?  Are you two going to, well for lack of a better word, try to out headgear the other?"

This drew laughter from all three of the women.  Kari said "well, since you put it that way...  Yesh, that ish exactly what I am going to do."

Sorry, I had to do it.  And I started to call them Mal and Jen, in honor of our two prior tragic figures.  I went back and changed Jen to Kari in the last chapter, but if I missed one that is why.

I won’t make any promises.

Chapter Forty Two:

Dr. Brad inserted the tandem bow into Megan's locked mouth as he explained "so, this is a modified tandem bow.  It slides into tubes on Megan's lower molars.  And it has locks on it to keep it from sliding out."  Darlene looked on feeling sympathy for the woman.  Dr. Bovenizer seemed utterly intrigued as he asked "so I am still not sure how this is supposed to work".

Dr. Brad looked at him and said "it will make sense soon my good man.  So, now that I have the tandem bow inserted, I will reach in and lock it in place.  Like this.  The patient will be able to do this easily with just a little practice.  Now for the elastics."  He pulled back Megan's lip and said "see these hooks here?  This is where Megan attaches her elastics.  Would you show them how easy it is for you to attach them sweetie?"  Megan obediently attached an elastic to each hook.  Dr. Brad continued as he attached the elastics to the tandem bow "normally, she attaches them to her CTO or the facemask she was wearing earlier. But this tandem bow will take the place of that.  So, we attach the elastics to the tandem bow.  Like this.  And finally, I will place two additional elastics to these outside center hooks on the tandem bow.  We will use them in just a minute.  But now we are ready for the CTO orthosis with the integrated CPAP mask.  Honey, would you put on your CTO for us please?  Darlene, would you help her with the straps for her CPAP mask?  They are new for her."

After Megan had donned her CTO brace Darlene wrapped the straps from the CPAP mask around the back of Megan's head and clicked the buckles in place.  She then checked the fit of the mask on Megan's face.  She gave a thumbs up and moved out of the way.  Dr. Brad said "so, this will be the part that will take a little practice."  He held up a plastic tool and said "using this little tool, we give them to all patients when they start elastics, I will snag one of the elastics hanging on the tandem bow.  Like this."  He reached in through the hole where the air hose would go and grabbed one of the elastics.  He pulled it taught and hooked it onto a post he had installed inside the hole, far enough back that it would not interfere with the hose once it was attached.  He looked up proudly and said "first try.  Now, I will do the second."  Again, he succeeded in grabbing the elastic and getting it attached to the corresponding post.  He said "and now Megan is back in protraction.  The elastics running from her upper molars to her tandem bow are slowly and methodically pulling her upper arch forward.  But, since every force has an equal and opposite force, that is pulling her lower arch backwards retracting it.  We don't want that.  The elastics running from the outside of the tandem bow to the CPAP mask counter act this.  Thus, we are pulling Megan's jaw forward to increase the size of her airway and heal her TMJ joints.  All that is left is to attach the air hose."
 
Darlene checked the fit of the CPAP mask covering Megan's mouth and nose again as Dr. Brad and Dr. Bovenizer looked on.  Megan was seated on the edge of the bed, held stiffly upright by her CTO brace.  Once Darlene had checked the fit of the straps from the CPAP mask that wrapped around Megan's head, Darlene asked "does that feel ok?"  Through the plastic mask, her mouth locked shut by her twin force scopes, Megan gave a muffled "yesh".  Darlene explained "I am now going to hook up the air hose and get you comfortable".  Once Megan was in bed, Darlene helped pull the covers over the stiff body laying in front of her.  Darlene smiled and said "and now, I am going to turn the machine on.  You will feel the air pressure.  It is normal."

As the machine whirred to life, Dr. Brad looked down with pride at his wife.  He leaned over and kissed the plastic that covered her forehead.  He whispered "I am so proud of you.  You look so amazing, the most beautiful woman who has ever lived.  Sweet dreams kitten.  I will miss you beside me tonight so much.  I love you and I will see you bright and early in the morning."

As the trio departed the room, Darlene turned the light off and softly closed the door behind them.  Back in the monitoring and fitting room, Dr. Bovenizer said "Darlene will take good care of her.  As I explained earlier, Megan does have mild sleep apnea.  I am glad she seems to have accepted the idea of wearing this new mask so readily.  I will admit it has me very intrigued.  I wonder if it would have some applications for some of my other patients?"

Dr. Brad said "I am certain it would.  And Megan knows it is for her own health.  I am just so glad I was able to find you so that you could help her.  Speaking of health" he looked at Darlene, "Maggie said you didn't call today.  That is ok.  I went ahead and made you an appointment for a consultation.  This upcoming Wednesday at 9 a.m.  That is right after Tricia's 8:30 consult.  But if you two want to do it together, that would work too!  That is why I scheduled them consecutively like that.  I will let you all work that out.  Here is your reminder card.  I promise you will be so glad you came in.  You will love all the ladies.  Now, I have to run, I have to pick the boys up from Mom's.  But again, thank you all so much!  I will see you in the morning!"

The next morning, Dr. Brad greeted Darlene with a big smile and a cup of coffee.  He asked "how is my favorite sleep tech?  And how did my amazing wife sleep?" 

Darlene said "thank you.  I am good."  The truth is, she had spent much of the night staring at Megan in the monitor, wondering how on Earth she was able to sleep so peacefully.  The rest of the time she had surfed the internet about adult braces, expanders, and protraction; her anxiety growing by the minute.  Darlene remembered how much of a struggle she had when she first got her CPAP.  It had taken her over a week to feel comfortable with it.  Yet, Megan had not seemed to notice the new device at all.  Darlene said "Megan slept like a princess all night.  Let's go wake her, I am sure she is ready to get home."

Dr. Brad bent over and gently nudged his wife.  As she stirred he gave her a big smile and said "good morning sunshine.  I missed you so much."  He bent over and hugged her.  He then helped her to sit up.  Darlene stepped over and turned the machine off and then removed the air hose from the mask on Megan's face.  As she did Darlene asked "how did you sleep?   How do you feel this morning?"
 
Megan's muffled response was hard to understand, but Darlene repeated back "your face is sore?  The mask will take a little getting used to.  I will loosen the straps a little for you.  I didn't think about the elastics pulling the mask against your face."  As she unclipped the buckles she said "let me warn you, the mask usually does leave some red marks.  Mine does too.  But they quickly fade."  She looked at Dr. Brad and said "um, can we take off her CTO?"

Dr. Brad smiled and said "of course! Do you remember how Megan put it on?  It comes off the exact opposite.  Maybe you would like to do it for Megan?  It might be good practice."  He handed her the little elastic tool.

Megan fumbled getting the first elastic off, it snapped and hit Megan's lip.  She let out an "oooff".  Darlene apologized "I am so sorry. I will be more careful."  She managed to get the second elastic off without it snapping.  Once the mask was free from the tandem bow, Darlene unbuckled the straps holding the brace onto Megan.  Once everything was loose, she carefully removed the huge monstrosity and laid it on the bed.  There was a visible red mark on Megan's face where the mask had been.

Dr. Brad reached in and said "honey, I will take your tandem bow off for you."  Darlene looked on as he first removed her elastics, then unclipped the metal bow and slid it from her mouth.  He leaned in and kissed her.  He then said "how was your first night in your new brace?"

Megan said "mah facsch feelsh puffy.  And my mouf ish sore." 

Dr. Brad hugged her and said "I am sorry kitten.  But anything new often takes a little while to get used to.  But you look so beautiful and refreshed this morning.  Let's get you in the bathroom so we can get you unlocked and brush.  That will make you feel better." As he stood and helped Megan up he looked at Darlene.  He asked "perhaps you would like to join us?  To see how her scopes work?  And how she hooks up her facemask."

After unlocking the scopes that held her mouth close, Megan began the time-consuming process of brushing and flossing.  As she did, Dr. Brad picked up her red petit facemask from the counter and explained to Darlene "this is Megan's facemask.  She wears it anytime she isn't brushing or wearing her CTO.  Protraction is hard to achieve in adults and does require quite a commitment from the patient.  But my Megan is just the most committed patient."  He held the facemask up to Darlene's face as he continued "to get the best results, patients really need to wear their protraction devices fulltime.  Most won't, so we do the best we can.  But the success of the treatment is as much in the patient's hands as it is mine." 

Darlene had not focused on this last part.  Instead, her attention was completely on her reflection in the mirror.  She blurted out "Dr. Miller, I don't think I can do a consultation."

Dr. Brad lowered the facemask and said "why in the world not?  It is just a consultation.  There is no commitment up front."

Darlene responded "I just, it is just so much.  I don't think I could wear one of those."

Though he knew otherwise, he replied "an extraoral appliance might not even be in your treatment plan.  We might can fix everything in just a few months with invisible aligners.  At least come in.  Please?"

Megan had overheard and after she rinsed in the sink she said "do it.  Come in.  I promise you that you will be glad."  She reached over and took the facemask from Dr. Brad.  She turned towards Darlene.  Without even needing the mirror she quickly attached her facemask with fresh elastics.  Megan said "Adult braces are cool now days."

Darlene looked at Megan who was smiling at her.  Darlene softly replied "ok, I will."

Megan hugged her and said "yay!  You go girl.  It will be the best decision you ever made."

As they walked to the car, Dr. Brad carrying Megan's new CTO CPAP, Megan said "she doesn't look like she would be a candidate for clear aligners.  From what I can see she could definitely benefit from protraction herself.  She is clearly class III, has a narrow upper maxilla, and an obvious crossbite.  She will need expansion and protraction won't she?"

Dr. Brad said "that will be Dr. Andi's call.  But yes, you are correct."

Megan said "good.  And it would be a shame for her to go through the process alone.  Maybe Dr. Bovenizer's wife will need extensive treatment too?  It would probably be a good idea for them to see Dr. Morales as well.  Poor Darlene is awfully pigeon toed.  I bet Dr. Morales could fix her right up.  And I am sure that Tricia could benefit from some orthopedic bracing as well."

Dr. Brad wrapped his arm around Megan's waist, her stiff corset obvious to the touch, and said "it sounds like that would make my kitten happy.  And I will do anything to keep my kitten happy."

Hmm, I wonder if Dr. Brad’s apparent goal of fitting as much orthodontia in patient’s mouths as possible isn’t to satisfy his own desires, but to satisfy his wife’s?  That would be an interesting twist.

Or maybe it is to satisfy the desires of them both? 

Chapter Forty Three:

Dr. Miller held onto William's hand as he unlocked the front door of "TMJ and Sleep Plus" bright and early Monday morning.  It was well over an hour before they opened, so he was surprised to see Dr. Andi's vehicle in the parking lot.  Standing behind him was Megan, holding baby Chance.  After everyone had made it inside, Dr. Brad locked the door back behind him.  As he entered the treatment area, he let out a loud "Hello Dr. Andi!"  He heard a reply come from down the hall.

He made his way down the hallway and stuck his head inside the tiny, cramped office that had previously been simply a storage closet.  Dr. Andi was looking up at them with a smile on her face behind her Miller headgear.  She said "good morning!"  She noticed William and said "good morning big guy!  Did you come in to keep your Dad inline?" 

Megan stuck her head around the door, wearing her red facemask, and said "nope, that is my job!". 

Dr. Andi gave a little laugh before she said "the gang is all here.  What is the special occasion?"

Megan smiled and said "my Miller headgear is ready!  I really like my facemask because I know it is helping me.  But even now after wearing it so much it still hurts my chin.  I am looking forward to my new headgear.  I think it will be so much more comfortable."  She looked at Dr. Brad and said "you know, you should come up with some kind of fashionable pads that attach to a Petit facemask.  I know there have to be a lot of patients out there that would buy them." 

Dr. Brad raised his eyebrows and asked "why didn't I think of that?  That is a great idea baby."

Megan turned to look back at Dr. Andi and asked "so how goes it with your headgear?  Have you gotten used to it?  Are you wearing it full time now?  Is it as comfortable as I think it is?"

Dr. Andi laughed before she said "well, I don't know how comfortable any headgear is.  Especially the looks I get.  But yes, I have gotten used to it.  And it does spread the force out so it actually is comfortable.  Once you get used to the claustrophobic feel of it and all the straps wrapping around your head.  I am trying my best to wear it 22 hours a day.  I will admit, I do cheat sometimes.  And I plan to take it off when meeting new patients.  Which is why I am here so early."  She held up a chart and said "I am going over the records of all my new patient consults this week.  Brad, I want to thank you so much.  I can't get over how many I have in such a short time.  I have a whole stack of new patients here.  This is so much fun!"

Megan asked "is there a Liza there?"

Dr. Andi said "yes, actually there is.  Do you know her?"

Megan smiled and said "I met her at my hair appointment on Friday morning.  I did my best to convince her to call.  I am glad she did."

Dr. Andi smiled and said "well, I need to thank you as well then.  She certainly did call.  And her regular dentist emailed me over her records that same afternoon.  And Alex finally talked her fiance Marc into coming in.  That will be fun.  So how about I help get you fitted with your own Miller headgear?"

Megan smiled and said "yay!  You can even give me little hacks on wearing it."

Megan continued to hold Chance as she lay back in the treatment chair while William played in the corner with some toys.  Dr. Brad had a little corner of the treatment area set aside as a play area just for adult patients that brought their children with them to their appointment.  Dr. Andi cooed at Chance before she looked at Megan and said "he is just the cutest.  And best behaved.  You are so lucky.  And I am so jealous.  We have been putting off having children until we get better established and financially stable."  She looked at Dr. Brad and said "but I do plan on it."

Dr. Brad smiled and said "I hope you do.  I can tell you it will be the most incredible moment of your life when you hold your child for the first time."

Dr. Andi let out an "awwww."

Dr. Brad said "ok baby, are you ready?"

Megan looked up with excitement on her face as she said "yes!"

Dr. Brad said "Dr. Andi, since she has her hands full, will you remove her Petit while I get her new headgear?"  He stood and walked over to the cabinets along the wall.  When he returned holding a cloth drawstring bag, Megan's red petit facemask was laying to the side.  Dr. Brad looked at Megan and said "remember I said I had a surprise for you?"  He pulled the Miller headgear from the bag.  He said "I had the lab hydrodip it.  So it matches your old one."

Megan looked at the candy apple red plastic frame of the headgear and shrieked "oh baby, I love it.  You are so thoughtful.  I was going to miss my little red facemask.  It looked cute and matched my hair.  My new one does too!  Thank you baby."

Dr. Andi smiled and said "goodness, I wish all our patients were as enthusiastic as you."

Megan said "well, they should be.  Receiving orthodontic treatment is such a blessing.  I am trying to do my part to see that people overcome their fears and insecurities and do it.  Plus, don't you think I looked cute with my red facemask?"

Dr. Andi cocked her head and said "well yes actually.  You did look cute.  And you will in this new one.  Speaking of looking cute, I didn't even realize color was an option.  This gives me some ideas for my own."

Dr. Brad said "well, the plastic face frame is still the same white plastic as your own.  But I wondered why the lab couldn't dip it?  I knew they could dip plastic orthopedic braces, they do that for a lot of scoliosis braces, so I asked them if they could do the same with a Miller face frame.  They said it would be no problem.  They emailed me a chart of all the different colors and patterns that were available.  The number is actually staggering.  Hey, I need to email it to you.  If you prescribe a Miller for any of your cases, you could give your patients options.  Really let them personalize their headgear to match their personality."

Dr. Andi replied "absolutely.  But first, I want to look at it so I can figure out what I am going to do to mine."

Dr. Brad said "that would be fun."  He looked at Megan and said "ok baby, let's see how this fits."  He gently placed the frame on her face.  He examined it and said "it fits perfectly.  Now, let me get the straps sized for you."  It took him a few minutes to make the adjustments on the straps that wrapped around the top and back of her head.  He asked "does that feel too tight?"  Megan smiled and said "no."  He said "next, I will attach the neck strap.  Dr. Andi, would you hold her hair up?"  As Dr. Andi held Megan's hair, Dr. Brad threaded the black strap through the tongue buckle, the same type of buckle found on most belts only smaller, and pushed the post through a hole, cinching the mask tightly in place.  He then threaded the excess strap through a loop designed to hold it flat.  Once done, Dr. Andi let her hair fall down.

Dr. Brad looked lovingly at his wife, the bright red frame with it's black straps tightly bound to her face, and asked "how does that feel baby?  Too tight?"

Megan looked at him and responded "it is tight.  But I like the way it feels.  Like a corset for my face." 

Dr. Brad cocked his head at her.  He thought once again how lucky he was to have found Megan.  He said "we will try it like this.  I do want you to be honest with me though and tell me if it is bothering you by the end of the day.  Do you promise me?"

Megan said "yes sir, I promise."

Dr. Brad said "ok, but I mean it.  I want this to be more comfortable for you, not less.  Let me fit the chin cup."  He quickly attached the oversized chincup to the headgear frame.  The straps from the modules flexed, holding the cup tightly against her chin.  He instructed her "open and close your mouth please.  Too tight?" 

Megan said "no."

Dr. Brad looked at her seriously and said "again, if it is bothering you, tell me.  I am serious.  Now, since we are using the Miller with its larger face frame, I am going to put you back into springs like we started your treatment.  I know they exerted too much force with the Petit mask, but I think they will be tolerable with this new headgear.  But again..."

Megan cut him off and said "tell you if it is hurting too much.  I will."

Dr. Brad said "exactly.  Since you can't wear the springs with your new CTO mask, I want to try to make up for it when you are in your Miller."  He picked up the springs and hooked them onto the hooks in the back of her mouth.  He then used the torx drive to close the cover, locking them in place.  He then reached up and hooked each spring to the corresponding post sticking up from the chincup.  He looked at Megan and asked "so, how does that feel?"

Megan said "it feels tight.  Like it is working.  I like it."

Dr. Brad said "I am afraid that the increased tension from the springs may cause you discomfort.  I want you to take some ibuprofen now.  It is safe for nursing mom's, I already checked.  And since I do want you to wear the springs as much as possible, I am changing your treatment plan.  I want you to wear this headgear during the day and only wear your CTO at night now.  First though, do you want to see what it looks like?"

As Dr. Andi handed Dr. Brad a mirror, she said "Megan, it looks so cute.  The frame matches the highlights in your hair.  I am so jealous. I am totally going to do something with mine now."  She looked at Dr. Brad and said "so, I guess we are done?  I need to get back to my cases.  Again, this is all so exciting."  She leaned over and hugged Megan and said "you look amazing with your headgear.  Maybe you will stay a few minutes too?  I know the girls would love to see your babies.  And you."

As she walked away Megan said "I really like her.  And I am so glad she has gotten over her fear of wearing her headgear."

Dr. Brad said "She isn't like you.  She is like most patients.  She still hates it.  But she wears it.  So..."  He held up the mirror in front of Megan.

Megan took in her reflection in the mirror as Dr. Brad watched her reaction.  After looking at herself for several moments, she cut her eyes towards Brad.  She said "I love it.  Thank you.  I hope other patients are as lucky as me."

Dr. Brad shook his head and smiled at her.  He leaned in and whispered "you are such a good kitten.  And we truly are perfect together." 

Megan smiled "your kitten has a surprise too."  Dr. Brad raised his eyebrows.  Megan said "perhaps we can go to your office so I can show you?"

Dr. Brad stuck his head back in Dr. Andi's cramped office and asked "Dr. Andi, would you mind keeping an eye on William and holding Chance for a minute?  I want to have Megan put on and take off her headgear on her own."

Dr. Andi said "I would love that!"  She was beaming as she took Chance from Megan.  She said "oh goodness, aren't you just the cutest."  She looked up at Megan and said "I will take the best care of him."

Megan smiled and said "I know you will."

Brad followed Megan into his office and closed the door behind him.  He said "you know this is my place of work.  I don't know what kind of surprise you have, but Dr. Andi is just through that wall."

Megan said "oh, you aren't getting that lucky.  No, I have my belt on anyway.  I am a good girl."  She pulled a small luggage lock and two keys from her pocket.

Dr. Brad looked on confused.  He asked "and what is that for?"

Megan smiled and said "to lock my headgear.  So I won't be tempted to cheat."

Dr. Brad said "wait, no.  I won't lock your headgear on.  That just would not be ethical." 

Megan said "I am not asking you as a patient.  I'm not asking you at all."  She quickly reached up with both hands.  By feel she managed to get the small lock through the hole closest to the buckle of her headgear's neck strap.  The lock made an audible click when she shut it.  Megan said "now only you can take it off." 

Dr. Brad said "no.  Turn around and let me unlock you."

Megan said "yes sir.  But, look, my hair covers it.  No one but us will even know it is there.  And this lock came in a two pack, keyed alike.  These are both the keys.  If you take it off, I will just put the other one on when I get in the car.  And maybe I will just throw the keys away in a drain.  I would rather give them to you though."

Dr. Brad looked at her.  He said "baby, no.  Please?"

Megan replied, with a grin on her face, "baby, yes."  She held the keys out to him.  He took them.  She said "all your patients should be as lucky as me."

 

People are strange.  All people are strange in one way or another.

Chapter Forty Five:

Alex could sense Tara's anxiety.  Alex said "it will be good.  Dr. Morales and her staff will take great care of you.  At least go and see what is going on.  Maybe it will help you feel better knowing that Dr. Morales and almost all of her staff are in treatment with us.  I promise you, it will be ok."

Tara turned stiffly towards her and said "I will do it.  Just so you don't think I'm chicken.  But I don't know if I can handle another brace" as she reached up and placed her hand on her CTO. 

Alex laughed and said "leg braces are cool.  Haven't you heard?  Hey, speaking of cool, what are you doing this afternoon?"

Tara shifted in Jim's direction and raised her eyebrows.  Jim said "baby, you know I have an open house.  As the developer, I hate not to be there.  To answer questions, to sell the development.  You are welcome to come of course.  But don't feel like you have to."

Tara turned back to Alex and said "I guess I don't have anything planned.  Did you have something in mind?"

Alex said "yes, a huge favor to ask.  My poor mama.  I feel so guilty.  She has just been miserable since she began treatment.  It's my fault.  Her appliance has been hurting her, she has been fighting an infection from one of the tads since you got it placed.  But even worse is that she has to wear her CTO all day every day.  It limits her so much.  I am going over to her house this afternoon.  I wanted to take her shopping.  But I want to wear my CTO too.  So she isn't the only one.  I was hoping maybe you could be our driver?  And maybe you could bring yours with you just so she knows there are other people going through the same thing?  That there are other people who understand?  I know it may sound like a lot to ask, but would you be up for it?  I would owe you."

Tara said "you won't owe me thing.  I would love to."

Alex screeched "yay!"  She hopped up and excitedly hugged Tara, their CTOs clanging together as she did.  Alex said "so, let us run home and get cleaned up and changed.  Could I give you our address and you just swing by and pick me up?"

Alex stepped over to Jim and gave him a serious look and said "you take good care of her.  Or else."  She gave him a mean mug before she couldn't hold it any longer and laughed.  She said "thank you SO much for last night!  We had so much fun.  Even if you did have to put up with two squatters."

Jim laughed and said "it was my pleasure.  You were the most well-mannered squatters.  We should do it again."

Tara pulled up to the gate of the sprawling upper end apartment complex and entered the code.  As the gate began to roll open, she again looked at her phone; first the text from Alex and then her map app.  She parked in front of bulding C and walked up the stairs to the second level landing.  As she did, she thought about Alex having to navigate these after she had first gotten her leg braces.  She thought it would have been tough.  She knocked on the door, and it opened momentarily to a smiling Alex.  While she had obviously bathed and changed, she was wearing her CTO.  But in addition, she was also wearing the imposingly thick glasses she had only seen her wear once before.  Alex gave Tara a big metallic smile and squealed "you made it!  I hope you didn't have too much trouble finding it.  Please, come in!"

It was the first time Tara had been to Alex'.  As she entered the apartment, Tara said "it's so cute!"

Alex said "ha, it is nothing compared to your crib.  But we are saving."  As she was talking, Tara was mesmerized by the thick glasses that Alex was wearing.

Tara said "it is Jim's.  I have an apartment too.  And like you, saving."

Alex smiled and said "I know, they are so thick.  I am so blind.  But I slept in my contacts.  Someone had the idea of tequila shots.  I won't mention names.  So I figure I better give my eyes a rest.  Plus, who will even notice them when I am wearing this gigantic thing.  But anyway, you might get to put that money towards something else."

Tara responded "I am sorry, I am just not used to seeing you wearing glasses.  They are cute.  And what do you mean about the money?"

Alex said "Jim is crazy about you.  And you two seem perfect together.  That's all.  Hey, do you want anything to drink?  A snack?  Use the restroom?  Anything?"

Tara shook her head and replied "thank you, but I am good."

Alex said "then in that case, how about we hit the road?"

As they walked down the stairs, they met a brunette woman around their age.  Alex said "howdy Mandy!  How are you?"

The woman stopped and said "I am good.  You?"

Alex responded "I am good!  This is my friend Tara.  Tara, Mandy.  Mandy, Tara."  After the pair had said hello, Alex continued "we are going to see my mama.  But I will be back this evening.  Marc is working this evening.  I will give you a shout later."

Tara drove as Alex navigated.  As they made the fifteen minute drive, the two friends talked.  About Marc working and going back to school.  About them waiting to get married until Marc was done with school and Alex was out of braces.  Of them wanting to buy a house together.  About Mandy and her perpetual bad luck with men.  And about Alex's mom and her treatment.

Tara parked in the shady driveway.  As they walked to the door, Alex explained "my mom and dad got divorced when I was little.  My mom got remarried to my stepdad a few years later, that is why our last names are different.  He died three years ago."

Tara said "oh Alex, I am so sorry."

Alex said "it is ok.  He had cancer and he was in so much pain there at the end.  My mom does really miss him though.  I have been trying to get her to date but no luck.  Anyway, it is ok.  I just wanted you to know before you met."

Alex rung the front doorbell and knocked.  A few moments later the door opened.  And there stood an older version of Alex.  The resemblance was uncanny as Tara looked at the blonde woman standing in front of her.  She looked just like Alex, just in her fifties.  And just like Alex, she was wearing a CTO orthosis with it's integrated Sleep Well mask, four elastics stretched tight from it to her mouth.  Alex shrieked "mama!" and wrapped her in a hug.

Tara looked on as mother and daughter hugged.  Finally Alex released her mom and said "mama, I want you to meet my friend Tara!  She was gracious enough to offer to drive us."

The older woman looked embarrassed as she said "baby, I wish you had told me shomeone wash coming over.  Sho I could have taken thish brasch off." 

Alex said "mama, it is ok.  Isn't that right Tara?"  Alex spun and gave Tara a look.

Tara said "yes, it is completely ok.  I totally get it."  She gave an exaggerated smile and pointed at the silver hooks in the corners of her mouth.  Tara said "I have my own.  I wear it every night and have, for what now, almost three months.  Wow, time flies."  Tara stuck her hand out and continued "I am Tara Reynolds, and I totally understand."

The woman hesitantly stuck her hand out and replied "hello, I am Barbara Bean.  It ish a pleashure to meet you.  Shorry about my shpeech.  Thish shtupid appliancsh ish rough."

Tara smiled and said "no need to apologize.  I have a night-time appliance I have to wear.  And I don't even try to speak in it.  And I will be getting a Miller appliance when I progress a little more."

Barbara said "oh you poor dear.  Maybe you will handle it like my Alesh here.  She makesh it look sho eashy."

Alex hugged her mom again and said "it will get better.  I promise.  That is why I am taking you shopping.  We are going buy you some clothes, and then we are going to go buy some plants, and then we are going to come back here and have some fun."

Barbara looked at her and said "oh baby, I don't feel like it."

Alex grabbed her hand and pleaded "please?  You don't need to stay cooped up forever.  Please?"

Barbara looked at her a long time.  She finally said "ok, I will do it for you."

Three hours later as they stood beside Tara's little SUV to get the last box, Alex said "thank you so much.  And I promise you I am going to pay to have your car washed and detailed.  I didn't even think about dirt from the plants."

Tara said "shush your mouth, it is no big deal.  That is why there is a rubber mat in the back.  I am just glad I could help."

Alex said "thank you so much.  I think for a few minutes, mama even forget about her appliance and brace."

Tara said "I hope so.  Since this was your idea though you have to carry the last box.  I will have my hands full".  Tara pulled her own CTO brace from the back seat.

As Tara stepped through the plastic entrance flap, Barbara's back was to her.  Tara said "I just love your greenhouse."  Barbara turned. 

Barbara said "oh honey, you don't have to wear that on my account.  Didn't you shay you jusht have to wear it at night?"

Tara replied "I am supposed to wear as much as I can whenever I can.  Isn't that right Alex?"

Alex said "that is right."

Tara said "and the more I wear it, the faster I will be done.  Isn't that right Alex?"

Alex said "again, that is right."

Tara said "so, let's pot some plants."

An hour later, Barbara stood back and said "they are beautiful.  Thank you girlsh for your hard work.  And for dragging me out of the housh.  I had a good time.  Even with all the shtares.  I guessh I better get used to them though if I don't want to be a shut in."

Alex said "mama, they were only staring because you are the prettiest mama in the whole world.  And I have a surprise for you.  Dr. Brad is having a new brace made for you so you can wear it with your CPAP.  At night.  It should be ready in a week or two.  So, you won't have to wear this all day every day."

Barbara closed her eyes and exhaled.  She stepped over and gave Alex a hug and said "oh thank you baby.  Thank you so much."  Tara saw a tear roll down her face.  Tara realized what an impact the appliance was having on Barbara.  Then Tara realized she faced the same thing.  Suddenly, she wasn't as eager to move on to phase two of her own treatment.

So Tara might get some kafos.

Kylie may be friend with her soon and both may need some crutches to spent some time together.

Ellen will not need crutches, but a halo is hard to wear too.

Phantasy, phantasy... 

What a nice story!