Episode 39.

As they pulled out, Sarah looked over at Peter and asked “a surprise?  What kind of surprise?”

Peter smiled and said “well if I told you, it wouldn’t be a surprise”.

Sarah said “so, I don’t even get a hint?”

Peter said “sure, it involves orthodontics”.

Sarah laughed and said “thanks Capt. Obvious.  I mean, I figured it did since we are headed to the orthodontist.  But seriously, changing lanes, thank you.  For picking me up and taking me to my appointment.  For this past weekend.  I had so much fun.  I hope the boys did too.  I miss them so much.  It was so good to see them.  I can’t wait until I am back home.”

Peter said “they had a blast.  They loved seeing you.  And they miss you too.  But I truly think this is all happening tor a reason.  And for the best. You know, you aren’t having headaches every day now.  I don’t know if it is because of your expanders.  Or because you are getting a little break to relax and focus on yourself.  Or if it is some combination.  But whatever it is, I am so happy about it.  And in just a week I will get to pick you up again.  To go home.”

Sarah responded “I can not wait.  But you know, I am going to miss some of the people here.  Amelia, Dr. Higgins, Julia, especially Izzy.  It is so cute seeing how excited she gets every time she turns my expander for me now.  Yeah, it is a little strange.  She is just so enamored by all this metal I have in my mouth.  She can’t quit asking me about them.  I think she really wants braces herself.”

Peter replied “I know.  I guess I will let part of the surprise out of the bag.  I have talked with Dr. Higgins.  And I have talked with Dr. Parker on the phone.  By the way, her speech has gotten better.  But she still has a severe lisp.  Which you don’t by the way.  I am so proud of you.  But anyway I, no we, are going to schedule Izzy a consultation today.  It took a little persuasion on my part with Dr. Higgins; she is worried about Izzy possibly having braces AND her Milwaukee brace at the same time; but she did admit that Izzy really does seem to want braces.  Unlike her scoliosis brace.  So, she did at least allow that getting Izzy a consultation wouldn’t hurt.  And I reminded her it would give her a chance to take Izzy out.  I suggested they play a little hooky afterwards and go shopping and have lunch.  She loved that idea.  So, we are going to schedule an appointment for Izzy while we are here.  And then surprise her at dinner.  Do you think she will like that?”

Sarah reached over and put her hand on Peter’s arm.  She said “you are the most thoughtful man in the world.  She will be so excited.”

They went quiet for a few minutes.  Sarah yawned and said “wow, I should have had a cup of coffee.” 

Peter said “well, take a little nap. I will wake you up when we get there.”

Sarah shook her head and said “no, I want to enjoy my time with you.”   With his right hand, Peter reached over and took Sarah’s hand in his.

Despite what she had said, a few minutes later Peter looked her to see Sarah’s head lolled to the side sleeping.

As they pulled into the parking lot, Peter gently shook Sarah.  As she opened her eyes he told her “wake up sleepy head, we are here.” 

As Peter looked for a parking spot, he noticed a blond police officer in her blue uniform walking across the parking lot in front of them. She was carrying a pouch in her hands.   Peter said “uh oh!  Maybe she isn’t here to get me.” 

Sarah rolled her eyes and said “whatever.  If they are here for anyone, it is me.”

Peter said “that would make more sense.  You have stolen my heart.”  Sarah let out a little “aww..”

After parking, Peter opened his door.  Sarah looked over and asked “you aren’t going to take off your headgear?”

Peter replied “why?  It isn’t like the girls inside haven’t already seen me in it.  Heck, they put it on me.  And plus, maybe wearing it will score a few brownie points with Dr. Parker.”  He closed his door, walked around the back of the vehicle, and opened Sarah’s door.  He took her hand and helped her out of the vehicle.  After she had grabbed her purse he closed the door and locked the vehicle.  He took her hand and asked “ready?  Let’s go see what Dr. Parker has in store for you.  And for me.”

After entering the office and signing in, Peter and Sarah took a seat.  There were two other patients already there, the officer they had seen earlier a few seats down from them and a 40ish year old brunette woman dressed in a business suit mostly hidden behind the day’s Wall Street Journal. She was sitting in the corner facing them.  Peter could not see the brunette woman’s face, just the top of her head, behind the newspaper she was holding.  Peter noticed the blonde officer from earlier had her head turned, staring at them intently.  After a few moments, Peter turned and made brief eye contact with her as she quickly tried to avert her eyes.   He said “good morning.  Can I help you with something?”

The officer, she was blond and athletically built, bordering on voluptuous, blushed a little.  She stammered and said “I, er, I am sorry. I didn’t mean to, um, stare.  It’s just… well, it is great you two are wearing your headgear.  I, well, I wish I was as brave as you two.”  She went quiet.  She then sheepishly held up the pouch she had been carrying earlier and had hidden behind her as she sat.  She said “I have to wear headgear too.  Or I am supposed to.  But gosh, it is just so hard.  I know I am going to get in so much trouble this morning.  For not wearing it.”

Peter smiled at her and said “it is a bit of an adjustment for sure.  But, it doesn’t really hurt too much.  Or at least mine doesn’t.  Does yours?”

The blond answered “no, it really doesn’t hurt too much.  Well, just my pride.”

Peter said “well, in that case, why don’t you go ahead and put it on?  You certainly won’t be the only one.” 

She said “here?  In public?”

Peter said “it IS an orthodontic office.”  He was interrupted by the door to the treatment area opening. Dr. Parker’s assistant Cassie stepped into the reception area.  Peter was surprised to see she was wearing a pink Petit facemask behind her cloth mask.  She looked over at the woman reading the paper and said “Mrs. Evans?  Dr. Parker is ready for you.”  As she stood up and folded the paper the refined looking woman’s face came into view.  And on her face she too was wearing a Petit facemask. Her’s was blue and matched Sarah’s.  She looked over at Sarah and said “well, at least I am not the only one that hash to wear thish ridiculous thing”.  She smiled and then followed along behind Cassie into the treatment area.

After the door closed, Peter looked over at the officer.  He said “sure, why not.  You seem to be the only one here NOT wearing headgear.  And maybe you won’t get in as much trouble with Dr. Parker if you have it on when you go back.”

The officer said “oh gosh.  I just don’t… ugh”. She unzipped the pouch she was holding and removed a silver facebow.  It took her a few clumsy tries, but she eventually got the facebow into both molar tubes.  She then pulled out a blue cervical strap and placed it around her neck.  She next pulled out a blue high pull strap.  It took her a second to decide which side was up, then placed it over her head.  As she did, Peter thought it appeared identical to what Julia had been wearing earlier. 

After attaching the strap she looked up at Peter.  She said “it looks horrible doesn’t it?”

Peter smiled at her and replied “no, not at all.  It does not look horrible.  It just looks like you have braces. In fact, you aren’t even the first person I have seen this morning wearing that exact same headgear.”

A confused look came onto the officers face as she asked “wait; what?”

Episode 41.

Cassie led the pair over to an open treatment chair.  The one beside them was occupied by Emily, who was reclined back laying flat, mouth wide open.  Dr. Parker’s back was to them, leaned over examining Emily’s mouth.  One chair down from there was Mrs. Evans.  She too was layed back flat.  She was not wearing her facemask any longer.  Instead, she also had her mouth open as an assistant, Peter remembered her name was Maria, changed out the ligatures on her brackets.

Peter turned his attention towards Cassie when she said “so, this is both of your’s first adjustment.  The first thing you will need to do is brush.  Then return over here and I will check your hygiene and check to see if anything is broken, or any other obvious issues.  By then, Dr. Sanders should be close to done and ready to see you.  Then, depending on what we need to do, most likely Maria or I will finish up your appointment.  Changing wires, ligatures, that sort of thing.  So, first things first.”  Gesturing towards a row of sinks she continued “we have toothbrushes and toothpaste ready.  When you are done, just drop it all in that trash can. Leave your extraoral devices off, but bring them with you and meet me back over here.  And ladies first around here, so I will take a look at you first Sarah.  And then you two can swap places.  All clear?”

Peter had been watching her intently as she spoke.  About half way through her explanation and instructions Peter noticed something was different about Cassie’s facemask.  As she had been speaking, the forehead pad had remained anchored in place on her forehead, unlike Sarah’s which moved up and down when she spoke.  Peter thought it looked like it had to be more comfortable.  He made a note to ask about it later.  But for now, he simply smiled at Cassie and replied “nope, I got it.”  Looking at Sarah he said “like she said, ladies first” as he gestured towards the sinks.

A few minutes later Sarah was reclined in the chair, Cassie bent over her intently studying her mouth.  Peter was seated on a stool.  Peter’s eyes were focused on Sarah.  But as neither she nor Cassie were speaking, he couldn’t help but overhear Dr. Parker.

She said “Emily, I am disappointed.  We have gotten no improvement of your class II bite.  Honestly, how many hours have you been wearing your headgear per day?” 

There was a moment of silence before he heard Emily softly answer “10 hours.  Ok, maybe 8.  When I sleep.  I just can’t do more.  Really, I can’t wear it outside, and I am just not home that much.”

Dr. Parker replied “well, I hate you feel that way.  I know you can wear it out in public.  I am.  I am wearing mine 22 hours a day.  Anytime I am not eating, showering, or performing hygiene.  So I know it can be done.  But, I also DO understand your hesitancy.  You are a police officer.  And I know you explained you just can’t wear it on duty.  But, you could wear it the rest of the time.  But, it doesn’t sound like you will.  So, we will try plan B.  Because we have to correct your bite.  Otherwise, you will never get your braces off.  So today, we will be installing forsus springs and a lower lip bumper.  And I will scale your headgear wear back to 10 hours a day.  But, if you will wear the headgear more, we will be finished with the springs AND the headgear even sooner.  Any questions?”

Emily asked “there are no other options?  Those springs just look horrible. Please, is there no other way?”

Dr. Parker answered “yes, there are two other options.  One, we go ahead and schedule you for jaw surgery.  You will be out of work for a month and wired shut for two.  And like any surgery there are risks.  Possible nerve damage is the biggest long term risk with jaw surgery.  You said you did not want jaw surgery.  That you could not and would not do it.  The second option is the herbst appliance we discussed before you started treatment.  But, it will impact your speech with it’s integrated palate expander and lower lingual arch.  And I know you were adamant with your job that you couldn’t have a speech impediment.  Nonetheless, I will let you take a close look at Maria’s and hear her speech.  But you don’t want it.  So that leaves us with one option.  The forsus springs and lipbumper.  The best option would have been for you to wear your headgear as instructed, but we have found that just isn’t going to happen haven’t we.”

Emily sounded on the verge of tears when she said “please?  I will do better.”

Dr. Parker responded “Emily, I think we both know you aren’t going to double your headgear wear overnight.  And I need 16 hours from you.  Seven days a week.  I don’t think that is going to happen.  So I will install the springs today.  They aren’t that bad.  And if you do wear your headgear more, we may be able to take them off as soon as your next appointment.  Ok?”  Peter didn’t hear a reply but heard Dr. Parker reply “perfect, let me go get your new springs and lip bumper.  Maria will get you all fixed up.  And she can tell you all about her herbst appliance. Now it really is a mouthful.  I promise you, you will like the springs more.”

As Dr. Parker stood, he snuck a look over towards Emily.  She looked upset.  Peter snapped back to attention when he heard Cassie say “well Sarah, everything looks spic and span.  Your hygiene looks great.  Nothing is broken.  And I can already see a little movement in your maxilla.  It looks like you are really wearing your protraction gear.  Now, I don’t see any sign of your suture splitting yet.  But it is still early in the process so that isn’t a concern yet.  So, would you hop up and swap places with Peter?”

After Cassie was done examining Peter she said “well, you get a gold star too.  Everything looks great.”

Once he was raised back up, he noticed that Mrs. Evans was gone.  He assumed her appointment was finished.  In the chair beside him, both Dr. Parker and Maria were bent over Emily.  Cassie stood and took a few steps over towards Dr. Parker.  They quickly conferred, and Cassie came back over and sat back down.

She looked at Peter and said “well, Dr. Parker said she would be a few more minutes.  And since you are ditching invisalign and switching to metal brackets; a great move by the way, just so much more effective and efficient; she said to go ahead and remove your current brackets.  Everything but the molar bands, we will still need them for headgear.  Sorry.”

Peter said “you don’t have to apologize.  I have gotten used to it, and I know it is just part of it.”

Cassie cheerily said “that is a GREAT attitude.  I wish all our patients shared it.”

But that was not the real reason he had said that no apology was needed.  The real reason was the look on Sarah’s face.  As Cassie had been talking about switching to metal braces, Peter had been looking into Sarah’s face.  He had seen the change in the expression on it.  He had seen the lust that had arisen in her eyes.

As Peter was reclined back, he knew that whatever pain and embarrassment he might feel from being a 40 something year old highly regarded architect with metal braces and headgear would be more than made up for by that look on Sarah’s face.  And by what he knew lay behind it.  Fully reclined back he felt like he was in an amusement park ride seat.  Because he knew he was about to be in for one hell of a ride.

Episode 43.

Peter stopped beside the chair and looked down at Sarah.  She had seen him approach and had cut her eyes in his direction as Dr. Sanders worked on her facemask with an allen wrench.  Peter asked "how you doing babe?"  She said "I am fine. How..."

Dr. Parker scolded her "Sarah, keep your mouth closed please, I am almost done fitting your new mask".  Peter looked down as Dr. Parker finished tightening the screw that held the forehead pad of the new mask in place and then pulled it away from Sarah's face.  Dr. Parker said "sorry, but now you can talk."

Sarah said "I am good baby.  Dr. Parker is giving me a new facemask to wear, she says it will be more comfortable.  But, how are you?  Can I see your new braces?"  Peter gave her a big smile and saw the hairs on Sarah's arm stand up.  Sarah said "they look sooo good baby.  You are just the cutest."  Staring at his smile she then said "but where are your wires?"

Peter responded "that is why I came over.  I want to let you pick my colors.  When you get done of course."  Turning his attention to Dr. Parker he asked "but first, what did you have in store for my lovely wife today?"

Dr. Parker replied "I am fitting her for a new model facshmask." She pulled her cloth mask down.  She continued "shince I have been wearing one, I have a lot more empathy for my patientsh.  So, I experimented with a few to find the best one.  This is the best I have found so far.  I have been thinking about designing one myself, but that is a whole other ball of wax.  The model I wash using with patients was uncomfortable, at least at first, and especially on the chin.  I knew it was, all facemasks are.  But, I honestly didn't realized how much.  Especially with the addition of the high pull strap.  So, I am now ushing a new model, the one I am wearing, for all patients.  As you can shee it has a much larger chincup.  Yes, it is a little more noticeable.  But, it isn't like the old one wasn't.  Thish larger chincup spreads the force out over a larger area, so it is more comfortable.  It alsho has tabs on the forehead pad to attach a strap around the head.  For night time wear while sleeping, to keep it secured in place.  You can see I am not wearing mine right now.  Also, with this new model, the chincup is not fixed in place on the main vertical bar.  It slides up and down.  Notice as I talk, it slides.  This means the forehead pad staysh anchored in place.  It is an upgrade.  It is more comfortable and makes talking easier.  So, this is the new facemask I want Sarah to wear.  We are still going to do 16 hours per day.  And I want you to wear the additional highpull strap 12 hours a day.  And use the facemask headstrap at night while sleeping.  Here, let me demonstrate."

Dr. Parker picked up a pack of elastics and shook a few into her hand.  She placed the mask against Sarah's face and then attached four elastics, two on each hook, onto the horizontal bar of the mask that sat in front of and slightly below Sarah's mouth.  Dr. Parker said "I want you to keep wearing the four elastics, two on each side.  Two will come straight out, and two will cross."  She held up a mirror so that Sarah could see.  She then picked up the highpull strap and said "I am not changing what hole you are on, yet.  So, you won't feel any additonal tension."  She quickly placed the strap over Sarah's head and attached it to the mask.  She looked at Sarah and asked "so, how does that feel?  Better?"

Sarah replied "yes, it does.  And wow, it is easier to talk with the sliding chincup.  Thank you!"

Dr. Parker laughed and responded "well, that may be a first.  A patient thanking me for fitting them with a facemask.  But thank you.  And it ish an improvement.  There is one more part."   She picked up another strap with two metal triangle shaped buckles at each end.  She placed a buckle on one of the tabs on the forehead pad, wrapped it around Sarah's head, and attached it to the other side.  She continued "before you tuck into bed each night, just put this strap on too, over your high pull strap.  It isn't uncomfortable.  You will hardly know it is there.  And after a few days, you won't notice it at all.  It will keep your mask from getting knocked askew during the night.  I am sure that has happened to you.  It is annoying I know to wake up with the facemask laying on your ear and cheek, and having to fix it during the middle of the night.  This will largely eliminate that.  As for Sarah's braces, no changes.  No new wire, no new ligatures.  I do want her to call the office when her suture splits.  And if it doesn't in a week, I also want you to call.  If we don't have a split in two weeks, we may need to perform a corticotomy."

Sarah asked "what is a corticotomy?"

Dr. Parker said "I will use a little drill to drill along your mid palatal suture line.  To encourage it to split.  It sounds horrible, but it really isn't.  I had it done when I started treatment, just because of my bone density.  And I did it to my mom as well when she started.  Genetically, we are similar and both have very dense palates.  And obviously, she is a little older.  And the older one is, the more difficult it is to get the bones to split.  But, based on your CBCT we took, I didn't think it was necessary for you.  But, if it is, it really is not a big deal. So, Sarah, I think we have you all fixed up."  Dr. Parker looked at Peter and said "now how about we get you fixed up too?  Why don't you two swap?"

Sarah hopped up still wearing her new facemask and straps.  Peter hugged her and said "your new facemask is cute.  I like the pink too."  She squeezed him and said "thank you babe.  But it isn't nearly as cute as your new braces."  She released her hold on him and swatted him on the butt and said "now, get in the chair so you can get the rest of them."

Peter smiled and said "yes ma'am".  As he turned, he noticed that Dr. Parker was smiling at what she had just seen. 

As Peter got comfortable, Dr. Parker told Sarah "if you want to, you can take off the straps of your facemask.  Or, if you want to leave them on, I would love that too.  The more you wear it the better."

Sarah looked at Peter while replying to Dr. Sanders "I will just keep them on for now.  It is the least I can do since my poor baby is getting braces today.  And I assume he will still have to wear his headgear."

Dr. Parker responded "yes, he will have to still wear headgear.  In fact, I am going to fit him for a new headgear for night time wear as soon as we finish up with his wires.  An interlandi headgear, it will give me a lot more control over the forces on his bite."

She looked at Peter and asked "so, what colors are we doing?" 

Peter looked at Sarah and asked "baby, what color braces do you want me to have?"

Sarah smiled behind her facemask and said "I was thinking hot pink.  That would look so cute on you.  And we could match, you with hot pink braces and me with a hot pink facemask.  Barbie is so in right now after all."

Peter didn't say anything, but his face went a little pale.  If his wife wanted him to have pink braces, he would have pink braces.  Sarah noticed the look on Peter's face and giggled.

Dr. Parker asked "are you sure?  They will be very noticeable?"

Sarah laughed and said "I was kidding."  She looked at Dr. Parker's and asked "what is the least noticeable color?"

Dr. Parker said "light grey".

Sarah replied "then let's go with light grey.  At least for now." 

Smiling at Sarah Peter said "you are a mean woman."  Cutting his eyes to Dr. Parker he said "see what I have to deal with?"  Turning back to Sarah he added "but I would have done it, for you."

Sarah put her hand on Peter's and said "I know you would have baby.  But I wouldn't have done it to you."

Dr. Parker interrupted and said "well grey it is, let's get you some wires.  Braces work better that way.  Since Cassie isn't back yet, I will get started."

Dr. Parker quickly got Peter's lower wire in the slots of his brackets and was about half way done applying ligatures when Cassie came back.  She apologized "I'm sorry, I had to go to the ladies room.  Peter, I brought you a water.  But it looks like you are indisposed of at the moment.  Dr. Parker, do you want me to finish up his ligatures?" 

Dr. Parker said "that is ok Cassie, but yes, I would like you to finish up.  I will go get Peter's new headgear."

The two swapped places, and Cassie continued applying ligatures.  She quickly finished the bottom, then installed the upper wire.  Sarah noticed that Cassie was actually much quicker than Dr. Parker at applying the ligatures. 

As Cassie worked, Sarah said "wow, you are fast."

Cassie said "well, when you do something all day everyday you are bound to get good at it.  I think I could change ligatures in my sleep."  She worked a minute longer and exclaimed "all done!  Peter, you have braces!"  She held up a mirror and asked "what do you think?"

Peter smiled broadly in the mirror.  At first he just said "wow..."  He then added "it's a change, will definitely take some getting used to.  Baby, what do you think?" 

Sarah looked on at him breathlessly and said "I don't think I have ever seen anything as beautiful."  Cassie cocked her head but didn't say a word. 

At this time Dr. Parker arrived back with a mass of straps in her hand.  She handed them to Cassie and said "so Cassie, you remember the elastic pattern we want to use?"

Cassie nodded her head and said "yes ma'am".

Dr. Parker replied "well in that case, why don't you get Peter fitted for his new headgear, and I will go check on Jimmy and Maria."  Peter cut his eyes in the direction Dr. Parker was looking and noticed the young man they had seen in the waiting room was now reclined back in the chair they initially started in, Maria bent over him removing ligatures.

Cassie said "Peter, your braces really do look good.  I get that they are a change, but you will get used to them in no time.  Now, this new headgear will also be a change.  But, you will only have to wear it at night when you sleep.  During the day, when you are getting in those couple of additional hours, you will still just have to wear the cervical headgear.  Unless you just want to wear the Interlandi.  And I have never met anyone that wanted that.  So, let's get started."

It only took Cassie about 5 minutes to get the facebow inserted, the straps sized to Peter's head, and the elastics hooked from the C-plate of the headgear to his facebow.  Once it was all fitted she leaned from side to side examining it.  She announced "that's it!  Did you understand everything?  About the elastic configuration?  About wear time?"

Peter nodded his head up and down and said "Yes, I think so."  As he moved his head, he could feel the headgear straps rubbing on his head.  He had noticed how huge the headgear had looked when it was in Cassie's hand.  On his head, it felt even bigger, the C-plates resting on the sides of his face.

She looked at him and said "so, let's take a look" as she reached again for the mirror. 

As she did Peter asked "do we have to?  Maybe just put a bag over my head?"

Cassie laughed and said "you're funny.  Remember, it is just to be worn at night while you sleep." 

As she held the mirror up Peter gasped.  He said "wow, it is huge."

Cassie said "it is, but again, only at night.  And it is actually kind of cute on you.  Don't you think Sarah?"

Sarah replied "just the cutest."

Cassie said "well, that wraps it up for today.  Unless you have any questions, go on up front and make your follow up appointments and I will see you next time.  You can both take your headgears off if you would like, though Dr. Parker REALLY likes it when patients wear it out of the office.  Even if you take it off the minute your feet hit the sidewalk."

Peter said "well, actually I was hoping I could talk with Dr. Parker for a minute before we leave.  Would that be ok?" 

Cassie said "absolutely, if you don't mind waiting in reception a few minutes.  When she gets a break, someone can come and get you.  Would that work?" 

Peter said "absolutely.  And thank you for being so gentle."  Smiling he said "I'm not even that mad at you that you put this monstrosity on my head" as he gestured to the Interlandi headgear. 

Cassie laughed and said "thank you for that.  And really, it isn't that bad.  Look around, all the cool kids wear headgear.  But, if you want, you can take it off while you wait." 

Peter said "no, that is ok.  I might as well get used to it.  As long as my beautiful wife here will wears her too.  Will you babe?"  She simply nodded her head up and down.  She was completely focused on Peter and his new braces and headgear.

As the two walked towards the door to the waiting area, hand in hand, both wearing their headgears, Sarah stopped Peter.  She leaned in and whispered "I said you were the cutest earlier.  That was a white lie.  You are the sexiest.  The sexiest thing I have ever seen.  And you ARE going to take me home before we return to VistaView.  But, it shouldn't take long, I am about to burst." 

I will add, it is good to know at least one person is reading this mess.

I am loving the story! Please keep writing. I'm curious what the ladies wearing casts is all about.

Thanks y’all.  I appreciate you giving me the space to do a little writing.  And for reading.  And giving me props when you liked it, and calling me out when you didn’t or I made just ridiculous mistakes.

Episode 45.

Several minutes later the treatment room door opened.  Dr. Parker emerged and called over to Peter and Sarah "hey you two, come with me".  As they got to the door, Dr. Parker turned and said "follow me" as she quickly marched away from them.  They went through the treatment area towards a hallway.  As they walked through Peter noticed Pam and her daughter Kendra at the sinks while Cassie kept little Braxton occupied.  Peter nudged Sarah and gestured in the direction.  Sarah said "aww, I want to take him home with me.  And Pam might let me.  I don't envy her getting her expander and having to keep up with two kids at the same time."  They didn't have long to look though as Dr. Parker was hurrying through the area.

They followed her down a short hall to an office with her name on the door.  Entering the office she went over to a mini-fridge and got a diet Coke out.  While squatted down she turned and asked Peter and Sarah if they wanted anything.  Sarah said "if you don't mind, I wouldn't mind a diet coke too."  Peter responded "thank you, but I don't have a clue how I would drink with this headgear on."  Nonetheless, when Dr. Parker straightened up she had two diet Cokes in one hand and a bottle of water in the other.  From the top of the refrigerator she also grabbed three straws from a box of them.  She sat the water and one of the Coke cans down on her desk.  The other she popped opened and stuck a straw in.  She handed it to Sarah saying "you shouldn't drink soda.  It is horrible for you.  So, I don't have any idea where you got this.  And you surely are not about to see me drink one myself.  No, that is just your imagination."  She chuckled at her little joke then picked the water up and handed it and a straw to Peter.  She said "and you might want to wash some of the funk out of your mouth after your banding.  Plus, here's a little tip, your wires are heat activated.  Drinking something cold will reduce the force on them if you are hurting."

As he took the bottle and straw from her he said "thank you very much.  I might need that little trick for later.  I can already start to feel these things working." 

As Dr. Parker sat she picked up her Coke, opened it and slid the straw in.  She said "you will likely be a little sore the next few daysh.  But I am confident your mouth will adjust to everything pretty quickly.  Not to be rude, but what do you have for me?  I jusht have a few minutes."

Sarah said "I believe Peter has discussed scheduling a consultation for a friend of ours?"

Dr. Parker said "yesh, he did.  Sounds standard.  Caitlin at the front desk can handle that."

Sarah continued "well, I wanted to talk about my friend.  And make sure you think she would be suitable."

Dr. Parker asked "what do you mean suitable?"

Sarah said "my friend, her name is Izzy, is on the spectrum.  Her guardian is worried she won't handle the braces well at all.  The poor girl already has to wear a scoliosis brace.  Before we go to the trouble or waste your time, we wanted to ask if you thought it was feasible."

Dr. Parker said "sure, I have several patients that wear scoliosis braces.  They do fine.  It is amazing how resilient kids are.   And we have several patients that are on the spectrum as well.  But I am familiar with autism on a much more personal level.  My daughter has autism.  So, I am well versed in it.  And I assure you I will do everything I can to make it as painless and pleasant as possible for Izzy.  Is she verbal?"

Sarah asked "Well, Izzy is not a child.  She is in her early 20's.  Her scoliosis brace is a whole sad story.  But I guess worse case she could always just take it off for her appointment.  That actually might be the best idea now that I talk it through.  And verbal?  What do you mean?"

Dr. Parker responded "does she talk, communicate?  Where is she on the spectrum?"

Sarah said "well, I don't really know.  But yes, she talks and communicates.  Oh boy does she talk.  She is smart as a whip too.  But sometimes she can obsess over things.  And if you do get her started talking about something, she might still be talking about it next week.  Or next year I suspect.  She can be socially awkward.  And she sometimes will miss little non-verbal ques.  And she takes everything she hears very literal.  I just wanted to, I guess, make sure we are making the right decision for her to come in.  She really wants to by the way.  She is enamored by my orthodontia.  Her parents were killed when she was younger, she grew up in the foster care system, and never had a chance to have them as a teen.  But now, and I blame myself, she is obsessed with getting them.  But I hate the idea of her mouth hurting.  And how she would handle that."

Dr. Parker replied "she sounds like she is very mild.  I am sure she will have no problem.  And again, I am VERY familiar with autism.  My daughter Naomi is non verbal.  She has a severe form.  So, I know more about it than I ever thought possible.  If it looks like things are going badly with Izzy, I promise you I will notice quickly.  And we will do what we need to do for her.  Even if it means stopping the appointment.  Is that assurance enough".

Sarah said "yes, thank you."

Dr. Parker responded "great, anything else?"

Peter looked at Sarah who nodded her head back and forth.  Peter said "no, I think that answers our questions.  We will talk to Caitlin up front on our way out and schedule our appointments.  For us and for Izzy.  Oh, I do have a couple of questions.  Just out of personal curiosity.  One, do you make all your employees get braces?  It seems like they all have them.  And two, what did you mean about wearing your headgear all the time?  Are you really doing that?"

Dr. Parker laughed and then responded "NO!  I don't make them get braces.  How could I even do such a thing?  Threaten to fire them?  No, I would never do that.  But I do offer all employees a one-year employment anniversary gift.  Full treatment for them at no cost, and spouses and direct family members at a 50% discount.  So, you are talking about a $4000-7000 gift for one person.  It could be well over $10,000 if a spouse and/or child joins them.  So far, even employees that balked at the idea when they started have jumped in the chair after a year.  Caitlin up front, who I know you have talked to before and will when you leave, doesn't have braces.  She has only been with me 9 months now.  And she was horrified at the idea of getting braces as an adult when she started here.  This is her first job in the dental field by the way.  But now, after 9 months, she is asking me if I can make an exception and let her start early.  I think being immersed in it, and seeing the amazing transformations that take place here, really changes people's outlook and perception on orthodontic treatment and braces.  Now, if you don't mind, let's walk and talk.  I need to get back at it."

As they stood, Dr. Parker continued talking.  She said "yes, I am wearing my headgear fulltime.  I plan to for three months."  She then began walking, with Peter and Sarah following along behind.  As they walked she said "we know that the more a patient wears their headgear the better.  Obviously.  But I have seen that with adults, 12 hours is the absolute minimum to get any movement whatsoever.  Anything less is just a waste of time.  And 16 hours is even better.  And I suspect that 22 hours would be even better.  But, I can't ask a patient to do that without knowing.  So, I am the test subject.  I am wearing mine for 22 hours a day for three months.  Cassie is wearing hers for 16 hours a day.  I have actually told her not to wear hers any more than that."  Dr. Parker laughed and added "she is probably the first patient I have told not to try to sneak in a little extra time whenever they can.  So, yes, I am.  It is hard, I will admit.  But I think at the end of the three months, we will find I got a hair bit more forward movement that Cassie.  Which may mean I need to wear mine for a shorter period of time.  We will see."

As they arrived back in the treatment area Dr. Parker stopped and said "now, let me thank you two.  For being model patients.  And for choosing me to be your orthodontist.  I feel honored.  I look forward to seeing you at your next appointment." 

She turned and marched over towards Cassie.  Peter and Sarah turned to watch.  Kendra was already reclined back in the chair with Pam sitting in a chair beside her, her son fidgeting in her lap.  Cassie was already working on etching the teens teeth.  Pam had a look of dread on her face.

Sarah patted Peter and said "hang on."  Sarah walked over to Pam and asked "you look like you have your hands full.  Would you like me to help babysit while you are in the chair?"

Pam looked up at her and said "that is so sweet.  Thank you.  But Kendra can.  She is great at babysitting this little Tasmanian devil.  But, again, thank you.  And thank you for earlier."

Sarah said "absolutely.  It was my pleasure.  No, it was our pleasure.  It is funny, now that we both have braces we are an open book and actually like talking about them.  Or at least I do.  I do have one thing to ask of you.  A payback of sorts.  Please, text us and let us know how you two are doing later.  I will be worrying about you if you don't.  I am sure Peter will too.  Will you do that for us?"

As she bounced the boy on her knee Pam replied "absolutely.  That is the least I can do.  You two are just the kindest people."

Sarah laughed and said "thank you.  But you haven't met my other side.  But Peter, yes, he is an angel.  Pam, it was such a pleasure to meet you and talk.  And you are going to do just fine.  I promise."

After making their follow up appointments with Caitlin, they also made a consultation appointment for Izzy in two weeks.  Sarah was sure to schedule it early in the morning.  Because she was planning on talking with Dr. Higgins.  And convincing her to let her attend with Izzy as well for additional moral support.

As they walked to the car, Sarah squeezed Peter's hand and said "you need to go ahead and call VistaView and tell them we are going to be running late.  Because our appointment isn't over yet.  Mr. Jackson, there is one more procedure that we need to perform.  At home, in our bedroom.  And don't you dare take that sexy headgear off until the procedure is complete."