Saturday morning Andi hurried Abby out the door.  Again, Abby asked where they were going.  Again, Andi told her it was a surprise.  As they pulled into the parking lot of Dr. Morales, Abby cut her eyes towards Andi, her head held erect by her brace.  Abby said "what?  No...  I can't handle anything elsh."

Andi patted Abby on the thigh and said "it's ok honey, this is just a routine checkup.  Olivia wants to make sure you are doing well."

After examining Abby both in and out of her brace, Olivia exclaimed "Abby, everything looks great.  You are doing so wonderful."  Olivia looked at Andi and asked "do you want to tell her?"

A look of dread came over Abby's face before she asked "tell me what?"

Andi saw the look on Abby's face and laughed.  She reached over and tousled Abby's hair as she said "you are so silly.  I think you will like your surprise."

Abby asked "what ish it?"

Andi glanced over at Raphael and said "you get your casts off today."  Abby's face lit up as Andi continued "we have a big week coming up.  I want us to enjoy it.  I think you will have more fun if you aren't stuck in those casts.  Don't you?"

Abby smiled broadly, her facemask shifting on her face, as she said "oh yes.  Thank you.  Thank you so much."

Andi said "I hope that we have broken your thumb sucking habit.  But if not, we will worry about it when we get back.  And there is one more surprise."  Andi looked at Olivia.

Olivia said "Abby, for just the next week, I want you to wear your Milwaukee only at night when you sleep.  It's just temporary, but seeing as how we got a jump on things, it won't hurt your progress too much.  How does that sound?"

Abby looked like she wanted to cry.  Andi reached over and placed her arm on one of her casts and asked "what is it pumpkin?  I thought you would be happy?"

Abby smiled and said "I am so happy."  Andi reached over and wiped away the tear running down her face as Abby said "it is a happy tear."

Andi smiled and said "well I have something else that will make you happy.  After we leave here we are going to swing by the office.  Since you are getting your appliances installed Tuesday, I am going to remove your current appliances and pop some spacers in.  You will have a few days of freedom.  And then, we are going shopping.  I need a new dress for the dinner.  And you have certainly earned one too."

Abby stiffly turned and wrapped her casted arms around Andi.  As Andi wrapped her arms around Abby, Andi whispered in her ear "I told you I would take good care of you."

Sunday afternoon, Brad pulled to a stop in front of the valet kiosk of the Hyatt in downtown New Orleans.  He was driving the practice's van.  Megan was perched stiffly in the passenger seat, her gaze held fixed by the neck ring of her brace.  Brad looked into the rearview mirror to see the rental van driven by Andi pull in and stop behind him.  Brad turned in his seat and announced "we are here!"

As the two van loads of people began to pile out, the valets were at the doors of the two vans.  Soon, they were joined by a host of bellmen with carts.  Brad had seen the looks on several of their faces, they were looks of shock.  But it wasn't every day you saw a host of people encumbered by so much orthodontic and orthopedic hardware.  The Milwaukee braces that Megan, Abby and Becky wore all got stares.  Megan and Becky were also wearing their headgears, as were Aubrey and Andi.  The headgear also got some long, quizzical looks.  But no one said or asked about them.  After all of their luggage was loaded up and the valets had the keys, the group made their way inside.  As they did, they got stares.

As they stepped up to check in, the young lady working the front desk looked up.  She then did a double take, her eyes growing wide.  She quickly recovered and said "welcome to the Hyatt New Orleans.  Are you checking in?"

Brad smiled and said "yes we are."  He gave the woman the names of everyone and the confirmation number that their reservations were under. 

As she typed in the information, the young woman, her name tag said Katie, said "you all must be here for the orthodontic convention."

Brad chuckled and asked "how'd you guess?"

The young woman replied "you have the special rate for the convention."  She went silent a moment before she said "and also, the braces and headgear kind of gives it away.  Gosh, I have checked in so many people with braces today.  And one huge group who were all wearing headgear too.  You certainly don't see that very often."  She looked up and smiled at Brad.  She then visibly bared her teeth before she said "I need them so badly.  But they are just so expensive."

Brad replied "yes, but it is totally worth it.  It is an investment for life."

Katie handed over a key card and said "Mr. Brad Miller and Mrs. Megan Miller, here are your room keys.  And you are right, but still, I can't afford it.  I had a consult and it was going to be $6,000.  I just can't afford that."

As she slipped another pair of room keys into the slot to encode them, Andi stepped forward.  She said "I couldn't help but overhear.  If you really want to pursue treatment, there is always a way."

Katie looked up after slipping two room keys into their sleeve and said "these are for Aubrey and Becky".  As Aubrey stepped up to the desk, Andi could see Katie staring at her headgear.  Andi wasn't sure if it was a look of intrigue or disgust.

Andi said "we are all in treatment.  Aubrey and I both wear Miller headgear full time.  Yes, it gets some looks.  But you can get used to it.   And it is vital for our treatment."

Katie turned to Andi and said "I mean, I know what headgear is.  But I have never seen any like you are wearing."

Andi smiled and said "it is new, this is Miller headgear.  It is a state of the art extraoral appliance that is the most versatile and effective headgear ever designed.  And you are in the presence of it's inventor.  Dr. Brad Miller designed it himself."

Katie was busy encoding more keys as she said "Is it not uncomfortable?  That other group was wearing the same kind.  Some of them looked like it was bothering them.  And here are Andi and Abby's keys."

Andi reached over and said "I am Dr. Andi."  She gestured towards Abby and said "and this is Dr. Abby.  In a couple of days, Dr. Abby here will also be wearing Miller headgear.  She is getting her appliances installed and her headgear fitted here at the show.  And that must have been the group from Orpsco that you checked in.  They are who actually manufacture and distribute Miller headgear."

Katie looked surprised when she replied "yeah, that was them.  Wait, so you are both orthodontists too?  And you wear headgear?  And they actually install braces at this show?"

Andi said "yes, Dr. Abby and I are not just friends, we are colleagues.  Associate orthodontists of Dr. Miller's.  We specialize in airway health and facial growth.  We help others, but we also help ourselves.  And as for the headgear, it takes some getting used to.  Just like anything.  And we are installing some appliances here at the show.  To demonstrate to other dental and orthodontic professionals."  Andi turned and continued "not only will Abby be getting her appliance installed here this week, Alex, Kristi and Kelly will be as well.  Then our entire office will be in treatment."

Katie looked up and said "oh, wow, that is hardcore.  Speaking of Kristi and Kelly, here are their keys."  As Kristi stepped forward, Katie said "well, I guess I can always dream about fixing my teeth."

Andi looked at the young woman and asked "do you really want to go into treatment?"

Katie replied "yes, of course.  But like I said I can't afford it."

Andi unzipped her purse and handed her a card.  Andi said "send me a text later.   I bet we can figure out a way to get you in treatment."

Katie took the card and said "wow, really?"

Andi smiled and said "yes.  But before we go too far down that road, would you be willing to wear headgear like I am wearing?"

Katie studied Andi's face.  Andi said "really, it is no big deal."

Katie smiled and said "yeah, ok, sure.  Why not?"

Andi winked at her and said "yay!  You will be so happy!  Ok, text me.  I need to let you get back to getting folks checked in."

That evening Andi replied to Katie's text while they were at dinner.  Andi's response stated "Katie, I have talked with a colleague I went to dental school with.  He works at a practice in Metairie.  He has agreed to a free consult for you.  But even more, he told me he would treat you for just the cost of your appliances.  How does that sound?"

Katie replied back "oh, wow!  Really!  That is so exciting!"  She put a big smiley face emoji at the end.

Andi replied with all of the contact info.  She then ended it with "contact them, you will be so happy!" and a smiley face emoji of her own.

Katie replied back "THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!"

As Andi put her phone away, she wondered how happy Katie would be once she started treatment.  The reason Andi's colleague had agreed to treat a patient pro bono was that he wanted to gain some experience with all of the new appliances that Orpsco was introducing.  Andi smiled, knowing that Katie's treatment plan was going to include a Miller appliance with upper and lower expanders, upper tongue crib, lower tongue rake, full time Miller headgear using protraction rods as well as the new Nova functional appliance.  Andi thought about Katie, she was such a cute young woman, though she did carry a few extra pounds.  Andi felt certain that weight would fall off her once she had all of her appliances installed and the rods of her Miller appliance locked shut for a few months.  Andi looked across the table at Abby.  Andi couldn't wait to do the same with her.     

 

Hope never dies. 

https://dereferer.me/?https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LtunHlJPnv8    adult hawley
https://dereferer.me/?https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-xSUeThYjZI    adult hawley but you must wait

https://dereferer.me/?https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tx2IeVcYEUY          real mess
https://dereferer.me/?https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_N9eNquZdY        really needs
https://dereferer.me/?https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DeEuAhfDOR8        gap

On Monday morning, the ladies arose early. Brittany had been enjoying the full headgear experience by wearing it all the time except for when she ate, bathed, brushed her teeth, or made love to Lindsey. Same with Lindsey and her Milwaukee brace—she only removed it to bathe or exercise, and her back was feeling so much better, too. Brittany brushed her teeth and took a hot shower alone to relax herself for the day's journey. She got dressed in a very nice yet comfortable outfit for her travels, choosing to wear only three-inch-heeled Mary Janes for comfort. After getting dressed, Lindsey helped Brittany with her headgear and tried to style her hair, which was an impossible job with the Interlandi headgear straps. Finally, Brittany was ready, and the couple embraced. Lindsey placed a small bag for Brittany's headgear along with a packet of elastics in her suitcase and carried it and Brittany's briefcase to the car. They embraced once again knowing it was going to be a long 5 days apart.
 
 
******
 
 
That evening, Lindsey gets a text from Brittany:
 
 
"I'm here and settled in, Linny. It was the flight from hell with turbulence and delays. When I got to Houston, the car rental agency didn't have the Lincoln that I had reserved, and they wanted to give me an econobox. A little charm, a flash of my braced smile, along with a little nervous fiddling with my headgear, seemed to make a Lincoln appear out of thin air. Everything was in order at the hotel, and I just had a few drinks at the hotel bar. It seemed like everyone was looking at me, and there were some hushed comments about my braces and headgear—I really enjoyed it for some reason. Oh, room service is here with my dinner. I'm going to eat then turn in early since I'm driving to Beaumont tomorrow. I already miss you, Linny. Love, Britt."
 
 
Lindsey replies:
 
 
"It sounds like you had a hell of a day, Britt, and I'm glad you are settled in for the evening. I made an appointment to get my spine checked out tomorrow. I'll let you eat dinner and get some rest. Please call me tomorrow night; no texting; I need to hear your sweet voice. I hope all goes well in Beaumont tomorrow and that you are really enjoying your braces and headgear and having fun with them. Love always, Linny."
 
 
******
 
 
A very happy Brittany just finished dinner at her hotel after having a few drinks at the bar. She is settled in her room after taking a hot shower and is wearing her PJ's and, of course, her headgear. She picks up her phone and dials Lindsey's number. It only rings once before Lindsey picks up.
 
 
"Hi Britt, How was your day, honey?"
 
 
"It was great, Linny. The drive to Beaumont was actually pleasant, and you won't believe it, but I got a contract signed with Tex-East refining. The last time I was there, the environmental compliance officer refused to even see me. I sat in the waiting room for hours, and he walked past several times, ignoring me, and I finally left. This time it was completely different. He saw me in the parking lot, and I smiled at him, my braces and headgear sparkling in the morning light, and I poured on my usual charm. He carried my briefcase for me, and we went immediately to his office."
 
 
"OK, then what happened, Britt? Why the big change?"
 
 
"Well, I made my presentation to him, and he didn't seem to really be paying attention. His eyes were on me the entire time, specifically on my braces and headgear. When I offered to take him to lunch, he jumped at the opportunity and just started at me in silence when I took off my headgear to eat and I played with my hair. After we ate, I excused myself to brush my teeth and to put my headgear back on. When I returned to the table, my hair was a mess, and I could tell he wanted to straighten it out for me, but he checked himself. Once we returned to his office, he signed a contract for a complete scrubber system for the refinery—the $90 million contract we had been hoping to get but had given up on! The entire time he couldn't take his eyes off my smile."
 
 
"Shit! That is wonderful, Britt. You cracked one of those hard Texas nuts; good for you! My day wasn't as exciting, but I did see Dr. Wilcox about my spine."
 
 
"Oh, what did she say, Linny?"
 
 
"Well, I wore my Milwaukee brace to work since my appointment was during lunch hour. She examined my spine and my brace, to which she made a few adjustments. I was told that bracing would benefit me, and it was suggested that I wear a Scolibrace, which looked rather uncomfortable since it's made of plastic and would cover so much of my torso. Years ago I had a Milwaukee brace with a plastic girdle, and it was really uncomfortable in the summer heat. I asked if I could get a new Milwaukee brace, and she said I could, but it would have outriggers for my shoulders since I have a bit of kyphosis now. I was put in traction, and a 3D scan of my body was made. My new braces will be ready on Friday since they are made by CNC machines now.
 
 
"Wow, that's great, Linny. Braces, plural, you said?"
 
 
"Yes, I'm getting two at first. One will be brown leather, and the other tan plus outriggers will be added to my current brace since it's still in good shape."
 
 
"I can't wait to see you in them, especially with those kyphosis outriggers whatever they are; I'll look it up online after we hang up, Linny."
 
 
"OK, you sound tired, Britt, so I'll let you go. Sleep well and good luck tomorrow. You're going to Galveston, right?"
 
 
"That's right, Linny. You take care, and we'll talk tomorrow. Goodnight baby"
 
 
"Sleep well, Britt, nite-nite."
 
 
******
 
 
Once again, Brittany is relaxing in her hotel room and calls Lindsey:
 
 
"Hey Linny, how was your day?"
 
 
"Oh, let me tell you what happened. I wore my Milwaukee brace to work again today, and Dr. Nelson asked me about it. I told him that I was having back troubles again and would be wearing a Milwaukee brace. He said he has concerns about how the brace could affect my bite and suggested some options to prevent trouble in the future. Dr. Nelson took x-rays and made 3D scans of my teeth, too. He even put spacers between my molars, but I don't know what for yet."
 
 
"An appliance, Linny? What sort of appliance?"
 
 
"He said it will be some sort of removable splint to cushion my jaw and maybe some other stuff. He hasn't had to treat a client in a Milwaukee brace for some time and is contemplating the best course of treatment."
 
 
"Oh, I see. Well, he is a good doctor, and I know you trust and respect him; I'm sure everything will be fine, Linny."
 
 
"Oh, I know it will be, Britt. So how was your day? Did you crack another tough Texas nut?"
 
 
"I sure as hell did, Linny. It was the same as yesterday; I plied my usual charm and smiled my metallic smile and got results. I think these little bits of metal you glued to my teeth are worth a thousand times their weight in rhodium. This guy couldn't keep his eyes off my smile. Ended up with a $15 million contract for his oil transfer facility."
 
 
"Wow, that's great, Britt. You really think it's the braces and headgear?"
 
 
"I don't think it is; I know it is! I always thought my personality, knowledge, looks, and sexy yet professional outfits brought me success, but it seems that braces and headgear have really upped the ante."
 
 
"Whatever it is, it's working for you, Britt. Jones will be amazed with your success this trip, even if you don't get any more contracts."
 
 
Oh, I know he will, Linny, and I haven't given him any updates yet either. Well, I'm tired and need to get some rest. I have two more prospects to see tomorrow, braced up and in headgear as I have been all week."
 
 
"Sleep well and good luck tomorrow. I love you, Britt."
 
 
"I love you too, Linny. Goodnight."
 
 
******
 
 
Brittany, very tired from her taxing day, decided to simply text Lindsey this evening:
 
"Hey Linny. It was a hectic day here in Houston. My first call was not a success; the company is being taken over, and no contacts will be let until after the takeover. The gentleman I saw was like all the others and was infatuated with my smile. He said that if he is still there after the takeover, he would be calling me. So maybe it wasn't a complete strikeout."
 
 
"The second prospect did sign a contract for $35 million for his small specialty refinery. Let me tell you, it was the strangest thing. After meeting with him and getting the contract signed, I offered to take him out for a late lunch, but he insisted on dinner and that his wife join us, too. She was about his age, early 50s, and in orthodontic braces and combination headgear with some large metal thing across the roof of her mouth and something hanging down behind her upper front teeth. There was also something on her molars preventing her from fully closing her mouth; she could hardly speak and could only eat soup. I felt so bad for her, and it was almost like he was showing her off. She seemed to enjoy it, especially struggling to speak, and she was very talkative, but I couldn't understand much of what she said. They were a very strange, but seemingly very happy couple."
 
 
"Anyway, I'm excited to be heading home tomorrow and can't wait to give you a hug and a kiss. Sleep well, Linny, and I love you so much."
 
 
Lindsey reads the text, but her mouth hurts from her powerful spacers, and she is still wrapping her head around what Dr. Nelson told her today—something she will surprise Brittany with when she gets home:
 
 
"Great job, Britt, and we'll talk about that lady's appliances when you get home. Oh, I forgot to tell you that I picked up the Plymouth Prowler from my uncle Tom yesterday. I'm really tired and have had a few drinks, so I'm ready for bed. See you tomorrow, honey."
 
 
******
 
 
Friday morning, as Brittany is driving to the airport, Lindsey is sitting in the chair at Nelson Orthodontics; today is her day to be the patient. Dr. Nelson is polishing Lindsey's teeth in preparation for her to get braces—modern, metal, self-ligating braces that are not at all like what Brittany is wearing. The procedure that Lindsey performed in her wife's mouth is now happening in hers. Soon the bands and brackets are in place, and her active archwires are being slipped in place and the brackets locked shut. Then four surgical hooks are crimped to her upper archwire, and the soft, clear plastic splint is slipped between Lindsey's teeth and secured in place by time elastics between her surgical hooks and the ball-headed hooks protruding from the sides of her splint. Lindsey's mouth feels very full, and she has difficulty speaking; however, it feels good to have the spacers out—they were worse than her bands and her teeth rest comfortably in her splint, almost interlocking her lower jaw with her upper.
 
 
******
 
 
Brittany's plane is landing as Lindsey enters the office of Dr. Wilcox to be fitted with her new Milwaukee braces. The braces fit well but are extremely restrictive and uncomfortable with the shoulder outriggers for her kyphosis. Lindsey knows she will grow to love her new spinal brace and her new smile, and she knows that Brittany will love it all, too. Lindsey leaves her old brace behind to have outriggers added and heads back to the clinic wearing one brace and carrying the other.
 
 
Upon returning to the office, Dr. Nelson sees Lindsey's discomfort and tells her to take the afternoon off and to go home and relax. 
 
 
******
 
 
Once Lindsey is home, she gets settled in and begins to become one with her new spinal brace and the invaders in her mouth. Her splint positions her jaw comfortably, but speaking is a challenge, so she practices as she packs for the trip to the party tomorrow. One bag has her and Brittany's clothes and the other their special outfits and shoes for the party. Lindsey hears Brittany's car pull up outside and the front door open; it's time to surprise Brittany with her new smile and Milwaukee brace.
 
 
As Brittany enters the house, she sees Lindsey and takes off her headgear so they can kiss and casts it aside on the table, letting the elastics go flying. Lindsey smiles but doesn't let her splint and braces be seen. Not a word is said as Brittany rushes to Lindsey and hugs her, and she feels the large outriggers on Lindsey's brace press against her body. The ladies kiss, with Brittany slipping her tongue into Lindsey's mouth. She is shocked by what she feels and hesitates for a moment. The embrace and kiss continue with Brittany exploring what is in now Lindsey's mouth, then she allows Lindsey to explore her own braces. The kiss breaks off, and Brittany looks at Lindsey, who is now smiling, and says, "I don't know what you have going on in your mouth, babe, but I love it. I hope it doesn't hurt."
 
 
With a strong lisp, Lindsey says, "I had to get braces and this splint, too. I have to wear it whenever I'm in my Milwaukee brace, and boy, is my new brace something. I'm still getting used to it all, and I'm a little sore, but I'll be OK, Britt."
 
 
Brittany looks up at Lindsey with wonderment in her eyes and says, "You look so beautiful, Linny. The back brace, the brackets, and the splint. You look amazing, honey!" 
 
 
Laughing, Lindsey replies, "Well, I don't feel amazing yet; it will take a little time for me to get used to it all. At least you get your braces off after the party; mine will be with me for a very long time."
 
 
Brittany puts her headgear back on, using fresh elastics from her handbag, and goes to get a bottle of wine and glasses as Lindsey sits down on the couch. Brittany pours the wine and takes a sip using a straw and says to Lindsey, "Linny, about my braces... I don't want them removed for a long time. I really like them, and they seem to be good for business, too. I want to wear my braces and headgear for as long as you have to wear your braces. If you have to be in braces, then I want to be too." Both ladies laugh and take another sip of wine.
 
 
"Well, I wanted to talk to you about that, Britt. You really do need braces and headgear, from what I can tell. I'm no expert, but I did have Dr. Nelson look at the x-rays and scans I took of your teeth, and he agrees, but I didn't tell him I already put you in braces that are inactive."
 
 
Brittany's face lights up, and she says, "I really need braces and headgear... That's so cool! I want to begin active treatment, but how can we pull it off since you already put me in braces?"
 
 
Lindsey smiles and replies, "I already figured it out, Britt. You can work remotely on Monday, right?" 
 
 
"Yes, I can, Linny. So what is the plan?" Brittany inquires.
 
 
"I'll fill you in on our trip. Let's go finish packing and then have dinner; something soft for me, of course." Lindsey smiles at Brittany with her new metal and plastic-adorned smile. After they packed, Lindsey's new Milwaukee brace was causing her quite a bit of discomfort, so Brittany eased this discomfort as she did back in high school on that first day Lindsey had to wear an even more immobilizing and uncomfortable brace.


******


Lindsey was able to sleep fairly well in her new Milwaukee brace and awoke well rested. She rolled onto her side and saw Brittany, just waking up, running her finger along her facebow. As Brittany awoke, she was not only excited about the party but also about the fact that both she and her wife will be in orthodontic braces for some time and how beautiful Lindsey looks in her new Milwaukee brace. After taking a shower together, with Lindsey enjoying a few moments without her splint and Milwaukee brace, the girls got dressed casually for their trip. With their bags loaded in the Prowler, Brittany drove since Lindsey wasn't comfortable driving in her new, more restrictive brace, and they made the trip to the Hotel Marley.
 
 
Once they arrived and got the car safely parked, Brittany got the couple checked in, and they had an early lunch. Both ladies were challenged by their elastics: Brittany with the ones securing her facebow to her Interlandi headgear and Lindsey with the ones securing her splint to her upper teeth. After lunch, they returned to their room and brushed their teeth, then began to put on their party outfits. At this point, Lindsey was feeling a lot more comfortable in her new Milwaukee brace and the braces and splint in her mouth.
 
 
Brittany's outfit for the party was simple: a white blouse, stone wash Guess jeans, a matching jacket with the collar popped, white socks, and white Keds. Her hair was a frizzy, wavy mess because of the straps of her Interlandi headgear, making any attempt at styling it impossible. However, it was a hot mess, and Brittany looked quite attractive by any standard.
 
 
Lindsey's outfit consisted of a rather short skirt—almost short enough to get a girl sent home from school to change short—and a tight-fitting, black, short-sleeved knitted top. Her Milwaukee brace stretched the collar a bit, and her shoulder outriggers were clearly outlined, as was the rest of her brace. On her feet, she wore black wedge slides that were all the rage in those years, with her hair teased up in loose curls.
 
 
"You look great in that outfit, Britt. It really suits you—it's so cute!" Lindsey says as she admires her headgear-wearing wife.
 
 
"You look great, too, Linny, but between my tennies and your wedges, you are a foot taller than me! Oh, I like your hair done up like that, and your Milwaukee and orthodontic braces really make you look like a kid again—a very tall kid." Brittany says with a smile, looking up at the love of her life.
 
 
"Your braces and headgear really make you look young, too; I'm glad you want to keep them. Come on, let's get the car entered in the show and hand out some candy to the kids." Lindsey leans over at the hips and kisses Brittany on the forehead.
 
 
Now in costume and feeling very youthful and energetic, the ladies went to get their car and enter it in the show. Brittany had to put up the display board that Lindsey's uncle sent with them with the details about the car since Lindsey was still getting used to her new found immobilization. Every time she reached for something, her kyphosis outriggers checked her movements. Then the ladies handed out candy to the passing kids, often getting curious looks and overhearing hushed comments about their braces, especially Brittany's headgear and Lindsey's Milwaukee brace. After a few hours, the ladies wandered the show, but cars are not really their thing, and they were getting hungry. 
 

"Let's go get an early dinner, Britt. We need a good meal before a night of partying."
 

"Sounds good, Linny. I'm getting hungry. Want to go to our room so you can take off your splint?"
 

"No, I think I can do it without causing too much of a scene at the restaurant," Lindsey begins to laugh. "But I think we should go to our room after dinner to brush and put our appliances back in."
 

As the ladies were walking back to the hotel entrance, they were stopped by a woman with a camera.
 

"Hi ladies, I'm Joan Smith, one of the organizers of tonight's event. I've been on the lookout for those of you in unique costumes. It's obvious you are 90s high school girls, but the braces on your teeth, headgear, and whatever that is you are wearing...." Joan looks at Lindsey and continues, "Tell me all about it."
 

Lindsey replies, "Well, it's a long story, Joan. My wife Brittany and I were wanting to do something to make us stand out in the crowd—to get attention. I'm an orthodontic assistant and put Brittany in inactive braces and headgear for a real high schooler look. But when I did so, I saw some issues with her bite, so she will begin active treatment next week with the same appliances she is wearing now." 
 

"Oh, I see. Very interesting." Joan replies, taking notes as if this is an interview. She looks at Lindsey and asks, "So what about you, your braces and other thing in your mouth, and that, what is it, a neck brace of some sort?"
 

Brittany pipes up and answers for Lindsey, "After Lindsey agreed to put me in orthodontic braces and headgear for the party, I asked if she still had the Milwaukee brace she wore in college for her scoliosis, and we went out to the garage to look for it. Sure enough, we found it, and it was in great shape and still fit well. Lindsey started wearing it and found it relieved some back pain she was having and decided to get her back checked out. Sure enough, she really needs to wear a brace again and got this new ones made. The orthodontist she works for was worried that the pressure on her chin from her back brace would cause orthodontic issues, and he put her in braces and a splint to prevent these issues." 
 

Joan writes down a few things in her notebook and replies, "Wow, so what started out as something just for the party to enhance your outfits has turned into real medical treatment. How do you two feel about that?"
 

"I don't mind at all, Joan," Lindsey replies. "It's for my health, and I think it in some strange way enhances my appearance. How about you, Brittany?"
 

Shyly Brittany replies, "I actually went on a business trip wearing all this, and well, I think it helped me get some contracts signed. I like my braces and headgear and can't wait for my active treatment to begin. I feel special and unique wearing these things, and they really turn heads."
 
 
"Very interesting, ladies. Thanks for taking the time to chat with me. Mind if I get a few pictures of you two beautiful girls?" Joan takes down a few more notes.
 

In unison, they reply with metallic smiles, "Not at all!"
 

Joan snaps a few pictures, and the ladies go enjoy an early dinner. After dinner they go to their room to brush their teeth, and Brittany places Lindsey's splint in her mouth and secures it with four elastic bands. Then Lindsey helps Brittany with her headgear and teases her hair out from between the straps. Like their showers together, assisting each other with their orthodontics made the ordinary and mundane into something romantic and sensual—both ladies were highly aroused as they headed downstairs to the party.
 
 
Once at the party and after having a few drinks, both girls were very relaxed and in a fun-loving mood. Lindsey soon became extremely comfortable in her new brace, no longer fighting the outriggers pushing against her shoulders, giving her perfect posture. She was also becoming more comfortable with her orthodontic splint and braces, too, no longer lisping as badly as she had been before. Of course, Brittany was loving all the looks the large brackets on her teeth and her headgear were attracting. The girls enjoyed the conversations and curious looks from other party goers, receiving many compliments for their appearances and the braces that enhanced their high school girl vibe. 
 
 
Brittany and Lindsey took note of the other party goers and their costumes. US presidents and world leaders were well represented, and it was strange seeing Obama, Lincoln, and Washington sitting down having a beer with Stalin and Mao. Many movie characters were there, along with the usual Halloween assortment of witches, wizards, goblins, ghosts, and ghouls. 
 
 
The dance floor was hopping with the DJ playing music from all decades, bringing back memories for many and letting those like Lindsey and Brittany enjoy a time they never knew. After a few songs, Lindsey's Milwaukee brace was no longer a hindrance to her dancing, and our ladies enjoyed dancing to the point of exhaustion. As the evening was winding down, it was time for awards to be given, so people took to their seats and settled down for the ceremony and one last cocktail.
 
 
Lindsey and Brittany had no hopes of winning anything—they were just there for the fun of it and not wearing fancy costumes like most of the other party goers. Simply looking like a couple of girls from 30 years prior certainly wouldn't win any award.
 

Awards for the best of each decade were given out, with the recipients asked to come on stage to receive them. Then the second place for best costume was awarded to a man dressed as Franklin Roosevelt sitting in a vintage wheelchair, with the emcee telling the man's story of actually being paralyzed from a childhood injury. 
 

Finally, the grand prize was to be given, and the emcee announced, "The grand prize this evening will be going to two young ladies, not for their costumes, but for the story behind them. They chose to do something unique that actually ended up being a life-changing decision for them."
 

Lindsey and Brittany simply looked at each other and blushed, knowing that they are the two young ladies. The emcee then tells the story that the ladies related to Joan, with many oohs and awes, along with a few gasps heard from the gathered crowd as their picture appeared on the overhead monitor. Then the emcee called them up on stage to receive their prize, a week-long stay in the presidential suite with all meals included. Luckily the crowd erupted in cheers, so neither lady had to say anything; they simply waved to the crowd.
 

After things settled down, everyone left the stage, and the girls were mobbed by the crowd with many questions being asked—they felt like rock stars. Words of encouragement and admiration were received, and the ladies encouraged those with orthodontic and other issues to get them treated as soon as possible. Upon retiring to their room, the ladies simply got undressed and into bed, too tired for any romance.
 

******
 

On Monday morning, after a good night's sleep, Brittany realized that they had not discussed the condition of Lindsey's spine nor her plan to get Brittany into active orthodontic treatment. As they were enjoying a cup of coffee, reminiscing about their exciting weekend, Brittany asks, "Linny, so what's the plan for today? You know, to get Dr. Nelson to put me in active treatment."
 

Smiling her metallic and plastic-clad smile, sitting stiffly yet comfortably in her Milwaukee brace, Lindsey replies, "Well, he has looked at your scans and x-rays and agrees you need orthodontic treatment. My plan is to tell Dr. Nelson that you'll come while everyone is at lunch, and I'll place your bands and brackets then, but what I'll really do is remove your archwires. When he returns from lunch, I'll have him confirm bracket placement and have him fit your active archwires and headgear; then you will be on your way." 
 

"Wow, great plan, Linny. So I need to show up a little after twelve?"
 

Yes, that will be perfect. Wait in the car without your headgear on, but bring it with you; I'll come out and get you."
 

******
 

After working from home for a few hours, Brittany arrives right on time at Nelson Orthodontics and finds Lindsey outside waiting for her. They go inside, and Brittany's ligatures and archwires are removed and disposed of, and her Interlandi headgear is placed on the counter.  Soon, Dr. Nelson arrives and greets Brittany, whom he knows well from office parties.
 

"I see Lindsey got your bands and brackets placed."
 

"Yes, Dr. Nelson. She is so gentle and explains everything she's doing."
 

Dr. Nelson sits down and closely examines the work he thinks Lindsey just did, then turns to her and says, "Nice job, Lindsey, but why didn't you use more modern brackets? These are so large and noticeable." Dr. Nelson has no idea that this is exactly what Brittany and Lindsey desire.
 

"I found them when taking pictures for the website, and Brittany liked how they looked, so I thought we might as well use them since this is complimentary treatment; the same goes for her headgear. I know Interlandi is overkill for her malocclusion, but she doesn't mind, do you, honey?"
 

"No, not at all, Lindsey. I like what you have chosen for my treatment. You know what's best for me."
 

"Very well, ladies. My only desire is a good outcome and a happy client, and if this makes you happy and does the job, who am I to argue? I trust your judgment, Lindsey, especially when it comes to your wife's treatment."
 

Dr. Nelson gets up and goes to a supply cabinet and returns with two archwires and a packet of elastics. "Everything looks good. Go ahead and fit these, Lindsey, and use wire ligatures, too. Two elastics on each side of Brittany's headgear for the first week, and then add a third one. You will need to wear your headgear for at least twenty hours a day, Brittany. Change your elastics every time you brush your teeth, and I'll see you in six weeks. Lindsey will instruct you on how to care for your teeth and braces."
 

Brittany thanks Dr. Nelson, and he wishes her well and leaves Lindsey to complete the job. After Lindsey fits Brittany's archwires, which now exert gentle pressure on her teeth, the ladies kiss passionately. Lindsey then fits Brittany's headgear with the new, stronger elastics that put quite a bit of pressure on her upper arch; it's uncomfortable but not painful.
 

"There you go, Britt. All braced up, but for real this time. Does it all feel OK?"
 

"There is some pressure and discomfort, but it's not bad. Thank you, honey; it's a dream come true for me."
 

"It's my pleasure, Britt, and you look so beautiful with your hardware."
 

"As do you, Linny, with your wonderful Milwaukee brace and your cute little brackets and splint."
 

******
 

After getting her real braces, Brittany decides to visit the office and see her boss, Ray Jones, or simply Jones as he prefers, to tell him about her successful trip to Texas. Jones is shocked when Brittany walks into his office wearing braces and her very complicated headgear.
 

"What the hell did you do to yourself, Brittany?"
 

"Oh, there is nothing different about me, Jones." Brittany says with a laugh and wide smile, her large brackets sparkling in the light.
 

"The hell there isn't! You got braces and those straps on your head."
 

"Oh, you mean my headgear? I got all this before I left for Texas."
 

"You looked like that when you made your sales calls? Shit!" Jones begins to laugh.
 

"Well, you got my email with the dope on the contracts this morning. It was my braced smile and headgear that cracked those tough Texas nuts to get those contracts. I know my new appearance is what did the trick." Brittany smiles, revealing her teeth that are almost entirely covered with metal. "Those guys couldn't take their eyes off my smile."
 

"Well, I don't know what to say, Brittany. Your new look is rather unique unless you were a high school girl in the 90s." Jones laughs, "Don't take this the wrong way, but you do look kind of cute with all that hardware."
 

"I think so, too, and so does Lindsey, and it definitely doesn't have a negative impact on my work either; I actually think it's a benefit."
 

"Well, you did make the sales that no one else could. Hey, take the rest of the week off and get used to your new...um...situation. You earned it and a hell of a bonus at the end of the year."
 

"Thanks, Jones. I'll see you next week!"
 

*******
 

That evening after dinner, Brittany tells Lindsey about her conversation at the office with Jones, and they both have a good laugh. Then, thinking of the events of the past week, Brittany has a couple of questions for Lindsey.
 

"Linny, the other day I asked you about what happens when my treatment is over, you know, to make my braces inactive like they were at first so I can keep wearing them. I want to wear them for at least as long as you need to wear yours."
 

"Yes, I remember, Britt, and that is no problem. It's a request that Dr. Nelson has had from couples in the past. It's rare but not unheard of."
 

"That is what I wanted to hear, Linny." A broad smile comes to Brittany's face. "So with the party and stuff, we never really got to talk about your new Milwaukee brace and your orthodontic work. How long will you need to be in braces?"
 

"I'll be wearing braces and my splint for as long as I'm in my Milwaukee brace, Britt. Dr. Nelson said it's important to protect my teeth and jaw from the pressure from my brace."
 

"I see. So how long did Dr. Wilcox say you will need your Milwaukee brace this time? I know you wore your old one for two years after you stopped growing."
 

"Well, it's different this time, Britt. The only thing that can be done now is for me to wear a brace or have spinal surgery, and you know my thoughts about surgery."
 

"I know your thoughts, Linny. So if surgery is out of the question, that means you will be in both orthodontic braces and a back brace forever."
 

"That is exactly what it means, Britt." Lindsey says with a smile.
 

Brittany looks at Lindsey, and they embrace. The silence is broken with Brittany saying, "You... Me... Us... Braces forever?"
 

To which Lindsey replies, "Yes, Britt, our dreams have come true!"