I have gone to the orthodontist every month for the past seven years. It's always the same—I sign in, brush my teeth, and read magazines. When I was lucky enough to get the seat by the boxes that held each patient's retainers and molds, with each person's name labeled on the front, I scanned each box, seeing how many friend's names I could find while I waited for the doctor.
Yesterday, I went to the orthodontist for the last time ever. I signed my name on the paper, brushed my teeth and waited. They called my name and instructed me to sit in the last chair. I stopped looking at the boxes after a while because I could not find any familiar names. After the doctor told me that I was a great patient, I shook his hand and walked through the winding hallway. As my mom left, she couldn't help but wave goodbye to the receptionists, who she knows by name.
My friend recently got her braces off. She counted down the days until their removal. She had another friend do her hair and make-up and take before and after glamour shots. She posted those pictures on facebook. (A comment on one of her pictures: you're teeth look spectacular! wow. hotness level just went up a wholeee bunch, and i don't even know how that's possible for you!)
I think finishing orthodontics is a rite of passage in my friend group. The reason she posted those pictures is because she is supposed to be "grown up" now and the reason I have trouble leaving the orthodontist is because I'm still attached to my childhood.
1 comment:
When I got my braces off, I took one look in the mirror, turned to the orthodontist and asked him if he could please put them right back on. I thought I asked this because I hated how huge my teeth looked, but maybe the subconscious reason was that I didn't want to lose the symbol of my childhood. The orthodontist said no, of course.
--Stearns (who can't remember her password)
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