Dental Update

Poor Liam.  He really got the short end of the stick when it comes to dental issues.  I'm not sure how he ended up with his dental problems other than his baby teeth being very stubborn to come out while his permanents were coming in.  Genetics don't seem to play into it since nobody in our families, including us, have ever had these challenges (severely crooked teeth and a huge overbite).  I feel bad for the kid.  

Well, we went back to the orthodontist (I think this is our fourth trip) and got some interesting news.  The doc said that Liam is ready for braces since he lost all of his baby teeth, BUT he's not really ready because of his oral sensitivity issues.  Meaning, he's not a big fan of someone holding his tongue down and he has a very sensitive gag reflex.  The longer I sat there and heard what the doctor was saying, I just felt my heart drop to the floor.  Will he ever get the dental help he needs?  Will he have to look like this for the rest of his life?  I had a million things running through my head.

He then tells us that he would have two options.  One, he would have to go in for surgery to have his jaw broke and reset.  Or two, he could wear an expander and a MARA while wearing braces.  Well, Liam wasn't having the surgery idea so I said the other option is probably best for us.  It sounds like I may have to sell some limbs for this upcoming dental work.  Yikes!  And I thought braces alone were expensive...phew!  Liam will have to work on brushing a little better to prove to the doc he's ready for the next step, hygiene wise.  So, is he ready or not, doc?  I feel like I'm getting mixed signals.  I guess we'll see soon enough.  My mama heart hurts for him.  And having Autism isn't quite helping.  It's almost like having a dark cloud hanging over you at times.