Heavy Metal

Over the next couple of weeks the whole household is having dental checkups. Last night I took Son #3 for the two of ours. The doc said it's time to go and have a consultation with the orthodontist. Even though he's still got two baby teeth, the twelve year molars are on their way in, and it's pretty clear he'll need braces. He has me to thank for his small lower jaw, as does Son #1 who's had his braces for 14 months now.

When we went for the braces for our first born, we went to an orthodontist whose office is down the hall from our dentist -- who's a high school friend of mine -- and he agreed to give us a 10% discount on the part that was not covered by insurance. $6K to begin. Insurance paid a whopping $1K. $500 off for professional association. One grand down payment, and $175 a month for 20 months. Think we can get the ortho to wait another six months before our little darling begins this cycle? Does Murphy's Law of Medical Emergencies have a corollary called Murphy's Law of Medical Expenses? Watch this space for updates.