When I was a kid, my teeth were so bad . .
How bad were they?
They were SO bad, my parents got me braces even though the orthodontist said I was too young for them to be effective, just so kids would quit asking me when I was going to get braces.
After braces, 2 kinds of headgears, rubber bands and retainers, my teeth finally straightened out. Then I didn't wear my retainer and now they're somewhat crooked, but I don't care THAT much. Maybe I'll get them straightened someday.
When I was finally done with braces, the orthodontist attached a permanent retainer to my bottom teeth, and never took it off. That was 14 years ago. I got it removed last Friday.
Now, I floss every day. I just hadn't been to the dentist since college. I'm embarrassed to say that that's about 7 years since my last dental visit.
The dentist who saw me was a Russian man who stood about 5 feet, 5 inches tall. His accent was hard to understand and he seemed slightly annoyed at his job. It didn't upset me, though - it was more of a funny personality trait. He knew more than his patients did, and this expertise almost bothered him. I didn't mind his impatience.
He told me to open wide and attached Mr. Thirsty to my lip. He poked with his metal hook, muttered about a "cavity" here and a "cavity" there. Alternating from my mouth to his clipboard, he took notes about the state of my teeth.
Like an auto mechanic, he calculated the cost of my repair work. I have 6 cavities. I needed x-rays, my teeth cleaned, my cavities filled, and some varnish for some 'iffy' spots. I wanted the retainer removed; that was extra. He scanned his price list and added the figures in his head. By then I had already forgotten all the work that was needed.
I think it was just the language difference - I don't think he meant to be funny. But I asked him, "Now what do I need done again?"
He said, "It's called 'Basic Dentistry'."