Bye Bye Braces!

This photo will make sense as you read the post!

Dr. Kathy Arkwell and Luke after she removed his braces. Doesn't he look great

After three years of wearing them, I got my braces off in 2010. As I was headed to one of my last appointments, John said, "Why don't you have Dr. Arkwell take a look at Luke to see if he might have any orthodontic needs." He won't, I thought.

Ha! Was I ever wrong. Dr. Arkwell explained that Luke had an open bite. What that meant was that it was good we were having this conversation when we did, because after a certain point in dental development, it becomes impossible to correct an open bite.

So when Luke was seven and a half, he got a palate expander, tongue gate, and front teeth brackets. I remember thinking, "How is the poor kid going to eat with all that stuff in his mouth?" But, like thousands of other kids, he managed. This was stage one of his orthodontic experience. It lasted a couple of years. Then he had a break before he started stage two.

Stage two was full braces, which Luke has had the past few years. Until today. Below is the photo this morning before he had his braces off. 

During the entire time that Luke has had his braces, he has been very faithful regarding his dental care. From flossing to wearing rubber bands, he has made sure to follow Dr. Arkwell's instructions.

We give a lot of credit for Luke's wonderful outcome to Dr. Arkwell and her team, too, for their conscientious, professional care. Besides being a fantastic orthodontist, Dr. Arkwell is also a devout Christian. For the past several years, she has given of her talent by donating a hot air balloon ride (piloted by her) to the St. Mark's School Auction.

Here she is in action!

In the summer of 2015, Luke and I went up with her. What a spectacular experience!

Here we are high above Dunlap. You can see the Illinois River behind us.

Back on the ground.

It was an unforgettable experience! We are grateful to Dr. Arkwell for that. And for the great smile!

Look at those pearly whites!