Brain Watches Second Child Get Braces

When you become a parent, you realize that life is no longer just about 'you'. It's about making sure your kids have everything they need to become the best possible version of themselves. I'm guessing that your parents made the same sacrifices to make life better for you. One of those joys is braces.

Some kids are lucky and are blessed by genetics and either doesn't need braces or don't need them for very long. My children have received no such blessing. Holly and I both wore braces when we were young. The orthodontists knew we were coming a long time ago! Chase was first, getting his metal on a little over a year ago. Yesterday, it was Carly's turn. She was excited to get them on but unaware of how sore she was going to be. We had lots of soft foods yesterday.

According to the American Dental Association, the average cost of braces per child ranges from $4600 to $6500 depending on the length of time they have to wear them. Insurance can help, but rarely covers a majority of the expense. So take that number times two. That's a really nice car payment a month! But I'm paying for a different kind of metal. And it will all be worth it when I see my kids smile the day they get their braces off. At least that's what I'm telling myself.

[via ADA]