Betsy Bailey

Show us something weird that's on your desk.
Submitted by Alex. 

Does it really get any weirder than this?

That would be an AcuLight Expansion Screw Key – two of 'em even – which the orthodontist provided for use with HM's and Mir's palate expanders (which where installed yesterday morning).

Every other day for six weeks I have to insert the key in the tiny hole in their expanders, turning the screw one-half turn. So far, I have done this once per child and both times the key slipped out of the screw and – with some force – I ended up jamming that skinny piece of metal into the roof of their mouths!!!

My poor babies. I felt awful the first time, when I did this to HM. And I was oh-so-careful with Mir, afraid of doing the same thing again… and then I did it – AGAIN! No lasting damage. A small scrape. But geez, they are already so uncomfortable getting used to this appliance in their mouths. My poor babies.

Now I'm terrified about my next attempt! I can't believe there are even any issues – after all I had one of these myself when I was an adult (and did my own expanding). The key NEVER slipped out. WTF? I guess it's because the mechanisms are new and stiff? I hope this doesn't happen again.

Anyway, they're both talking funny and eating around them is no joy as they try to re-learn swallowing without access to the roof of their mouths (amazingly tricky until you get the hang of it!).

But the good news is: They can't suck their thumbs! Hopefully 10 months of that will break them of the habit well and forever.

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