Reed's Remember Braces

Remember braces? Medal wires, head gear with rubber bands, retainers and pictures of what will happen if you don’t brush? You thought for sure that with all that hardware you would be able to tune into any local radio station and hear your favorite tunes. Just like Gilligan on Gilligan’s Isle (if you don’t know, just ask).

You suffered all through the name calling – brace face, tin can, wire mouth, can opener and railroad tracks. All of your school pictures during that time show a nice, broad, tight lipped smile. Every time you met someone of the opposite sex you were worried the remnants of your baloney sandwich were still stuck between the metal ties. So not only did they think you didn’t like them because you did not smile, but you were cursing at them since you mumbled “hiigh, mie numm es …”.

I always thought surely I would meet some cute girl AND she would have braces. Of course, I worried about getting our braces locked together and having to be rescued by the fire department. But, I worried for nothing. That girl and I never met, let alone get our braces caught.

Today they have all these neat things – clear braces, colored tie bands and you start out earlier. No fair. Braces are supposed to look like an Erector Set, not some cool new ToothPod. Oh well, just remember your smile sure looks a lot better – just remember to tell your face.

© 2007 RRW