THE ROAD TO BRACES

Stan was quite annoyed that Wednesday afternoon. He would be pulled from class early by his mother to go in for a consultation appointment at South Park Orthodontics. He didn't feel the need, especially if not all his teeth had grown in yet. Sharon and Randy told him repeatedly that it was advisable to begin such visits by the time he was eight so he could have a better profile and progress of how his teeth were growing in from that early age. Shelley had gone in to see an orthodontist when she was eight and now that he had been eight for five months at this point, the time had come for his turn. He felt slightly better knowing that many other kids in class had gone in for such appointments at this point, including Kyle.

"It really isn't a big deal," he passed off during recess that day. "They just take some x-rays and pictures. They might make a mold of your teeth but that's all."

With that thought in mind, Stan was pulled out of class at 1 P.M. Sure Kyle had helped ease his worries slightly but he still didn't feel a real need to go.

"Shelley's teeth looked more fucked up than mine when she was eight," Stan said on the ride there.

"Stanley, don't say the F word," Sharon scolded. "And yes, your sister did have an overbite at your age but that doesn't mean you're off the hook."

"But she didn't get braces and whatnot till this year. So why do I have to go in now if nothing's going to be done till I'm twelve?"

"It's called a consultation for a reason Stan. It's to evaluate how your teeth are growing in and if anything needs to be done before you get braces."

Stan crossed his arms. "I might not need braces though."

Sharon sighed, eyes trying to keep peeled on the road as she glanced at her son at the same time. "I don't want you told hold onto that thought too much honey. I had braces. Uncle Jeffrey had braces. Your sister does now… it kind of runs in the family."

Stan frowned as his arms dropped. "Really? I didn't know all that."

"Yes. I was thirteen when I got mine. Uncle Jeff was as well."

"What about Aunt Maggie?"

Sharon scoffed at this. "My sister had perfect teeth from the beginning."

Stan had slight misgivings now. He had no idea braces were so prominent in the family. He had no idea his own mother and uncle had them. He knew things like eyes or noses could be inherited from family members but crooked teeth? Now he was a little nervous going into this thing. Soon enough they pulled into a small medical building plaza in town. They walked up a set of wide stairs where South Park Orthodontics was etched into a glass door. Sharon pulled the door open and nudged her son inside. Stan was very surprised by what he saw: the place had a completely different setup than the dentist. The waiting area was larger as was the receptionist's desk. He took a peak behind the wall to see an open floorplan where five or six reclining chairs were. At that moment he felt a hand on his shoulder. He looked up to see a smiling lady with blond hair.

"Hello, Stanley is it?" she greeted.

"Uh, yeah."

"My name is Jennifer. Would you like it if I showed you around the place while you wait?"

"Um, no, that's okay."

"C'mon sweetie, I think you'll find the place pretty neat when you see everything."

"Not really."

Jennifer frowned and glanced over to the waiting area where Sharon had just sat down. Sharon gave her son a hard look that clearly meant he had no choice.

"Fine…" Stan sighed.

Jennifer pointed out the reception area as well as the bathroom before going behind the wall to where the four chairs were set up. Each area was divided by a short wall but overall it was open and one could move freely around it no problem. Stan noticed five of the six chairs were occupied.

"This is where we treat all our patients," Jennifer was explaining. "This is where kids and adults alike get braces, special appliances, adjustments… everything to help create that perfect smile!"

Stan frowned. He didn't like the idea of being out in the open where others could watch him. He was then led to two separate rooms where a single chair sat if a person so desired to be private. These rooms were also used for initial exams and consultations. After, Jennifer pointed out a room labeled Laboratory where special dental appliances and molds were made and finally, an office which was currently closed.

"Dr. Zephyr is in there now talking with another child. We'll go back to the waiting area now, okay?"

Jennifer smiled at Sharon as she led Stan to her and informed them she'll keep them posted as to when he'd be called in.

"So? What do you think so far?" Sharon asked.

Stan shrugged as he took up a chair next to her. "It's weird. I don't like how open it is."

"Well that's only for those getting work done. You'll only be examined today. You'll be taken to one of the private rooms just like Shelley was."

"I still think this is stupid. I mean can't Dr. Karik just send the people here x-rays and such he's taken of me over the years?" Stan asked, speaking on behalf of his dentist.

Sharon sighed. "I don't know the logistics of it Stan but or orthodontist is different than the dentist. Dr. Zephyr is trained in straightening teeth. He doesn't, say, fill cavities or anything like that. Why don't you ask him when you see him today?"

"Naw," Stan passed off. He wasn't that curious. Well, in a way maybe. But he still didn't see why any of this was necessary so far.

And so they waited. For twenty minutes. A TV was going off in the waiting room. On it was some boring talk show. Stan flipped through a Highlights magazine. He was about to give another heavy sigh when suddenly he was called in by another woman, this one looked to be in her early twenties. She introduced herself as Tina. She indicated Sharon to follow her as well.

"I'm sorry about the long wait, it can get pretty busy in here since we're the only orthodontic office in town," Tina spoke.

"I understand," Sharon said. "I know Middle Park isn't too far from here and has more offices but I'd rather my son be seen at home. And by the same orthodontist his sister goes to."

Tina pointed out one of the private rooms. There were two chairs to sit on and Sharon and Stan each took one. Tina sat in a rolling one and took out a file and pen.

"First thing I want to do is get a good dental profile on Stanley here. How does that sound Stanley?"

Stan rolled his eyes. "Lame."

Tina apparently didn't hear this. She began asking questions such as when Stan's first tooth erupted to how quickly the permanent ones grew in after. She asked him how he felt about his smile and if there was anything about it he would like to change. He found this a little odd.

"I mean, it's the smile I'm used to. And not all my teeth are in yet, it'll look different when I'm twelve, won't it?"

"True, but you still do have several pairs of adult teeth now Stanley. Surely you find yourself comparing your smile to that of other classmates," Tina inquired.

Stan frowned as he looked down. True, he did indeed compare his smile to others, especially Kyle's. It seemed as if his best friend's teeth were growing in nice and straight. His however…

"I- I kinda hate the gap I have here"- Stan pointed out a gap on his upper left side. "I also don't like how this one tooth sits behind the others…" he pointed out a tooth on the top right.

"Okay, that's completely normal to think that honey. We're here to correct any problems you might not like about your smile," Tina said in an upbeat manner.

Stan crossed his arms again; he didn't feel anything needed 'correcting'. At this point Sharon left so that Tina could start an extensive set of x-rays of Stan's teeth and overall jaw. The entire ordeal lasted for thirty minutes; Stan's mouth was growing tired from the frequent opening and closing, especially in uncomfortable positions. Unfortunately this was just the beginning of the long visit. Next, he had to put weird plastic holders in his mouth so that Tina could snap digital photos of exactly how his teeth aligned at that moment. Lastly, a mold was created of his upper jaw. He had weird goop placed in his mouth and had to bite down so it could leave an impression of his teeth. All this took place before the actual orthodontist had seen him. To say Stan was incredibly annoyed by this time was an understatement.

It was 3 o'clock when the door of the private room opened and in stepped Dr. Zephyr. He was a little older, with gray streaks in his black hair. He smiled warmly at Stan and Sharon.

"Good afternoon Mrs. Marsh. Stanley. I'm Dr. Zephyr and I hope to get to know you a little more today kiddo. How does that sound?"

Stan scowled, saying nothing.

"I do apologize for the wait. I do hope this town takes in another orthodontic office soon, take some of the workload off me! Ha! Not like I don't love what I do," he spoke.

Stan rolled his eyes.

"Anyway, how are you doing today Stanley?"

Stan frowned. "Call me Stan."

"Okay Stan. How are you today bud?"

"Annoyed. I wanna go home already."

"Sorry. I don't mean to leave you waiting around all day. But it does take some time to go through your first consultation with me. Visits shouldn't take as long in the future."

Stan sighed and slumped in the seat he was in. He didn't want any 'future visits'. This was it.

"Now Stan, I don't want you to be afraid of me. I'm not sure how you feel about the dentist but I'm not in the same field, okay?"

Stan said nothing, staring blankly at the floor now.

"I'm trained in creating that perfect smile for people of all ages. I'm sure you know I began your older sister on treatment months ago. I can only hope she hasn't said anything too horrible to you about such matters yet," Dr. Zephyr said lightly.

Stan couldn't keep in what he was thinking of any longer. "I don't want to end up in headgear like her."

The man smiled. "Well every person is different and has different bite patterns. Some do need to be corrected by headgear, some don't."

"I'd be the laughing stock of my friends if I ever got them. Please don't put them on me," Stan stressed.

Dr. Zephyr sighed. "I don't want to make any promises son but at the same time, there's still a good chance you might not need them. How about we go over a few things, okay?"

Stan shrugged yet again.

"Now, do you play any sports son?"

Stan was surprised at this question. "Yeah. Football, baseball, soccer. I'm also in karate."

The man nodded, writing this down. "Any teeth cause you trouble? Look unflattering to you?"

Stan pointed out the same ones he showed Tina earlier.

"Now Stan, would you say you are a nose-breather or mouth-breather when you sleep?"

Stan looked over to his mother at this question, not really knowing the answer.

"He does breathe through his mouth often," Sharon answered. "He has asthma so sometimes it's easier for him to breathe that way."

Dr. Zephyr nodded. "Have you ever sustained any injury to your mouth Stan? Have you lost your baby teeth normally so far?"

"Well my sister does like to beat me up sometimes. But I've never lost a tooth from it. I think everything's come in normally so far…"

After some more questions it was finally time for the initial exam. Stan was instructed to hop in the reclining chair so Dr. Zephyr could get a better look at him.

"I'm just going to look around and get a good assessment to how your teeth are growing in so far. How does that sound Stan?"

Stan didn't say anything, feeling a little nervous now. What if his teeth were growing in horribly and they needed to start treatment right away? Not to mention his horrible gag reflux might kick in.

"I-I've thrown up on the dentist before. At least five times," Stan pointed out as the man snapped on gloves and lowered the chair.

"Well if you feel the need, just tap me on my arm, okay?"

At this moment Tina had entered again to assist. Dr. Zephry began looking around, 'hmming' and telling Tina what he was finding so she could type away at the computer nearby. Fifteen minutes later he let Stan up.

"Do I need braces? Or headgear?" were the first words out of the boy's mouth.

The man grinned as he snapped his gloves off. "Why don't we go over Stan's x-rays and everything in my office, okay Mrs. Marsh? Stan?"

Head full of worry, Stan followed after the man and his mother. They took up seats in his office.

"Well?" Stan asked again.

"Good news is that so far, I don't think Stan needs early orthodontic intervention," he began.

"Yes!" Stan whooped.

"However there is some mild crowding of his teeth so far," Dr. Zephyr pointed out. He brought up a series of x-rays on his computer screen. "The lateral incisors for instance did not come in properly, leaving the gap between it and the canines. Unfortunately he won't lose the canines until he's around eleven so it might be a while for that gap to close- if it ever does."

Sharon nodded, taking this all in.

"There is also mild crowding with his first molars here"- he pointed the images out. "Now, the lateral incisor here on the bottom left has to come in still. That was the last tooth you lost, right Stan?"

"Yeah. A couple months ago."

"I would like to point out as well that Stan's upper jaw here is a bit small, causing the crowding of a few teeth. I would probably recommend a palatal expander to be fitted before anything."

Stan gulped; that didn't sound fun.

"But I would wait on it until he loses his baby teeth because it can cut down the total amount of time a child goes through braces or orthodontic work if we wait until he is around twelve or thirteen."

"What does this mean then?" Sharon asked; hand on her son's shoulder.

"Stanley here does have some mild crowding and a couple teeth have not grown in properly. However, since there are still several teeth he needs to loose, the gaps could close themselves once those teeth come in. I don't feel it is necessary at the time to begin treatment as I said, I would like to wait a little while when he is slightly older to assess how the teeth are growing in."

"But if they don't come in the way they should, will I need braces when I'm older?" Stan voiced.

Dr. Zephyr placed his hands near his mouth as if deep in thought. "It is a high possibility. But I don't want you to fret yet Stan. I try to allow a patient's teeth to come in on their own before I begin treatment. It is easier to shift the teeth around once they are newly grown in the mouth."

"So is there anything special I need to look out for?" Sharon asked.

"Just take note in how his teeth are growing in. I don't feel Stan needs early treatment yet; however I would like to see him again in a couple years or so to reevaluate him. Perhaps by then it will be easier to determine if and when treatment can begin. Other than that, you're free to go son," the older man smiled.

"Finally," Stan got up and headed towards the door, impatiently tapping his foot as his mom shook hands with the doctor one last time.

Two years later

Stan was annoyed and nervous that spring day. It would be his second visit to the orthodontist and he wasn't looking forward to what might transpire that morning. He had gone two years ago when he was eight and was told there was a high possibility he had braces to look forward to in his future. Would that future be now? He really hoped not. And so he regretfully was led into South Park Orthodontics for the second time in his life by his mother that morning. He took notice in the differences the building had gone under since he had last been there. There were now eight dental chairs out in the open behind the wall as well as a couple video games set up. The place had gotten an expansion over the last two years.

Thankfully the process didn't take quite as long as before. Stan had another full set of x-rays taken, this time in a high-tech machine that spun around his entire head which was actually kind of cool. Dr. Zephyr entered the private room ten minutes after this.

"Hello again Stan! How have you been?" he greeted, shaking the boy's hand.

"Okay," Stan shrugged.

"Well I'm sure there's bound to be a few changes inside that mouth of yours since I last saw you, huh? Do you mind showing me today?"

"I guess…"

Dr. Zephyr looked up Stan's information on the computer for a moment. "Looks as if you have a new dentist from last time. Dr. Steels. I've heard a lot of great things about him. How has he been?"

Stan couldn't help but smile. "He's great. He likes sports like me so we always have something to chat about."

Sharon smiled and took over. "He really has been amazing. I found out about the new practice over a year ago and he's been treating Stanley for almost two years now. I'm so glad our town is becoming more of a suburban area now. There are more specialized places for children and I'm very happy I found out about Dr. Steels' practice."

Dr. Zephyr smiled and nodded. "That's really good to hear. All right Stan, I'm going to ask you a few more questions like last time, all right? Have you noticed any changes to your bite pattern since our first visit?"

"Not really. I mean, besides a few more adult teeth, I don't think there's been anything different."

"No problems with speech or eating?"

Stan shook his head no.

"Right, well let's take another look and pick up where we left off…"

Once again Dr. Zephyr explored around the boy's mouth, muttering his findings to Tina as she typed away. This time however he called Sharon over to point a few things out.

"Hm, well I can already tell that the gaps Stan was worried about two years ago have still not closed. He still has to lose his upper cuspid-or canine- here"- Dr. Zephyr pointed out the area to Sharon. "When that permanent tooth comes it, it might close the gap. But it won't come in for another year or so. His lower right cuspid has erupted since his last visit. It unfortunately did not close in the gap you see here. I also notice that Stanley has what we call a crossbite. You see how the lateral incisor on the top sits behind the one on the bottom? Can you bare your teeth for me bud?" Stan did so. "Normally we want the top teeth to overlap the bottom. Now this is the only tooth that I see that sits behind the one diagonal to it which is good."

Sharon nodded, brow furrowed slightly in worry. "So what does this all mean?"

Dr. Zephyr let Stan up. "If you want, we can go over treatment options in my office. I have to check in on another patient but I promise it shouldn't take longer than ten minutes."

Sharon and Stan waited in the small office for exactly ten minutes. Stan was feeling apprehensive at this point. Dr. Zephyr greeted the two again as he took a seat and pulled up Stan's latest images on his computer.

"Do I need braces?" were Stan's first words.

Dr. Zephyr gave a slight grin. "At this point I think it's safe to say that yes, Stan, you probably will benefit from getting braces."

"Aw-awww!" he moaned.

Sharon sighed although didn't appear too surprised by the news. "So, where do we go from here?"

"The first step in Stan's treatment will be getting him fitted for a palatal expander." He opened up a drawer in his desk and pulled out a model of teeth and a small metal contraption. "See this Stan? This device will be placed in your upper jaw like so"- he placed the metal thing on the model. "This is to allow your upper jaw to expand so that your teeth will fit in your mouth better since right now it's a little narrow on top. This is causing your tooth right here to come in at a funny angle since it has nowhere else to go." He pulled up an x-ray where the crossbite was.

"That- that looks a little scary," Stan admitted.

Dr. Zephyr smiled. "I don't want you to worry bud, it really isn't that bad. After the device is placed you will use a special key like this- to fit in this tiny hole right here- and turn it once daily. This expands the jaw in tiny increments so your teeth will fit better by the time we put in your braces."

"That still kinda looks uncomfortable," Stan pointed out.

"True, it does look a little intimidating. But I promise you will get used to it in a few days."

Sharon frowned. "So… is there a specific time you'd like to begin treatment? I know I see kids with braces all the time now, some even younger than Stanley. I'm wondering what the best option is."

"This is where we may hit a roadblock: it is very beneficial to start a child with treatment when they are young and their teeth still have to grow in. When there are still adult teeth to come in, it's easier to position them into the correct placement. However there are benefits to having a child begin their orthodontic journey when they are a little older. If we do wait that means a less likely chance any of Stanley's teeth need to be pulled to make room in his mouth. It gives his teeth the chance to come in normally. Also, if we begin younger there is still a chance the teeth won't retain their new positions, meaning he may need further orthodontic work when he is older. If we wait until Stan is twelve or thirteen he can have everything taken care of at once, cutting the amount of time he'll be in them as well as cutting the cost of treatment. Plus, if he is older he may be a little more responsible to take part in the care of his braces. At the end of the day I like to give my patients some say in their treatment if wiggle room is allowed." He looked at the ten-year-old now.

Stan frowned in thought. "Um, when will you put them on me? If I wait?"

"When your last adult tooth erupts. Around the age of twelve or thirteen."

Stan thought about this. "I mean… it's gonna cost a lot of money huh?"

Neither adult said anything.

"M-maybe it would be better to wait. I mean, you're already paying for Shelley's stuff. Maybe it's better I wait till she gets her headgear off," Stan suggested.

"Well you do make a good argument…" Sharon trailed.

"Honestly, I think I want to wait. I want to enjoy not worrying about braces or whatever for a couple more years. When I feel a little more responsible, as you said."

Dr. Zephyr and Sharon shared a look.

"Are you sure it's okay to wait?" Sharon asked.

"I don't see any real reason not to wait. If that's Stanley's choice, that's okay. As I stated, he does have a few problems as I pointed out but it is not so drastic that I feel it will impair his overall dental health. At least by the time he's twelve. But Stanley, I do want you to be on the lookout for how the rest of your adult teeth do grow in, okay? If there are any problems or concerns or you feel self-conscious, by all means I will be happy to begin treatment. How does that sound?"

Stan nodded, relieved.

The man stood. "Then I will say goodbye for now and I will see you in two more years. Take care then Stan."

Stan was very happy as he walked out of the building; he could wait a few more years until he became a metal mouth. He was fine with that. He wasted no time telling Kyle how things went once he returned to school. He was able to enjoy recess by the time he got back.

"So? Anything different?" Kyle asked as they hung around some monkey bars.

"Not really. They just took some more x-rays like last time. But, well, it does look like I'm going to need braces when I'm older," Stan confessed.

"Ha! Hahaha! I knew it!" Cartman pointed out.

Stan ignored him. "The orthodentist guy said I could wait if I wanted. I know some kids our age have them but he gave me some good reasons to wait. I honestly don't think I'd take very good care of them if I got them now. It looks really annoying. I still think that's partly why Shelley is such a bitch to me. She hates her headgear and braces. I don't want to be like that. At least not yet."

"Makes sense," Kyle shrugged. "I guess you'll be the first one with braces in the group. Or maybe the only one…"

"Kenny's too poor to get braces," Cartman pointed out. "And I already know I won't need them."

"I won't either," Kyle rubbed his chin. "Maybe Butters will... hmm… well, that kind of sucks for you dude."

"Damn, will I really be the only one out of us?" Stan looked around.

Kyle shrugged. "But hey, don't think about it right now Stan. It's years away. Who cares?"

"I guess you're right."

"So, who's up for freeze tag?"

Two and a half years later

July 18th. The day had finally arrived- the day Stan had been dreading since he was ten. Ever since he was told he would need them he had wished this day would not come. But he had lost his last baby tooth and had his third orthodontic exam shortly after. There his upper jaw was measured so that he could be fitted for his palate expander. He had the device placed in a week after and had to leave it in for three months and those past three months sucked. It was very uncomfortable and felt very foreign in his mouth; he had a lisp, couldn't close his mouth properly, and food would get stuck up there often. Not to mention he had to have someone-usually his mom, use a special key to turn the device every day so his jaw could expand. All in all, he hated the thing and was very glad when it was removed. Of course it was only the first phase of his treatment, one that he was told would take at least two years to complete. He hoped it would go better after the stupid expander thing.

Stan wasn't quite sure why he was so resistant on the thought of having braces. He was told it was inevitable since three family members had had them before. Also at this point, several of his peers were showing up to school in braces as well. Craig had gotten his in the beginning of the year and Wendy had had them for almost a year at this point. Butters had been told he would need them as did Heidi Turner, Bradley Biggle, and Nicole Daniels. Token had started treatment a few months ago as well, although his parents were able to afford the pricy Invisalign for their son. Jimmy had had braces when they first met and had them removed a year ago. Stan and all the kids he knew were at that stage in life in which orthodontic work was being drawn out for those that needed it. He was certain half the kids in school would have braces by the end of seventh grade. That didn't mean he wanted to accept it. He of course tried to talk his way out of it but his parents wouldn't listen. Now that Shelley had been freed from her headgear for over a year it was his turn, while his parents still had the financial means to afford it.

In a way Stan was glad it would be taking place during the summer, that way he would have weeks to get used to them before school started. He didn't want to walk into seventh grade shocking everyone some random day with braces on his teeth. If he had to pick a time of the year to do this, it would be now. And he hated to admit it but he was curious about how he would look with straight teeth. Certain teeth never grew in the way they were supposed to so he was used to his smile looking the way it did. Now was the chance to change it. He had prepared himself as much as possible by watching videos on YouTube since he didn't want anything to be a shock. And so gloomily, he walked with his mother into South Park Orthodontics at 1 PM that day.

When the receptionist, Judy, saw what he was in for she made it a big announcement.

"May I have your attention everyone? Stanley here is just about to get his braces today! This is such an exciting moment! Let's give him a hand!"

The staff and few others sitting in the waiting lounge broke into applause, with one teenage boy giving him the thumbs up and saying, 'good for you!'

"I'm going"- Stan spoke, mortified, turning to the door.

Sharon held him back and pushed him to a chair. After signing him in she took up a seat next to him.

"This is so embarrassing already," Stan complained.

Sharon sighed. "I know it seems silly but it is a big deal. Many people do not like their smiles and many of them are unable to do anything about it. Consider yourself lucky that Dad and I can pay for your orthodontic treatment Stan."

"But I don't want this. I'll look like a total dork."

"Stan, half the kids in school have braces now. You'll blend in fine."

"I just know Cartman is going to rip on me after this," Stan grumbled.

Sharon rolled her eyes. "Stanley you are complaining about this more than your sister did."

"Well she was already an ugly bitch, having headgear and such wasn't that big of news for her, right?"

Sharon glared his way. "That was uncalled for Stanley. Now occupy yourself until you are called in."

Just like at the dentist, the office was set up in a fun and colorful way. Along with the TV there were books, art supplies, a few gaming systems set up, and even a mini bar with a Keurig coffee machine. Yes he was pissed but it was difficult to ignore the free arcade game set up. Knowing it was probably going to be a bit of a wait, Stan took up a seat at the driving game. Twenty minutes had passed and the lady who had been showing him around for the past few appointments, Tina, called him in.

"I hope you took one last picture of your son today Mrs. Marsh because next time you see him- he'll look completely different!" The lady exclaimed.

"Oh I did. I'm just as excited about this as he is," Sharon spoke.

Yeah right, Stan thought to himself. When he walked into the treatment area he passed by Dr. Zephyr who was working with someone in the second chair.

"Look who showed up for his big day today," Tina spoke to the man.

"Hey there Stan! How are you kiddo?"

"Not too good," he said honestly.

"Why's that kid?"

"Just don't really want this."

"Understandable. But remember Stan, you're going to love your smile when all this is said and done. It'll be worth it, I promise you. I'll see you in a little while, okay son?"

Tina led him over to the second-to-last chair in the treatment room. He still did not like the idea of being in an open area where anyone could see him. He had already been in one of the chairs a couple weeks ago to have spacers placed between his back teeth so that the bands could fit better. Those were annoying- it felt like bits of food were stuck in his teeth when they weren't. Sure, there weren't any actual doors to the treatment rooms at the dentist, only beaded curtains, but the rooms were separated by actual walls with only a single chair in each. It was as if everyone here had to show off how cool and hip they were. Everyone was friendly and it kind of annoyed him. Yes, at South Park Children's Dentistry the staff was friendly too, but it was different. Stan really liked his dentist, Dr. Steels. They both loved sports and had even hung out with the man outside the office a few times. Randy liked that he was a big sports fan too and it was safe to say that Dr. Aaron Steels was a family friend. But if he were to be coming to this place for the next two years at least, it was best to try and get to know Dr. Zephyr too, or at least, not act like a little bitch.

Tina was now talking to him. "Okay Stan honey, before we begin I want to go over a few things about the process. First off, did you apply any lip balm before you arrived?"

Stan nodded; he had been told that his lips would be pulled and stretched for a lengthy amount of time and it would be best to moisten them beforehand.

"Good. Now do you know exactly how we are going to apply the braces?"

"Pretty much. I've watched some videos…"

"Good, good. Before anything, I am going to clean and polish your teeth very well. I'm going to place this in your mouth"- she held up a lip retractor. "-to keep your teeth as dry as possible. After getting the surface of your teeth clean and dry Dr. Zephyr will come in and apply the bands around your molars, then the brackets, and then the wire, before finally wrapping things up with the elastics- or ties, how does that sound?"

Stan sighed. "Sounds like a lot to take in really."

"Yes, it will be a bit of a process. If you need any breaks we will be more than willing to stop. It is a lot to take in and get used to so don't be afraid to ask questions or ask for a break. Now before we begin, why don't I show you the different color options we have for your ties, okay?" She held open a plastic box with twenty or so different ties to choose from. Stan spotted a few different combinations he'd like to try out but decided to go with a safe choice of red and blue for the very first day. Tina took out one each of the ties and set it aside before getting to her feet. "All right honey, ready?"

Stan sighed again but nodded. Tina leaned the chair back and snapped on gloves before proceeding to clean the surface of his teeth in a very thorough manner. Not long into it did Stan need to be let up, not used to having his teeth cleaned in such a way. It felt as if he were choking. He was finally able to have the cleaning done and waited five minutes (with the stupid contraption still leaving his mouth wide open) before the graying black-haired head of Dr. Zephyr appeared.

"Hello again Stan. How are you holding up so far?"

Stan gave the man a hard look; why did dentists and such ask such questions when they were unable to reply back?

"Now I don't want you to fear anything, this will be a relatively painless process. It might be a little uncomfortable and will take some time to get used to after it's all over but it really shouldn't be too bad. If you do need a break just hold up a hand, okay?"

Stan nodded.

"Now, you are aware of the process of placing braces on, correct?"

Another nod.

"Great! Okay, first thing I'm going to do is make sure the surface of each tooth is as dry as possible. After this, I will place the bands over your molars, all right?"

And so the process officially began. The bands went around his back teeth and were tight and felt weird. Dr. Zephyr placed special glue on each tooth before he began to place the brackets on each tooth. He would make the slightest of movements for each bracket to make sure they fit on the exact position for each tooth. He took out a special device to measure the placement of each one before moving onto the next. Stan was feeling exhausted just lying there the entire time, mouth open wider than it ever had been before and his lips and gums were already feeling bothered. The wires were then fitted over the brackets and again, manipulated in such a way so they fit exactly where they needed to be. Finally, the colored ties were looped around each bracket and finally the lip retractor was taken out of his mouth. Dr. Zephyr went over each tooth with a finger to make sure no wires were poking out of place and everything felt smooth before he clicked off the hanging light and wheeled his chair back a little.

"Well Stan? How do they feel?"

Frowning, Stan ran his tongue around his teeth before trying to close his mouth and wincing.

"Weird," was all he could say.

Dr. Zephyr let the chair back up and handed over a mirror. Stan was almost afraid to look at himself but finally took the plunge: it definitely looked weird to see wires and such over his teeth. This was a look he would have to get used to for the next two years now. Great. After this, a couple more pictures were taken of his mouth before Sharon was called over. It was evident she was eager to see how her son looked with the brand-new metal in his mouth. He rolled his eyes and flashed his teeth.

"Oh sweetie, you look so good!"

Stan rolled his eyes again.

"I have to meet up with another patient right now but if you follow Tina to the office she will go over the proper way to care for your braces, okay? You did great today Stan and you look great. I suggest making an appointment for his first adjustment in around six weeks, okay? See you then."

Stan and Sharon followed Tina into the office in the back. There she began going over the basics in how to properly care for braces. She took out a pamphlet which explained things, including a list of foods he should avoid during treatment. Stan's eyes grew wide as he looked down the list: chewy candy, hard candy, gum, soda, popcorn, chips… things he enjoyed having very often. Tina then took out a tooth model that wore braces as well as a toothbrush and floss and showed Stan how one should brush and floss their teeth from now on. She then wrapped up by telling him what soft foods he should eat the next few days and stating that it might be best if Stan took pain relief when he got home since his mouth might feel sore for the next couple of days. He received a bag with the care tips inside, as well as special floss, a toothbrush, and wax to help sooth sore spots. Two and a half hours later, he was finally able to go home. Before they went home Sharon stopped by the grocery store to have Stan pick out some soft foods to eat. It was at this time that he texted Kyle that he was finally on his way home.

When Sharon pulled into the driveway she and Stan took notice that Kyle, Cartman, and Kenny were standing around waiting for him.

"That didn't take long," Sharon noted as she unlocked the front door. "Stanley, do you want me to fix you up a smoothie?"

Stan nodded dully as he followed his friends inside.

"Well?" were Kyle's first words.

Stan was hesitant; he knew Cartman was going to rip on him as soon as he saw his new look. He walked up to his room so as to not be drowned out by the blender going off. His friends followed after.

"Well?" Kyle asked again.

Stan sighed but flashed a smile. As predicted, Cartman broke out in laughter.

"Oh yes! Oh yes! You look just as pathetic as I knew you would! Oh thank-you Jesus!"

"Okay, you've had your laugh. So you can shut the fuck up about it now," Stan glared.

"Well how was it? You were going all afternoon Stan," Kyle noted.

"It sucked. It's such a prosth-prothess. Goddmanit!" Stan cursed as Cartman laughed again. "First they have to clean your teeth really well. Then put loop things over my back teeth. Then the brackeths- fuck. The brack-brackeths over that, then the wire- this things here- then these rubber band things. All the while thisth uncomfortable deviceth is pulling my lips apart in a really annoying way. I couldn't close my mouth even if I wanted. They try to make thisth whole thing a big deal. Everyone is so happy I'm getting bracesth. Why? I didn't ask for them. And get thisth! There's a whole list of food I'm not allowed to eat!" he exclaimed, and took out the pamphlet for Kyle to take.

"Damn dude, no soda? No to most candy? You aren't going to survive this Stan."

Stan sighed as he took the paper back. "I'm told my mouth may hurt the next couple daysth. Gotta eat soft food till then."

Kyle shook his head in amusement and pat his friend's back. "Well, you officially became the spokesperson for braces in our group Stan. I hope you can learn to live with them. And really, they don't look too bad."

"The only cool part isth the different elastics I can choose from each adjustment. But yeah, the stooner I get used to these things the better. Until then, I have a smoothie waiting for me downstairsth."

Thankfully his friends seemed to have dropped the subject not too long after. Sharon had made up a round of smoothies for each of them and the four of them spent the afternoon playing video games. Stan was certain now that his brand-new braces were going to be the most annoying part of being a teenager. If anything he was dreading when Shelley would see him and make his life hell just because 'it was now his turn'. But all in all Stan had a feeling his life would go on as normally as possible even with this new inconvenience. He honestly did want to have straight teeth and if this was the only way to get that, so be it.

There you have it, preteen Stan with braces. Glad people wanted to read this. Always happy to share the stories I write that for a while, I think is just for myself. I am odd and spend my free time watching videos and such about braces and other medical/dental things. Again, just have had a fascination with it since I was a kid. I really must have been a doctor of some kind in a previous life… A lot also has to do with the fact that I personally cannot afford braces for myself and daydream about the day I might be able to have a smile I'm proud to show off too. After checking out several orthodontic offices online I noticed a reoccurring theme: they all look super cool and hip. I'm sure it works for many kids in calming them about the prospect of braces but I don't think a kid such as Stan would fall for it. Anyway, I think I've said all I need to atm. Please do leave a reply and also any suggestions for stories containing the Marsh family. I'll consider any age. Thanks. Be safe everyone!

Lots of love: Rose, July 3rd, 2020