No Floss, No Loss

“Brad is gonna need braces.”

The declaration that my older son would need orthodontia was not a surprise. More than once, Brad’s pediatric dentist remarked on his frenulum (the space between your top two front teeth) and said it might need to be surgically closed. Notable celebrities who never got the condition fixed include Michael Strahan and Mike Tyson.

We were referred to a local orthodontist with good recommendations from several parents. More than anything, Brad is a people pleaser. He was delighted to meet Dr. Parpatto (not his real name) and peppered the good doctor with a series of his regular first-time questions, such as “What’s your birthday?” and “What concerts have you seen?”

In his early 60s, with short grey hair and wearing bifocals, at first Dr. Parpatto was forthright and played along. But he got slightly rattled when Brad persisted in completing his checklist of queries.

“Brad, maybe let Doctor Parpatto speak with Mommy and Daddy for a few minutes,” he remarked, patting the boy on the shoulder.

A plan of action (and payment) was outlined and agreed upon. Brad needed a few baby teeth extracted and his frenulum sealed. Only then could Dr. Parpatto begin the orthodontia.

A side effect of autism is that Brad has a remarkable recall of names. But he also will latch onto…