Braces!

Kuya with his New Braces

Recently we travelled to Pagadian City,  and Kuya got braces!

Before the consultation with the dentist/orthodontist, (in the Philippines one person does both functions), we were concerned about the complexity and cost of this procedure, as a dentist back in the USA had scared us with the announcement that Kuya may need oral surgery.  (At the time an x-ray showed one of his teeth coming in sideways, and affecting the roots of other teeth.)  Fortunately in the time between then and now his tooth got its act together, reoriented itself, and is now poking out properly in his mouth, although at a slant.  Thus the need for braces.

Entrance to the Dentist's Office

This dentist was recommended to us by one of Sweetie's high school classmates, who just so happens to still live in Sweetie's hometown.  There is no way I would have been able to find this dentist; there was no sign on the building advertising her presence, and the entrance to her office was simply a stairway leading to ..... well, if you didn't already know, you would have no clue.  I certainly wouldn't feel comfortable walking up those stairs by myself, if we didn't have Sweetie's friend with us, assuring us we were at the correct place.

Dodong in the Dentist's Office Reception Area

The reception area at the dentist's office was sparse but clean.  Unlike the USA, the Philippines is not a wealthy country, so material goods are at a premium here.

(Notice the slippers - flip-flops - by the door.  In the Philippines it is common for people to remove their shoes when entering someone's house, or a place like this that required cleanliness.)

  

Kuya Being Worked On by the Dentist and her Helper

Despite the lack of fancy, expensive gadgets, there were several things I liked about this dentist.  First of all, dentists in the Philippines, (or at least this one), still use spittoons.  Years ago, when I was much younger, one of the things I liked best about going to the dentist, (maybe the only thing!), was the ability to spit vigorously into the spittoon.  Nowadays dentists in the USA have this stupid suction tube they put in your mouth to suck up all the spit, blood, and other stuff.  What's the fun in that?

Secondly the cost of this procedure was about 10%, (ONE TENTH!!), of what an equivalent procedure would cost us in the USA.  Hooray!

But what I liked most about this dentist, and really appreciate, was her patience dealing with me, (in English!), as I expressed my concerns about Kuya's teeth.  Dealing patiently and politely with your patients, (or their guardians), is very, very important in the medical profession.