Step Lair

Subject: SS12 orthodontics

CFDH,

As you are aware, SS12 went to the orthodontist yesterday so we could get a quote and timeline on what should be done with his teeth.

The orthodontist told us that SS12’s teeth are in good condition, other than a bit of gingervitus which SS12 has been told how to combat and will be working hard on over the next few weeks. Also she said he will need a deep crevice on the bottom left-hand side will need to be filled before he has braces so that no decay gets in while the braces are on. It was explained to SS12 how important it is to clean his teeth AT LEAST twice a day once he has braces on. If he doesn’t do this, he will get permanent marks on his teeth from the braces. This could happen from only two days of not cleaning his teeth, so it’s crucial.

This process is expected to take 2 to 2.5 years and she estimated the cost to be about $5000. They will be sending me costing and treatment information within the next couple of weeks. I will scan it and email you a copy so you know exactly what is needed to be done.

What I need to know from you as soon as possible is whether you’re prepared to commit to paying for half of this treatment. There is no way I can afford to do it on my own, but as you’re aware, this desperately needs doing. The orthodontist made if very clear yesterday that if it is left much longer it will be a much more difficult (painwise and timewise) and therefore more costly to fix.

We pay as the treatments proceed. I’ve made a tentative first appointment for early August. It takes many weeks to get the appointments so I went ahead and made the appointment but I need you to confirm that you will pay half, then I’ll confirm the appointment.

If you agree to pay half, I will ensure that you get an email after every visit, telling you where things are in the process and what is happening in SS12’s mouth.

The initial part of the process is three visits in three weeks. The first week he has spacers pushed between his teeth (little rubber wedges). This visit takes about 20 minutes. Not exactly sure what they do for the next two visits. They said the second visit takes about 10 mins and the third takes 5 mins. During one of these visits they put the actual expander in and show us how to use it.

The orthodontist is Dr XXX. Her address is XXX, Toukley. Phone 12345678. I’m sure she’d be happy to talk to you if you have any questions.

I’m aware that this is a very big financial commitment. I’m very thankful that it’s spread over the two years. I hope you can see your way clear to commit to this for the sake of our son.

Please talk it over with your wife and get back to me as soon as possible so I know whether to proceed with the treatment.

I’ll send you the written information promptly when I received it. Thanks for your consideration with this.

- HeiferSlug

Notes:

SS12 has gingivitis because Slug only makes him clean his teeth in the morning, not at night, so he has sugar next to his gums all night.
Slug has already made the first 3 appointments, just not told DH about them. The lady at the doctor’s office was VERY helpful.
We know that if we don’t pay for it, he won’t get them. despite the fact this is what child support is for!!!
As usual she will want all payments to go through her. This is so DH can’t claim them for a reduction of CS. Watch for the screaming when she sees we want to be separately billed.
She’s going to email us after every visit? As soon as we commit to spending the money, we wont be getting anything.
Slug can afford to go on a $1000 weight loss program, and can afford to take the skids on holiday for a week in a 5 hotel. Can’t afford braces tho’.
Interesting that I now exist when she wants something.

Our first draft of a response:

Slug,

I will be better placed to give you a firm commitment once I have received the paperwork and know what is involved. We have contacted the Doctor’s office and they will be sending the treatment plan and costing to us directly, which will save you the trouble of scanning and emailing etc. and save some time as well.

Also I will need to be named on the consent form, and billed separately. Kylie at Dr XXX’s office has said that they can bill us separately and send me a separate consent form, so that won’t be a problem.

Please also supply the dates and times of the appointments already made and provide me with advance notice (2-3 weeks) of any future appointments. I believe it would be of benefit to SS12 for me to be involved as much as possible so I can support him through the process when he is with us. As per your undertaking, if I can’t make it to an appointment an email detailing his treatment would be much appreciated.

As you are aware, the child support I pay as calculated by CSA represents my full financial contribution to the care of the children (which includes their medical expenses, health insurance etc.) On top of this I am also paying extra in the form of school fees and some clothing expenses. As you are unable to meet this expense yourself and as the care of my son is my primary concern, I’m willing to cover half the cost of the treatments, subject to the above requirements and as long as both myself and my wife are in full time employment. If not, the funds will need to be sourced from the child support amount I pay which is designed to cover such expenses.

CFDH

What do you think? How far will the pieces of her exploding head go when she gets this? Should we soften it a bit?