All I Want For Christmas is My 4 Front Teeth

Okay, maybe this is a post that only a mother could love, but I'm so excited for my baby. As many of you know, both boys had severe dental problems when we brought them home. El's was only in the back of his mouth and was taken care of quickly. L, on the other hand, had 20 teeth, every one of them rotten. L has been having weekly treatments done and is nearing the end. Yesterday was momentous and I have to tell you about it.

The dentist decided that he would rather crown all of his teeth, even the front ones, instead of pulling them so that he would be able to eat and hopefully gain some weight. The pretty white fronted crowns would not fit because he did not have enough tooth structure left. He did all of the back teeth first because he said the front would be more sensitive and difficult. Yesterday, he did the top front. L was a trooper and did terrific. When they were done, they handed him a mirror. The look on his face was enough to make not only this mama cry, but also the dental assistant. His eyes got really big and he opened his mouth wider. Soon a smile spread from ear to ear. He was so proud and so happy.

He showed everyone his "new teeth". If you remember, they call the crowns "money teeth". He was bragging to his twin that he had money teeth in front and El didn't. El was so sweet, as usual, and said, "I like L's teeth." L came up to me later in the day and said, "Mama, I can eat." He could actually bite into his food for the first time. He was thrilled beyond belief.

Most people will look at the metal mouth below and not think it looks too attractive. However, to this mama, that silver smile is golden!

BEFORE: No teeth structure, only rotten stumps

(Please ignore the ice cream on the mouth.)

At the orphanage: a toothless grin

AFTER: Teeth to chew with

A silver smile

One proud little boy with new teeth