When Owen was in for his regular 6-month dentist appointment, the hygienist commented about him still having a baby tooth. I hadn't kept track nor was aware of an appropriate timeline so I hadn't ever noticed more brought anything up. They took x-rays to look to see if there was an adult tooth (I'd never thought of him not HAVING one!!) and there was but it had run into the root of the tooth next to it, so it was wedged and unable to come down so the baby tooth wasn't even loose and never would become loose. We were referred to an orthodontist to have it checked out. The normal procedure was to have braces put on, surgery to "expose" the adult tooth, then tie it with a chain to the braces to pull it into place. It all sounded pretty crazy but apparently was very routine and common. 
After a couple of consultations to realize that the prices of braces were outrageous no matter where to went, he had his braces put on in April. 
The x-rays below were with the oral surgeon who would do the exposure of the adult tooth. It was recommended that while he was there, he have his wisdom teeth removed. He seemed young to me but both the orthodontist and surgeon said it was much simpler to remove them before they start causing problems with nerves and crowding teeth. They also said the recovery was easier. 
Owen had his baby tooth removed, adult tooth exposed, and 4 wisdom teeth out in June. He did great! His pain was never above a 3 out of 10 and he never had any bruising nor swelling to speak of! A month later he had the chain attached from his adult tooth to his braces wire. What an interesting process!
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