Metal mouth numero dos

We've had our first metal mouth, with Caleb finishing round one of braces last year.  We had our second one this year - but in a little different way.  The kids' dentist was concerned about McKinley sucking her thumb, because it was changing the shape of her mouth and jawline and bite.  We tried the yucky-tasting nail polish, but it would only work for a day or so until she washed/licked it off, then it was back to sucking thumb full time.

So Dr. Matt recommended a metal device cemented to her molars that fills up that space in the roof of the mouth and prevents her being able to put her thumb in her mouth to suck.  We warned her - "Stop sucking your thumb or you have to get a metal thing in your mouth!"  She just responded "I WANT a metal thing in my mouth!"

OK, if you say so...

 By the first night, she was NOT wanting a metal thing in your mouth, but it was too late!  The first day was a little rough, and she was a little hard to understand, so we tried to extend her some extra patience as she got used to her metal mouth.

She really was a trooper!  After the first day or two, she didn't complain anymore, in fact she was proud to show off the metal thing to anyone who wanted to see.  It stayed on for 3 months, and below is her visit back to the dentist to have it removed.  Love the glasses and headphones!  She had no problems getting it pulled off, and has not reverted to sucking her thumb.  Yay!  Hopefully (fingers crossed) this will help lessen the amount of orthodontia needed in the future.