Them choppers of yours...

Dear son,

I wonder whose teeth you're going to get, mine or your mother's. My own teeth are a combination of both my parents' teeth, and also, I'm told, display characteristics similar to my grandfather's on my father's side. My teeth are somewhat small and crowded, but they're strong and cavity free. I never had braces; who knows what my teeth and jaw would look like today if I had gotten braces as a kid? Your mom's teeth are big and straight, but they've a number of cavities and root canals. She did have braces, by the way. Maybe you'll be lucky and get the best of both of our teeth. And don't worry: if you need braces, which you may not, you'll get 'em. Trust me, good dental and mandibular alignment is one of the greatest gifts parents can give their children.

Love,
Dad