Here's a result after major teeth restoration:
This specific case of a young woman who had recovered from bulimia was featured in the Journal of Cosmetic Dentistry Spring 2008 and is retold here by a Virginia dentist. The press release goes into much detail on the treatment plan and how her teeth were restored.
Besides these interesting details, the conclusion was the best part. This dentist said, "This patient's case involved many of the challenges we face daily in our practice. Just a few years ago, however, I would not have known in which direction to take her treatment. Perhaps I simple would have provided her with a bruxism appliance, while "patching up" some of her fractured restorations and attempting to improve her smile be restoring some of her anterior teeth with direct resins. these would have failed repeatedly, causing us both much frustration."
Though I certainly see this as a wonderful step in cosmetic dentistry, I hope that other dentists will follow in suit. I often wonder how many of us stop smiling or become more self-conscious due to our poor teeth conditions. It's kind of a sad predicament. I hope one day we will all be able to have our smiles back whether it is through cosmetic dentistry or not.
Note--*all images from Full Mouth Rehabilitation and Bite Management of Severely Worn Dentition
*Though the article doesn't talk about it, since this is cosmetic dentistry, the monetary costs for these procedures is quite substantial.
9 comments:
Wow, I wonder how much all that cost. Most dental plans do not cover "cosmetic" dentistry and despite this woman's awful teeth condition, what she had done would nonetheless qualify as "cosmetic" here in the states.
I have some minor damage to my teeth from my eating disorder. I've since seen two dentists and told each about my past ED history while expressing concern about the condition of my teeth now (I've chipped a few and had to have them sanded down). Neither seemed to really know what to say in response. The first dentist all but ignored me. It's really sad because dentists are often among the first to spot signs of an eating disorder.
One brief comment (on my way out the door do class), that may seem shallow, and very well may be, but did you notice that she lost a significant amount of weight between the before and after pictures? I wonder what her story is.
Rachel, I'm sure this amount of cosmetic dentistry was A LOT. It's a shame that insurance does not cover more dental procedures or dentists have more programs available to offset cost.
Unfortunately, I have a lot of damage from the ED and really do need implants to fill in the holes (there are 3), as well as restore my second bridge. It's all incredibly costly, and I have no way of affording it.
Cammy, I did notice the differences in the before and after photos. It's hard to say whether she lost weight or if it was due to the the restoration of the collapse of her face prior to treatment (the vertical dimension dx)
Im dental assistant and I personally have never had a self image problem and my heart breaks for everyone who does. I do know that it is soooo very important to keep up with your cleanings. Most americans do not go to their dentist once every six months for a check up and that right there can save you money in the long run. Most people dont go to the denist, for what ever reason, until its their last ditched effort. Tiptoe, hear is a peice of advice... research and see if there are some dentist in your area that do probono work such as volunteering at shelters. Most of those docs are in the dentistry feild to give back and not suck your bank account dry. Im sure they would be willing to help.
Anonymous, thank you for sharing your thoughts and for the helpful advice. I'll have to look into that sometime.
I do think that if you are bulimic, you have low self esteem. Good thing, she had overcome that and she even had her teeth fixed. At least she had gained back her self confidence and she wouldn't be prone to dental caries due to bulimia.
As for me, I see to it that I have a healthy, beautiful smile. I visit these Myrtle Beach dentists to have my teeth checked. A healthy smile will give a boost of confidence. My two cents.
Thank you for sharing a wonderful blog. It is really nice to hear stories of satisfaction from both the patient and the dentist. We are lucky that dentists (Germantown TN-based)care so much for their patient. I'm lucky to have various options to restore my teeth.
Dental aesthetics is such an innovation to those people who have dental problems. After sitting on the dentist's chair, I'm now proud and happy to showoff my teeth.
Thanks for the comments George and Dannis. I'm glad both of you have had good dental options.
Thank you very much for this very informative post. Good that people can see this as a hope for them; that even the most damaged teeth can still be restored to its former pearly-white glory. Modern dental care can do wonders. Ask your dentist about it.
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