as featured in Cary Living Magazine, written by Dr. Paul C. Kazmer, Jr.

"Modern day dentistry can transform smiles, but sometimes it can make a rather significant impact on one's life. Severely crooked, mal-aligned, stained teeth can affect more than just a smile.

Heather admits that her smile always made her self-conscious. As a child she was picked on. ‘The kids were mean,’ she recalls. In addition to the aesthetic shortcomings of her smile, the gaps between her teeth caused a lisp. Needless to say, she was embarrassed and insecure. Heather refused to smile for pictures.

As an adult, Heather finally decided to do something about what she saw as her biggest cosmetic imperfection. Heather recalls this as something she always wanted to do since middle school. She gave serious consideration to correcting her smile for over a year, consulting with various dentists, but she wasn’t quite ready. With her husband’s support and coaxing, she decided to move forward and pursue her dream of a beautiful smile.

Heather started with consultations. She saw her general dentist to discuss potential options and solutions. As a periodontist, I was asked to evaluate potential gum and implant treatment.  After a few consultations and meetings, we as a team, developed a plan for Heather’s new smile. ‘When she was shown what could be done, she was excited. You could see it in her eyes,’ recalls Dr. Sachdev, her restorative dentist.

The treatment plan was established – the gum tissue needed a new shape to allow the crowns to have better dimension and a natural appearance. In addition, baby teeth were still present where adult teeth failed to form. We needed a long-term tooth replacement solution. Dental implants were placed and gingival contouring was performed.  After healing, her restorative dentist made custom porcelain crowns for upper and lower teeth.

When asked how she feels now, Heather says, ‘I can’t stop smiling. I feel more attractive. It was my one thing I really needed to fix. I am so happy.’

Today you’d hardly recognize the ‘new Heather.’ While the same kind, fun person exists, her new smile not only has given her the much desired confidence she used to lack, but the motivation to start working out and getting in shape. Laura, the dental assistant who worked alongside from the start commented, ‘When I last saw her she had a new hair cut, a tan and was in shape. It was amazing – she looked great!’

Heather is enjoying the attention from friends and family. ‘They just can’t believe the transformation,’ she states.

Dental problems do not have to mean continued embarrassment over an aesthetic deficit, loss of function or replacement with older techniques such as bridges or dentures. Implant dentistry and state-of-the-art cosmetic procedures have revolutionized dentistry."

BEFORE	BEFORE
AFTER	AFTER

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