It's Time To Update My Smile          

Mr J recently reminded me that my teeth were looking a little discoloured and he kindly offered to buy me new dental veneers.

I was pleased with his generous offer, although, I thought, “do I really need to visit the dentist’s chair so soon - particularly if it is only for cosmetic reasons?”

I thought, the least I could do was have a chat with the dentist and decide then if I would like to (or would be brave enough) to go ahead with the treatment.

The dentist, Dr Fred Calavassy, from Dental Excellence (an excellent dentist) was referred to me by a number of people including my own family members, who assured me that he was “one of the best”.

My first meeting was full of apprehension, even though I had a glass of wine or two beforehand with lunch (just to settle the nerves).

I entered the surgery and was pleasantly surprised by the warm welcome and the calming décor, water feature etc.

I was kindly invited to fill out a form in the comfort and privacy of a well appointed office, and I was offered refreshments. I was really thinking, “how about a valium?”

Dr Calavassy introduced himself to me as “Fred” and his lovely assistant, introduced herself as “Lou” (Louise).

They listened intently, establishing the reason for my visit. They asked a number of pertinent questions including; what were my feelings about the appearance of my teeth and what results I hope to achieve in the future.

I explained that I was less than happy with the appearance of my teeth and I would love my teeth to be perfect in every way, I wanted my grey coloured teeth to be transformed into dazzling white teeth. Too much to ask?

A thorough two hour examination followed. My teeth were x-rayed, my bite was examined, an impression was taken of my upper and lower teeth and the results were discussed and shown to me on a screen (not a pretty sight).

My husband (also a patient) was invited in for the discussion. I began to realize that my prognosis was probably not good (to say the least). Fred was very reassuring even though he didn’t have the best news for me.

We arranged to meet again to discuss in detail the alternatives available to me.

I returned to the surgery again a week later and was given a comprehensive account (one hour) of the varying options I could pursue. We both agreed that the optimum outcome was to have a total restoration of my mouth as I’m ONLY in my 50’s and with hopefully, many more good years in front of me to flash my pearly whites.

Dr Calavassy, explained that my bite was fairly indistinct because of my missing back teeth and previous dental work.

He suggested I have an implant, which he explained takes three months to complete the process.  He also suggested a gum lift because of my gummy looking smile (now I am really scared), and total restoration of every tooth (I have 24).

I have got to tell you, I was a bit bewildered. We were now talking oral surgery! Both the implant and gum lifting procedures requires stitches (where’s that valium). Even though he tried to allay my fears, I was not convinced that I could handle the expectant degree of pain and afford that much time in the dreaded dentist’s chair (sorry Fred).

The whole process would be expected to take three months or more.

I decided I needed to take some time to think through my options and to see if I could possibly gather up enough courage to go the full hog. I told Fred I would call him……soon.

A few days later, I was having lunch at a café, munching on some crunchy wood fired toast , when - crunch…. I felt one of my front teeth…. snap. My tongue immediately investigated the damage and through the gaping void, I felt what was left of my own tooth, a virtual stub. I had broken off my veneerand some of my tooth! My first thought, was to retrieve the veneer - which was harder that it sounds, as it was imbedded into the freshly chewed bread - the same colour as my veneer. I then realized that I had made plans for dinner that evening with friends, I couldn’t possibly make an appearance with my appearance. It was a Monday (Queen’s Birthday) so I left a message on the dentist’s answering machine hoping that somehow he may be working and would invite me in for emergency treatment (no such luck).

On Tuesday morning, the dentist’s receptionist returned my call and I will be back in the dentist’s chair this afternoon at 3:10pm.

This is going to be a 3 to 6 month journey for me, there's a lot of dental work to be done and I would like to share my experience with you- including pictures, so be warned, it won’t be a pretty sight.

Here is my BEFORE photo...