POSTED UNDER All-on-4 Dental Implants REVIEWS
I Am 47 and Had Dental Issues All my Life. Atlanta, GA
ORIGINAL POST
At a cross road in my life, having to make a...
lpet123February 4, 2016
$41,000
At a cross road in my life, having to make a decision, I started my research. I had partials, top and bottom for almost 3 years; I had crowns on my upper front teeth for so many years that I don’t remember the exact time. It hurts when I eat, I perfected the smile with my mouth closed, I hate the taste in my mouth, I avoid eating with my colleagues at work, I’m sure you all get the picture. I decided to make the first appointment with CS in Atlanta to see if I’m a candidate (I’m a smoker also on top of everything) and what to expect, how much it will be, what options I have. I asked my husband to come with me, even though I really didn’t open up to him regarding my feelings and how much my dental issues were such a huge deal for so long. He knew but he always chose to let me be, not to hurt my feelings. I had my first appointment on Fed 1st and met with June; she explained everything including the cost. It shouldn’t have been such a shocker as I read the reviews, but it was. She was great! We don’t have the money, if I would have gone by myself, I would have probably walked out. We have a son in college and I want to help him financially, not to end up with a lot of student loans. June explained to us different options, different ways to finance, and all the steps. Dr. Donatelly came in and explained the scan, he made recommendations, answered questions. He was patient and overall great. Do they want the business and try to “sell” that? Absolutely! Would I ever blame anyone for that? Absolutely not! They are not a charity organization and no matter how much I struggle with the amount, that’s for me to figure it out if I chose to move forward. My husband actually made the decision for us to move forward and get it done. We paid the 1k but I made the decision not to do the first “smile design” consult at that time, as I needed a clear head. The surgery appointment will be scheduled at that time. June suggested that I bring a picture from the past, where they can see my smile and design the first bridge. I don’t have that as it’s been such a long time! I will have to see how they can help me make a decision on Monday at my appointment. I will keep you posted.
Replies (11)
February 6, 2016
Good luck with everything - particularly figuring out the financial aspect as it was one of the most difficult things about the whole process for me. I hope it goes well for you on Monday and you can work something out and move forward.
February 7, 2016
When you've had dental issues it is hard finding photos where you show your teeth even though mine only deteriorated rapidly in the last few years I just didn't show them in photos - I was self-concious about them even when they were good - stupid really. Luckly after rummaging through an old box of stuff from my college days I managed to find one that showed my teeth so left that with clinic. Either way a good dental technician should be able to do a great job for you and have a good understanding of what will suit your face. I didn't want to go too white with my teeth as want to them to look as real as possible - I think A2 was the shade we opted for in the end. If you are getting temps you always get the chance to make changes before they do the perms anyway. I'm still not sure what changes I will request for my perms but got a couple more months to think about it anyway. Good news about the finances. I will still be paying for mine for decades yet but like you I am hopeful it will be worth it. Good luck for monday and let us know how it goes.
February 7, 2016
I pray everything goes well, I haven't been to a dentist since I was 20, I am 51 and terrified of them, I am thinking of doing this, just because I would not have to worry of going to a dentist and having a tooth fixed or root canal, I practical have all my teeth except for 2, I floss and clean my teeth thoroughly to avoid a dentist. Keep us posted, praying for you :)
February 8, 2016
Thank you very much! I will post m journey as I know how much it helps me seeing other people experience.
February 22, 2016
Wow, thank you so much for posting this. I am 39 and have been losing teeth or parts of them for some time. I feel like I could have written your story word for word. My husband never commented, closed lip smile, the taste, smoking, all of it. I am at the same stage in my process with Clear Choice but I got a call Friday and they had an opening TOMORROW! So tomorrow it is! I am terrified. And excited. Mostly I'm ready to stop feeling so embarrassed. Good luck to you!
February 22, 2016
Good luck to you tomorrow!!! I will be thinking of you. Keep me posted and I'm sure you will be great. The waiting has been really tough...
February 24, 2016
Hi. I realize that you may be resting now but I just wanted to check on you. I hope all is well.
February 24, 2016
Thank you for checking in. That was really sweet. Still feeling super disappointed.
UPDATED FROM lpet123
Surgery on March 2nd!
lpet123February 8, 2016
The "smile design" out of the way and my appointment for the surgery is March 2nd. It was an interesting appointment to say the least, but that’s out of the way. Everyone worked with me to make the selections, answered my questions. Am I sure on what I chose? Not really, but the first bridge is temporary and I can go with a different shade for the permanents if I need to. Really hard to decide on a shade when for so many years I had something I hate it and I really don’t want people to notice too much of the change. We have a loan for a portion of it, and we need to plan ahead for the payment on the permanent bridge. One step at the time. I asked them to schedule the procedure ASAP as I really hate to think about it for too long. It’s exciting and nerve wrecking at the same time, not really knowing what’s going to look like, how long the recovery is, is it going to be painful, etc. I have 5 teeth on top and five on the bottom to be removed and according to the doctor no bone grafting necessary. I have prescriptions to fill, need to cut smoking to a minimum and my dental insurance to harass and see what they may cover. I’m counting down the days and try to see the bare minimum that I have to buy for the Polident. I really hate that process!
Replies (9)
February 9, 2016
Great news. Did they do impressions yesterday? For me, that was the worst thing as I was fearful all my loose teeth would just pop out and my teeth were so sensitive with the cold plasticene stuff they use. Anyway, good to press on with things asap. It is natural to be a bit nerveous about the surgery but for me it honestly wasn't that bad and far less painful than some of the gum infections I suffered from prior to surgery. I'm sure everything will work out fine and you will feel tons better and more confident with you new teeth.
February 10, 2016
I hate impressions for the same reasons as you do but I do the best to keep my eye on the end goal. The technician was gentle and that made it easier. :-)
February 10, 2016
Giving up smoking, as tough as it can be, is the best thing you can do. Implants have a much higher success rate with on smokers.
I am now about 3 weeks after my 3 month checkup. Which means I have been eating whatever I want for about 3 weeks.
It's the beets thing I have done.
I seriously had NO pain at all. The challenge was the soft food diet. You get sued to it, but it's a challenge thinking about what you can and can't eat.
Basically for 3 months I did no chewing and no biting.
I ate steamed fish, slow cooked meat, poached eggs, baked beans, pancakes, soups etc.
I wish you well.
I posted about my journey on my page if you want some info on what happened to me.
I am now about 3 weeks after my 3 month checkup. Which means I have been eating whatever I want for about 3 weeks.
It's the beets thing I have done.
I seriously had NO pain at all. The challenge was the soft food diet. You get sued to it, but it's a challenge thinking about what you can and can't eat.
Basically for 3 months I did no chewing and no biting.
I ate steamed fish, slow cooked meat, poached eggs, baked beans, pancakes, soups etc.
I wish you well.
I posted about my journey on my page if you want some info on what happened to me.
February 10, 2016
Thank you. I've been reading about your journey and it helps a lot. Seeing other people experiences with the procedure and recovery makes a big difference. I am working on the smoking part, as I have been reading about all the issues mixing the two. Hopefully I will be able to stop. Nothing in my life had so much control over me, don't like it. By the way what shade did you pick for your denture?
February 13, 2016
I'm note sure A2 I think. They held a tooth against my real teeth and picked the color closest.
Do not go the whitest they have. You may want to, but they may look fake. I found with these my teeth look the whitest they have ever been.
Do not go the whitest they have. You may want to, but they may look fake. I found with these my teeth look the whitest they have ever been.
February 14, 2016
I decided to trust the doctor and picked the B1 for the temporary. With the crowns being matched to another crown and so forth, I'm not even sure what color my teeth used to be. I will rather make them whiter, move up so to speak, on the perms. I hope they will look good. Actually, they have to! :-)
December 17, 2017
What I would like to know where do people get $41,000 to get there teeth fixed I pray & pray how I can get that kind of money to have my teeth fixed... life stinks but good for you lpet123. ❤️
UPDATED FROM lpet123
17 days until the surgery
lpet123February 14, 2016
Came home from a busy day at work and got a nice card from June at Clear Choice. She is looking forward to my "new smile". Me too! Excited and nervous. I think I'm becoming a "stalker" here and other places, trying to see more experience with the procedure. I am ready for the first part of the journey to be over with. I'm looking forward to the time that I can post before and after pictures. Almost there....
Replies (2)
February 15, 2016
Bets of luck. It was the best thing I have done. I'm sure you will look awesome.
February 16, 2016
Good luck. Those couple of weeks before surgery are pretty tough just counting down the days but you will be through it before you know and be able to move on with life. I have rediscovered my confidence since surgery and I feel far less self-concious when meeting people. In recent weeks I have been catching up with old friends and even started applying for new jobs. Stuff I thought I would never do again.
Thank you so much for sharing your journey with this community. I hope you get all the help and support you need here, and that you get all the help you need to move forward confidently with your decision. Please do let us know how everything goes Monday.