There’s something about a nice smile that attracts people and makes them want to smile back. Yet for many years, despite her sunny attitude
and warm and loving family, Frances Did one did her best never to break into a smile, no matter what the occasion. “Even at my daughter’s wedding, with all the wedding pictures that were taken, I was careful not to smile. I didn’t want to spoil the photos.” “It was because my teeth were chipped and discoloured,” she said. “I have mostly my own teeth, but my front teeth never looked right and these are the ones people see.” That was two years ago. Today, Frances looks back with regret at those photos, wishing she had the chance to have them taken again. For now, as she talks of this embarrassing phase of her life, her infectious smile lights up her living room. She no longer turns away or keeps her lips closed, because her front teeth are now beautiful, thanks to six crowns right in the front. Frances and her husband know good oral health\ is important for overall good health, and they have been committed to regular six month dental checkups. As Frances got older, though, the discolouration and chipping were becoming more evident. Two years ago, at the age of 73, she took the advice of her dentist, Dr. Thomas Pekar, who suggested they do something about those front teeth. “We discussed the profile of the gum tissues, framing of the lips, ideal proportions relative to the face, colour of the eyes and skin with our master ceramist Andrew Long of Orchid Dental Lab.” To help Frances make a decision, a lifelike mould was made, so she could see how she would look with crowns. A test smile was all it took. She smiled
and smiled – opened her mouth wide and saw only pretty teeth.
The initial appointment had taken just an hour – an hour that changed her future. “It really can be life-changing for anyone to undergo
this type of procedure,” says Dr. Pekar. “It gives people back their original good looks and with that, a strong sense of self esteem. Crowns can replace or disguise teeth damaged by sports or workplace injuries,
or as the result of illness.” With restorative dentistry today comes a high responsibility, though, he adds. The porcelain replacement teeth are of fine china and should be treated as such. With crowns and implants and dentures, you can’t go gnawing on T-bones or wings. “With the advance in technology, we can create a spectacularly lifelike smile that we couldn’t achieve five years ago,” adds Dr. Pekar. “ replacement teeth look more natural.” As she smiles happily, no longer afraid to show her teeth, Frances is only sorry she can’t retake those wedding photos!