More Than Just A Smile Makeover
It's 4:58 pm at Fountain View Family Dentistry when assistant Gypsy Shorb
appears at the reception area door to tell her patient's mother the doctor is
ready for her. Jessica's mom walks calmly down the hall toward her daughter,
her heart pounding in anticipation. She had waited her daughter's whole life
to experience this moment.
Jessica is spellbound in the dental chair when her mom walks in. They are
both overwhelmed with emotion as they admire Jessica's smile makeover performed
by Dr. Scott Harden.
Sixteen-year-old Jessica was born with a rare condition called ectodermal
dysplasia- ED for short. ED is a hereditary condition characterized by abnormal
development of the skin and associated structures, including hair, nails, teeth
and sweat glands. Literature reveals this condition occurs 1 in 100,000 births
in the US and 1 in 10,000 births internationally. The effects of ED can range
from mild to severe and is apparent from birth. It manifests mildly in females
and more predominantly in males.
This was true for Jessica's brother, who was born with only 2 teeth. "Who would
have thought that something so ordinary as teeth would possibly not develop in your
child?" Jessica's mother wondered. Jessica's mom was made aware that she was a
carrier for this genetic condition and she knew her children would experience the
same concerns she had faced as a child.
Jessica, like her mother, was missing several adult teeth before her smile makeover.
Jessica was always very conscientious of her appearance, especially her smile. Cosmetic
dental treatment could not be performed fast enough for her! Her cosmetic treatment was
carefully planned to coincide with orthodontic treatment to ensure that Jessica's teeth
were in the position to provide her with the best smile possible.
After 2 ½ years in braces, restorative treatment began in December 2004.
Jessica couldn't wait- she was so anxious to finally have the smile she had always dreamed
about. Her restorative care consisted of the latest technology, including porcelain ceramic
crowns and bridges on nearly all of her teeth. The specific phases of treatment were carefully
planned to ensure that the proper function of her back teeth coordinated with the ideal
esthetics of her front teeth, reflecting the proper color and shape Jessica expected.
The anticipation of Jessica's new smile was overwhelming for mother and daughter.
As they were admiring the results of Dr. Harden's work, there was no uncertainty about
how amazing Jessica felt. Her face radiated with abounding pleasure. She truly could not
believe her dream had finally come true. Staring at her beautiful daughter, Jessica's
mom knew without a word that she had provided her with more than just a new smile. In
her own way, she had finally made up for all the years of feeling devastated about
passing this condition onto her daughter. Jessica had the most radiant smile, and it
was a smile she would never again hesitate to show.
"Although her total care was a very involved process and a serious financial
commitment, it was worth the time and every penny to see Jessica's proud and beautiful
smile." -shared by Jessica's mother in a recent letter to the office |
