I cannot stress enough what a positive and life-affirming experience this has been. After approximately three years of psychic pain and despair upon looking in the mirror, three years of trying to remember not to smile, I am now grinning everyday and wishing I had discovered this special service sooner.
Last year, while completing the “Work Opportunities for Women” program through the YWCA, the ever-so-helpful instructor oriented me to Smiles for Success. I was dubious, past experience of searching for dental help had proven frustrating and unproductive. My teacher encouraged me to complete the online application, saying she had heard “good things.” I did so, not expecting much to come of it. I had become jaded, but I also didn’t feel as if I deserved a real smiles. If I couldn’t pay for it, the world told me I didn’t merit teeth. I also wouldn’t be able to improve my career opportunities. I accepted this.
Relief and disbelief do not begin to describe my reaction when I learned I’d been accepted. There was hope! Yet, I remained doubtful. Skeptically I went to my first appointment, expecting to be told I couldn’t be helped. Wrong. From the initial greeting through the assessment, the positive staff let me know I was in good hands that wanted to help. The emotions when I learned Dr. Beth Ann Dillion and her superlative staff could and would treat me were simply overwhelming. I shuddered, in a good way!
The process went by relatively quickly and painless, which seemed to be an office priority. Everything was well-explained to me and there were no unpleasant surprises. I was consulted throughout the entire process.
After the tooth removal (which was not awful as I had imagined), the impressions, the fittings, the try-ons, etc., finally the day arrived for the ‘full set.’ Yikes. I was sure this was when my dream would fall apart. It’s great to be wrong – the teeth are beautiful, natural and comfortable!
A truly happy ending. The mental and physical anguish are removed and I have lots to smile about. The feelings I have are indescribable: self-confident and pretty; whole. And I walk around with a goofy grin at times. My biggest regret was that I didn’t discover this wonderful program sooner. I am forever grateful to Smiles for Success and Dr. Beth Ann Dillion and her wonderful staff.
Hillary |
