As a professional in the educational field, I understand the importance of self assurance and the remarkable power of one’s level of confidence. I have also learned what can happen if your self esteem is suddenly shattered by tragedy. A few years ago, I lost my only child to suicide. There was no time to say goodbye… there was no hope that I would ever be able to wake up again without the crushing weight of guilt bearing down on me as a daily reminder of my incomprehensible loss.
In an effort for a fresh start and in hopes of healing, my husband and I picked up our lifetime roots and moved to a new state and a new city: New Orleans, Louisiana. We were there only a few months when Hurricane Katrina struck. The ensuing levee breaches took literally everything we owned and most of what mattered in our lives — our home, our friends, our jobs, and even our church.
I was rapidly running out of things to lose, including my sanity. My grief manifested itself in a bizarre physical behavior: I became a tooth-grinding, jaw-clenching bundle of nerves. In fact, over the course of two years, I had literally ground my once beautiful teeth into pathetic little nubs. They had become my battle scars. I could no longer bear to even glance at myself in the mirror; my debilitating nervous mannerism had begun to cripple my ability to eat, to speak clearly, to smile, to interact with others. I had hit rock bottom.
Following Katrina, we moved to Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Shortly after we arrived, I read an advertisement in a local magazine for The Kodish Dental Group. In a desperate attempt to begin to help myself, I scheduled a dental consultation. Showing up for that appointment was one of the hardest things I ever had to do. In fact, I just crumbled and cried right there in the examining chair before I could even bear to open my mouth for Dr. Kodish!
Cosmetic Dentistry is actually a misnomer. It brings to mind images of glamorous individuals whose only concerns are with their outside appearance and self-gratification. This field should really be known as Compassionate Dentistry. In the course of several months, I personally experienced what patience, perseverance, and true professionalism can bring about. My dental restoration has restored my dignity and self confidence. I can proudly open my mouth once again without the visible reminders of how much I USED to hurt.
And that makes me smile!
Suzanne Brooks
| Before | After |
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