SMILES GALLERY
Sandy Phelps Kwarsick Dr. Flax,
After four years of struggling, I finally feel like I have the smile that I want! As you know, in 2000 I started the process of improving my smile through crown lengthening and veneers. Over the years my habit of grinding my teeth had worn my teeth considerably along with enamel loss. My goal was to have a ‘toothier’ smile that polished my professional image as a Sales Executive. I was very excited about getting my new, enhanced smile!! Unfortunately, my experience became a nightmare. I chose a dentist who did not share the same vision for what the final results would be and, after 18 months of problems with very visible chronic gum disease, critical bite issue, headaches, etc., I ended up with a smile I did not want to share along with a dentist who was unwilling to stand behind his work. The experience went from being the professional enhancement for my career and a personal boost to my self esteem to a legal battle of great proportion and a source of embarrassment and shame. After becoming engaged, I finally got the courage to seek the opinion of other dental professionals. I had to come to terms with the fact that I had made a bad decision in choosing my former dentist and was left with a mess of mouth that was not going to fix itself. With a wedding to plan and the desire to be proud of my smile in my wedding album, I turned to you. And, with a lot of emotional pain and scars, I scheduled an appointment with you and your staff. The first appointment, I must admit, was very hard for me. I was so ashamed to even tell you about my experience let alone actually open my mouth to show you my unsightly smile. However, after the first visit, I started hearing from you what the extent of my dental problems were along with some options for fixing these problems. After speaking with two other reputable dentists who also confirmed your diagnosis and careful consideration, I chose you to perform the reconstructing of my smile. Although the other dentists I consulted showed me their outstanding work, your true concern for my best interest and thorough plan for how we could correct my dental problems made it easy for my now husband and I to choose you. We have spent the better part of the last year correcting my gum issues through additional surgeries and replacing the oversized and inappropriately placed veneers that were bonded on my front teeth just two year before. Through the entire process you have been both sensitive to my dental and emotional challenges assuring me of success this time around. And, after all of your labor and support along with your staff, I finally have a smile that I am so very proud of. I must tell you about a recent event in my life that confirms a happy ending to my story. Last week, my husband, John, and I were vacationing in Mendocino, CA and were waiting to be seated at a very exclusive restaurant called St. Orres just outside the city in Gualala. As we were waiting, three couples that arrived before us were gathered ready to be escorted to their table by the hostess. John and I were sitting by the stacked stone fire place enjoying the atmosphere while two of the men were standing in front of us with their private bottles of merlot in hand. Overhearing their conversation, I smiled at them laughing at the comments they were exchanging about each other regarding their respective careers as a lawyer and an investment broker. One of them stopped in the middle of his sentence, stared at me and said “Gosh! You have the most BEAUTIFUL smile!”. Then, he spoke to my husband and said, “ You are a lucky man, son!”. After all that I have been through the past four years with my former dentist, and having to hire you to re-do my entire smile, my eyes just filled with tears upon hearing this stranger’s sincere comments. I turned to my husband who said “That Flax, Man! He is the greatest!”. After we were seated at our table, I shared with my husband that I was very happy with my smile. However, I knew that the problems I experienced with the work my former dentist performed did not show up for six to nine months. My husband replied, “ Honey, the difference the time around is that, unlike your former dentist, Dr. Flax has done movie star work and is sticking by you. And, I know that he will fix any problems you experience.”. Coming from my husband that is the best compliment you could ever receive. Thank you so much, Dr. Flax, for sticking by me and making me proud to smile again!! Sincerely, Sandy Phelps Kwarsick Previous | Next |
