Let’s meet Barbara.
Barbara has a naturally engaging presence. But for a long time, she didn’t feel comfortable with her appearance—specifically, her smile.
She said that when she looked in the mirror, she felt unattractive. The problem wasn’t her presence or her energy. It was the deep staining in her teeth that made her feel like she wasn’t putting her best self forward.
Barbara had significant tetracycline staining—a deep gray-brown discoloration in the dentin that shows through the enamel and can’t be corrected with whitening. It’s one of the most difficult cosmetic conditions to treat effectively.
We see this more often than people might expect. People who are confident in every other area of their life still carry silent insecurities about their smile. Barbara was no exception.
What We Did
When Barbara came in, we knew this would require a conservative yet precise approach.
- We placed ultra-thin, minimal-prep porcelain veneers on her upper front teeth.
- Each veneer was custom-opaqued to block the dark staining beneath.
- We designed her smile to follow the natural curve of her lips, enhancing balance and symmetry.
This approach allowed us to completely transform her smile while preserving healthy tooth structure. This was part of a personalized smile makeover tailored to Barbara’s specific goals and challenges.
- We placed a set of veneers across her upper front teeth to address the staining.
- Each veneer was designed to mask the underlying discoloration and restore natural brightness.
- Working conservatively, we were able to complete the treatment efficiently and comfortably.
- Her final smile was matched to suit her features and personality—balanced, bright, and natural-looking.
What Changed
A short time after her treatment was completed, Barbara accepted a new position—as CEO of her company.
Her smile no longer held her back. In fact, it became a source of strength. She told us she finally felt like her outside matched how she’d always felt on the inside.
Following the treatment, she felt more at ease in professional settings afterward.
Why This Matters
Tetracycline staining can affect people for decades, making them feel like they have to hide their smile.
Barbara had the charisma. What she was missing was the confidence to show it.
If this sounds like you, let’s talk through what’s possible. No pressure—just options. You can learn more about Dr. Hugh Flax and the team behind these transformations here.
Barbara was able to move forward with confidence. If you’ve been considering options, we’re here to help you understand what’s possible—and deliver a smile you’ll be proud to share every day.
For more Smile Stories, click here.