Coffee Break?

I just spent a couple of days finalising having my smile, confidence and self-esteem restored…and certainly better health…and given my own experience in addition to what I’ve observed over the last few years, this information may prove helpful to many on this lovely Peninsula (and beyond).

Over the last several years I was very self-conscious.  A couple of missing teeth, one broken and, at this stage of my life had decided to have my upper teeth removed, replaced by dentures.  Easier said than done.  First finding a dentist who would be willing to pull those teeth without argument or trying to convince me I should, instead, get root canals, crowns etc. etc.  With what?  Shirt buttons?  I was quoted a price by one dentist that I don’t believe I could ever have paid off in my lifetime but, when I resisted, I was told this was the plan best for me.  No…it’s not and never would be.  The best plan for me is one which works and, especially, for which I can pay.  Checking other places I found it was going to cost me at least $3,000 for dentures and, no…I could not afford this either.   By then I was having more sympathy and compassion for others I knew or saw who were going without for exactly the same reason and was somewhat ashamed that I had ever wondered (albeit privately) why they “didn’t do something about it?”  I even considered making a trip back to the UK to have mine done privately…I could do this and, at the same time, enjoy a visit with my family for less than dentures alone, here, would cost me.

And then I saw a tv commercial for Affordable Dentures, deciding to check it out.  I’m not one to buy much from or because of tv ads and I certainly don’t believe everything I hear, read or see.  I didn’t know anyone who had utilized this service so no-one to give me a reference.  At any rate, just over a year ago I did check it out.  Cost involved was very reasonable and, most importantly, do-able for just about anyone.  Costs up front, no hidden extras and a choice of three plans for dentures to suit one’s personal needs.  (Note that word…personal.  It may be important to you, further on.)

I discovered there was an Affordable Dentist in Salisbury and took the plunge.  There are no appointments…you show up before 8am and, should you desire, everything can be done in one day barring, I’m sure, complex situations.  I was there by 8am.  Waited a while before being called and the x-ray was done then waited for my consult.  During this consult I asked if they could recommend an oral surgeon for me.  Affordable Dentist do extractions at a very reasonable price but none of the usual anaesthetics work for me.  Twice I’ve had one tooth pulled, each of which took between four and six injections and did not have the required or desired affect so ended up seeing an oral surgeon, having nitrous oxide…about a five minute procedure.  I wanted to circumvent this problem, delay and, of course, the possible pain involved by doing it the easy way.  They recommended an excellent dentist for me, made my appointment with him.  Went back to Affordable Dentist to have impressions etc. done and get my temporary plate to take to the oral surgeon when I had my extractions.  He would place the temporary plate immediately all the teeth were out.  I had the impressions and the plate the same day along with my instructions for assistance should I run into any difficulty, need adjustment etc. and when to return for the permanent plate.  I only had to make one visit for a very minor adjustment about two weeks after I had the temp plate and I gave myself a year to ensure complete shrinkage of the gum etc.  Never experienced any problem with the temporary plate.  I could chew anything…I was able to eat corn on the cob again!  Yaaaayyyy!!  Relished a steak dinner once more…hoorah!!!  I could whistle my favourite tunes once more…one of my favourite (though probably…to others…most annoying habits).  And I could smile, laugh with absolute joy and confidence…the embarassment and self-consciousness was gone, gone, gone.  Don’t get me wrong…prior to the dental work I owned a business and worked seven days a week, worked other places, talked to customers, went out for dinner etc. but tended to stay away from new situations, gatherings and special occasions.   I avoided where possible, meeting my partner’s new bosses…reluctant is putting it mildly.  And the general feelings I had were that, besides feeling my mouth and smile were a disgrace, others would be thinking what I, once upon a time did.  How could I not fix them?  How could I be comfortable looking this way?  Didn’t I care?  Was I that lazy or ‘denta-phobic’?  I was none of those but, at the time, I knew of no other choice.  As soon as I had my temporary plate all of those things disappeared from my feelings and thoughts.  In fact, I didn’t think I’d ever been as happy or confident as I now was.

Almost two months ago I returned to Affordable Dentures for my permanent plate.  This week I returned for a redo and, by my own choice, opted to do it over a two day period rather than one day.  Beautiful teeth they are, too…even if I do say so and that’s all credit to the staff at this godsend of an establishment. 

From Dot the receptionist to Dr. Patrick everyone there is courteous, kind, very friendly and professional.  Hard to combine all of those qualities at best but they succeed admirably.  No-one tried to dissuade me from doing what I wanted and felt I needed to do…which is have those teeth pulled.  My decision was respected throughout.  I’m not going to be paying for my plate for the next two years.  No-one asked or suggested I write this.  In fact, I asked their permission to do so…make a referral if you will…because I know there are many people who don’t know of this place.  On one of my visits there was even an older couple there who had driven all the way up from Virginia Beach.  I figured I was lucky that I had only to drive there from Delaware.  Yes, as mentioned it can take from 8am until 4pm to complete your visit and I know most people may have a problem with that BUT…look at it this way.  It is ONE day that will make a major difference to the rest of your life and comfort.  It’s a bright, pleasant and comfortable waiting area.  Take a friend with you…it’s a great opportunity to solve the world’s problems between you and if he or she, as my friend is, daft as a brush and very sociable you’ll find almost the entire waiting room being involved in conversation and laughter.  Alternatively, as I did this week, take a book you want to finish in peace and quiet, totally undisturbed by kids, dogs, cats or phone.  Crosswords are good, plug into your MP3 and relax.  You even get a lunch break when you can leave the premises to eat, shop…or sleep.

I don’t know if the staff will see this or even hear about it but, just in case they do, I want to thank them for all they did, the manner in which they did it and for returning to me the ‘gift’ of my true self…all with just a denture plate.  Thanks all!   You have enabled me to do the absolute best thing for myself that I have done in several years and I’m delighted.