Please help support my channel! UA-cam switched up their algorithm and it’s harder for people to discover my videos. Every time you like, comment, and share my videos, it increases the chance of UA-cam showing the video to people who need to see them. Don’t forget to subscribe and thanks for your support!
OMG YES!!! The mental part is the worst. Your brain can’t handle normal stuff because it consumes your thoughts. Constantly it’s their. That’s what finally broke me. I told my husband I had zero bandwidth available for anything else, it was all I thought about. This resonates so much. Thank you for giving a voice to all of this.
Awww I'm going through this.I feel in a separate zone to others. 2 years of dental pain and trying to hide it.Finally broke down in front of husband and kids. I am getting partials after delaying it for a year. I need to eat real food and not swallow it.
The hardest part dealing with dental issues (Rotten teeth) something that know one understands unless you have experienced it, not only the embarrassment but the constant pain from infected teeth. The hardest part is looking back on all the things you missed, photos of you and your children, special occasions, hanging out with friends. You really have no clue how it feels, even though your friends say don’t worry about what people think. The awful feeling of missing teeth, not being able to eat or smile, or just having a conversation with someone, it’s mentally devastating.
Everyone i know with visibly missing and/or bad teeth, are complexed from it. And everyone I know that got it fixed, instantly blossomed like a flower. They smile all the time, are going out more, ect...
I am sure you are making an enormous difference in the lives of people suffering with dental problems. I was like you, having big dental problems from a very young age and I eventually developed a phobia of going to the dentist. After years of living in pain and constantly taking painkillers and going through tubes and tubes of Orajel or anything else that could temporarily dull the pain, I found the courage to book a dental appointment. I was lucky enough to find an understanding, caring dentist. I had many extractions, root canals, fillings, 3 implants (at the dawn of them being used), partials...you name it, over the years. I've spent a lot of time at the dentist/dental surgeon's. Even with all that experience and at 71 yrs. old, I am learning new things from you. Thank you for your courage, honesty and amazing knowledge and information sharing! You are doing something wonderful.
I don’t know if you will ever see this comment but I am currently getting the All in 4, yes I will be paying on this for the rest of my life! But to be able to take a picture with my teenager and smile for the first time has been my dream for 15 years!!!! You are such in inspirational queen!!!!! Thank you so much
I know EXACTLY 💯 how you felt when dealing with bad teeth. I got bullied from 2nd grade thru 12th grade. My parents didn't have any money to help & I was PETRIFIED of the dentist. It's hard for me to look at old pics of myself with the bad teeth. I had rotten buck teeth so it was worse. With the help of your encouraging videos, I went on my denture journey back in 2015. Now I can smile & laugh again. I'm so grateful to you , Positive Beauty, and many 💖others that helped me gain the encouragement to change my life. Like I say in my videos get off the fence & face your fears.
Just subscribed! I hate that. I hate bullies. If I could start a revolution for two causes, it would be patient advocacy and dental reform stuff, and bullying. I despise bullying so much. It's another way people are silenced and left feeling helpless and defenseless. I am so glad you are smiling and laughing again.
I have such large teeth and they are so noticeable. They have been just cracking off, and now my front ones cracked. It’s been pure hell. My credit sucks so I don’t qualify for financing. I just gotta figure it out and when I do I will never stop smiling
@Jade Talking Crime, Mine are crumbling too. I am so sorry that you are going through this. I live in Illinois and my husband is disabled. So my teeth can be pulled. By Medicaid if you are in any serious pain. Please go to the ER. I had one tooth that was infected. It traveled from the tooth to the bone. It could kill you if left untreated. My mother and younger brother are going to pay for the dentures I need. You also could try County Health Department. If you are in the US. They can pull them and that is based on income. I hope you have the teeth you deserve soon.
@@angelaschaefer5883 If you are low income and qualify for foodstamps/ebt, medicaid/medicare; they will also pay for bone grafting, and dentures (although the health care providers do not advertise this). No one should have to suffer the way most working class people do here in the states over basic dental health-all of it should be covered as the health of your mouth effects the rest of your health. Some states have actually had to sue the Federal Government to gain access to funds for dental benefits. In the state I'm in they stopped covering dentures for several years, but have started again.
Seems to me nearly everyone in Usa struggles to afford health and dental care. A country bragging 2b rich, yet neglecting its very own citizens leaving them in daily pain, while they wont hesitate to send millions to bomb places with people wondering if they can feed their kids the next meal....😢
Thanks for commenting. I was very nervous about posting something so emotional but I’m glad I did because it’s so validating to hear that I wasn’t the only one.
I love your videos. I AM A FAN OF YOURS xx🥰💐👏🏻💯 Absolutely authentic and it relates so much to most of my patients who bear a very havy load of emotions of shame and guilt for having lost their teeth! It's so touching to see the transformation that you underwent and how you overcame your emotional obstacles to seek help. this is not about looking pretty, it's not about vanity. This is about having a set of teeth that every human being deserves to have. I love how your story is exactly what I hear from my patients, or not hearing from my patients, out of shame to open up! You are the living proof that even from the bottom of despair, we humans can rebound to move forward. I have promised myself when I became an implant surgeon, that I would have a non profit or a low cost clinic that delivers care to those who need to have a complete mouth makeover. Bringing the smile back to those patients is MY CALLING!! I really hope more people would hear your story and that you would encourage them to seek help. Wonderful video again!! Very much looking forward to communicating with you soon for a great interview! WARMEST REGARDS!
Thank you so much for taking the time to watch these videos. It really means a lot and I wish every professional within the field would take the time to see the personal stories from patients and how deep the scars can be when they live through this. It’s something we usually don’t have time to discuss when we are in the chair. Dentistry is so important. Even for people who aren’t losing their teeth. People with severe overbites and underbites, gummy smiles, discoloration, you name it. Your smile is one of the first things people notice on your face and it’s the way we communicate with the world. Thank you for your empathy and compassion. The world needs more of it.
I know exactly how you all feel. I just turned 17 in July 1974 , on the 9th of August I was a front passenger in a car accident. From being a good looking teenager, I turned into nothing in seconds. 1/2 of my left face got cut through. My chin hanging low cut, my left eye lid hanging on a thin piece of skin. Thanks GOD it didn't reached my eye. After 2 years and heaps of cosmetic surgery, electrical shocks...they couldn't do any more. I was by now 19 and looked like I had a major stroke with my left face side being paralysed . And my left eye not closing fully at night ,, needing eye drops for the rest of my life to keep it from drying. The electro shocks and facial exercises helped to lift the face and if I didn't talk or smile, no one could notice the paralysis. But also the scars were very visible and I had 3 month wire in my chin and got intravenous food into me.. Depression and anxiety were my only 2 friends and family was feeling sorry but avoided me. When I was in the hospital, my dad thought I'm still under anesthetic and sleeping. He was yelling at the doctors that is NOT MY DAUGHTER. YOU HEAR ME....THAT'S NOT MY DAUGHTER. Work sacked me, as apparently customer's complaint that I scared them with my looks. I worked in a supermarket. After for many years he kept on talking about how pretty I was and mum talked about me living with them for ever. I'm from a large family of 12 children, 2 past Away before I was born. But still 9 siblings...the home was always full.. With time the swelling ceased, the scars became pale and with make up I was able to return to work. I was filling up shelves, avoiding human contact. After I went to go out in the dark, with heaps of make-up...having male relationships with many different types. To tell myself, yes I look terrible, but I have a super figure. At age 24 I became pregnant, and I stopped going out. I concentrated on my baby. My parents seeing it as a substitute for me never getting married. July 1981 my daughter got born and I tried to be the best mum. But by then, the physical, emotional and psychological abuse of my parents became too much.. Dad was nice when the insurance money came through. He used it all. That's when I realised, if I have money they are nice to me. So I given them my wage and taken heaps of loans to buy love of my parents. But when the abuse started to go over to my daughter, I realised I had to go. But I didn't know how!!! Until 1984 January, my 2nd youngest sister taken me out for dinner with her boyfriend. Her boyfriend was the one who started to bring everything in rolling. He said: I listened to your sister and your situation, you have 2 choices, you are dying young or getting out now. He didn't meant physical death, I understood. One of my sisters went to Australia in 1982, with her husband. I asked her to help me to put an advertisement in a Australian/ German paper for a husband ( old fashioned internet dating 🤣😅) That's how I meet my husband. June 1984 I went with my daughter to Australia. I married, have 5 children and 9 grandchildren and no , it wasn't a smooth ride, it was a ride to hell and back. We were married 22 years and that's too long, but short, I went from bad to worse. My divorce was a day of freedom and independence. I got to school and studying years to help in disability care. Now I'm 66 this year, and in January I had all my bottom teeth removed and many top ones. On the 24th of April 2023 I will go and get my dentures and bridge done. I choose no emidiate dentures, but let my gums heal. I had to sell my car to get it done, as it's over 3000.00 dollars to have them all taken out and 2 filling. But it is worth it, because no more pain killers this year and no more antibiotics. My concentration is on Jesus Christ, my children and grandchildren. I do not need a husband to be my mirror, I have eyes. So GOD bless you all
My last smiling pic was at age 15...I'm now 42 and about to have a new procedure that's sort of between overdentures with implants and all on 4. I'm scared and unsure and terrified of complications. I was priced out of all on 4 and really DO NOT want regular dentures at my age. The feelings and habits of hiding you describe, I've been living that way for almost 30 years.
You are absolutely beautiful!! You are so articulate and honest in your videos that I so look forward to them!! I could relate to your story so much and I am grateful you make your videos!! You help so many people feel like they are not alone!! I just recently found your videos and I am so glad I did!! Hon your 37 year old self helped this 67 year old feel better about her dentures!! I have had them since last December!!
Today is the first day in the last 15 years that I’ve found someone who described my everyday with just horrible thoughts and habits that I’ve gone through hiding my smile… Thank you I’m in Jax and currently looking for a place to start my journey, I’m scared, ashamed, and all out nervousness has stopped me way to many times…you’ve givin me some hope!!
I hear you 100% I started my journey Aug and due to some bleeding problems had to wait until Dec to see an oral surgeon and yesterdsy received my Permanent dentures, had to go one month no teeth. Now learning to speak, eat. It’s so much better than all the years of being ashamed.
It’s something I’m now considering since many people have suggested it. My husband and I met on MySpace in 2006! 😅 After talking for about a week, he came to my job and we met in person and have been inseparable since. ♥️
@@kalinjax what was his reaction about your teeth? I’m scared to meet anyone I’m interested in in person bc I’m afraid about what they’ll say or think.
@@kalinjax I hope u do renew your vows. I just started watching your videos and you have helped a lot.I had to get dentures in my 20s as well. I'm now 68. Now my partner needs dentures. Your family looks like so much fun!
I wish I can give you a hug 😢sweetie I'm getting all my teeth taken out tomorrow ! I'm 47 suffered my whole life pretty much with periodontal disease. Super nervous but I feel you my teeth has completely destroyed my teeth covering my mouth not smiling. And I love my smile. You are so inspiring I'm very nervous .. Bit I know good support and God I'll get through it.... by the way your beautiful ❤
Getting implants was one of the best things I've ever done. Imagine, being in your early/mid 20s with jacked teeth because I couldn't afford to fix them. By the time I managed to get a decent job. They were to far gone to be saved .. had them removed and went 4 years with just 6 teeth. Even the dentures that were made for me, were totally wrong and I ended up looking like Mr. Ed 🤣. Then always being a brunt of a teeth joke, or he's a meth head, or whatever. That got old after a while. Even to this day, I struggle with my image because of those experiences. Keep on putting these vids out. Makes me feel not so alone anymore. Like ya said, unless you've be in this situation, you don't understand.
Nope. I was pretty embarrassed by that experience, I just went with 6 front teeth on the bottom for 4 years. Most people didnt know that is all I had. I managed to cover up pretty well, when laughing, talking etc. I saw a not so flattering pic of me and got implants. 4 on top and 4 on the bottom in 2010. The bottoms were ceramic on posts and the top were click on dentures. Which worked out well for 3 years. Till I snapped the tops in half eating pizza. My dentist tried fixing them a few times and failed. So I fixed them with some high grade epoxy from work and it pissed the dentist off. Haha He ended up making me a new mega denture i called it. Which led to other problems. It was so strong that I believe it made my one implant fail due to the stresses, that the one particular implant was being exposed to So that got replaced, and I had two more added in 2015. Went with a permanent denture over titanium.... Which lasted a year till I snapped that one. Luckily that happened after my wedding in 2016. In 2017 I spent the money (err still paying for it) for the titanium/zirconium bridge. Which looked amazing...... Then I broke it in 24 hours 😂😂 seriously. 10k denture snapped in half. Yet again, eating pizza After a few months of trying to have the dentist fix it, the company that made the restoration made me a slightly thicker one. Which so far has been great since Sept 2017. I just watch what I eat and not go full strength on chewing As for the bottom ceramic teeth, 11 years later Most of the ceramic is still there, but the titanium posts are showing. The zirconium pretty much decimated the ceramic. My dentist and I have vastly different opinions on why it happened. Whew. That is prolly more than what you need to know about me though 🤣
I live in the netherlands where care is accessible, and payment plans offered to those who need the care. Usa is criminally neglecting its citizens leaving them in pain like that
I couldn’t relate to this more. I suffered for so many years unnecessarily. Getting implants completely changed my life. As a real estate broker, I see people at the happiest times of their life. Can you imagine not being able to smile when you’re congratulating them? So many missed opportunities. Seeing your videos in 2015 gave me the impetus to do what I had to do. I can’t thank you enough. It’s kind of ironic. I was thinking that prior to 2015 if there had been a pandemic, I would’ve been one of the only people that would’ve been happy to have to wear a mask and cover my smile. Now I think how sorry I am to have to wear the mask and not share my smile with the world. This too shall pass.
I'm so glad you were able to heal! This is what I really try to communicate. We are made to believe that teeth are inconsequential and not as important as the rest of the body but this literally affects every aspect of your life. Relationships, jobs, social situations, confidence, everything. I so hope we see real progress towards a better understanding of this and more access to care in our lifetime.
I exactly thought the same during the first lockdown in Germany 😊 a pitty to hide the smile! Also wouldn’t have said that 4 years before 😬 excellent👍🏼 all my best wishes for you!
Im going through this now. I cant smile because my teeth are broken and im embarrassed. Im in pain and im so tired of living this way but i cant afford to change it right now. Thank you for the reminder that this too shall pass. I pray this time in my life passes soon. 🙏 😢
@ Katie Sago, Me too please if it gets worse. Go to the ER because I had abscess that went from my tooth. To the bone I don’t want you to get sick. They can give Antibiotics or call County Health Department. They can pull your bad teeth. What they charge is based on income. My son needs wisdom teeth pulled.
I feel like I’m listening to myself, especially the part about meeting your husband. I’m finally going through the process of getting my teeth done and I’m so hopeful this is going to improve my life so much. You inspire me ❤️ thank you
About 6 or 7 years ago was when I was facing the prospect of losing my top teeth. Much like you, my own teeth were bad genetically. They were stained and my gums had receeded so much that my teeth were moving around and painful. I hadn't gone to the dentist as I should have and it was just too late to save them. My family weren't very supportive, they thought it was funny that I was going to have dentures. My mother told all the family so my sister and nephews and nieces knew too. I was pretty scared. No, I was more than scared, I was terrified about it all so I had a look to see if I could find anyone who had gone through it. That's when I found you. You were such an inspiration for me and you put my mind at rest, you explained alot of the process and showed off the results and helped me to manage my expectations. It was an awful time for me, it was pretty traumatising too because I had anxiety about going to the dentist and I don't look back too fondly about the situation, just like you. Your bravery helped me get through it all, if I hadn't have found your channel, if you hadn't uploaded any videos, the whole thing would've been alot worse, and for that I am eternally grateful to you. Thank you. You should never feel bad about your past because you helped ALOT of people because you shared your experiences. I know I am not the only person who benefitted from your advice. You are awesome, brave, caring and I admire you so much Xx
Comments like yours have really helped me along the way in my healing process. I’m thankful for people like you that took the time to watch and listen because it gives some purpose to the darkest time in my life. I’m glad I could be a small part of your story. ♥️
My teeth were so bad and something just snapped within me one day and I realized that dentures were a better option than trying again and again to save my failing teeth. My dentist didn't even argue. I had spent thousands of dollars trying to keep my teeth serviceable (they were never pretty) and the day I had my extractions was long and difficult, but after just one day of recovery with immediate dentures I was able to look people in the eye and smile again! Something I hadn't been comfortable doing in years. It's 14 years later and it was probably the best decision of my life.
Omg - I’m so sorry and I do understand why it’s hard for you talking about this. You are amazing and have a good heart by helping others experiencing the same. Thank you!
I am soo blessed that there’s an awesome person like you sharing your ‘Personal’ journey.. It defines for us soo many factors with encouragement and love to help us make our dreams come true. Thank You so very-very much for your honesty Kalinjax! It makes your testimony so easy to relate to.🙏💕
You’re still young and very beautiful so don’t look back! No regrets! You have your whole life ahead of you and you’ll do great things ~ you’re already doing so much to help people going through tooth loss. You’re also smart and articulate.. the world is your oyster! ❤️
Omg thank you so much for making this. This explains my life. I just got implants 5 days ago and I’m still mentally trying to like them due to all the mental insecurities I have from my past teeth. 😭
Oh sweetie you are still so young and you have the rest of your life to live your best life. May God bless you and everything your doing to help others heal from what they are going through with their teeth and this video will definitely help so many young and old, Thank you for putting yourself out there for others to see that their not alone 🙏🏼
Yes, people don't understand about not wanting to smile at all, and mentally and emotionally how it affects you in your life, but you are such a beautiful person outside and inside, that's such a good idea, to take your wedding vows again ❤ xxxx
I relate, I haven’t gone to college either specifically for that reason, I’m 26. I’m trying to save up so I can get my teeth fixed. It’s at that point where I have to consider crowns or have them removed. You make me feel like there’s hope for me in the future. Thank you for sharing your story 💕
How much I can relate!! It will help countless people that you did this and were raw with it. It's a REAL PAIN! A DEEP pain. Thank you. Because I have been there for years. I was not there for my kids the way I could have been. And I have no pictures of me with them, or very few. I'll never get that back and I understand 100% what you felt like. It's so much deeper than vanity. So much more. It needs to be fixed. People that judge should go through a day with that infection and pain and then go DAYS without eating because it's not worth the pain. Live on protein shakes because you have to have calories or pass out because od pain when you tried to eat foe the first time in a week because you couldnt take it anymore. It is HORRIBLE!! You helped me so much. I wish i'd done it sooner too.
I’m so sorry. My sister, who knows me better than anyone on the planet, watched this video before it was released and she cried. She still didn’t realize how deep the wounds are and just how bad it was. I believe there’s a reason for everything and I believe I’ve found my reason for this but it doesn’t take away the real pain that so many people are dealing with silently. There’s no support groups. No resources on how to deal with it. It’s lonely. I pray we can all come together and lean on each other because we are the only ones that get it.
@@kalinjax I know! I work with some that had horrible issues and when I got mine done I would talk with them and let them in to see that it didn't have to be that way. They weren't alone. But it is definitely a painful, lonely existence. And I pray for anyone suffering with it to get what they need. I'm the same as you, in my 30s and just starting to be able to LIVE. And one of my kids is grown already. It sucks, to put it lightly. Made to feel sub-human for something you can't help. We have to be there for each other. Now, I'm a fanatic about my kids' teeth. Lol!! Like psycho about it because I'd die if they had to live that way like I did.
I empathize with you girl, it’s not like other challenges that you can put out of your mind because you always have a toothache! The pain! Guys I dated would tell me my dentist is just ripping me off if I told them about it. Yes, I was embarrassed to go to the dentist again and again. I needed to be sedated and ask my mom or friends for rides home. I started sneaking out and taking the bus home, was embarrassed to bum rides.
You are a truly amazing person! I dont wear dentures yet, but as things have developed here at age 68, I fear the day will come some day! And its just such a relief to hear someone talking about these emotions that comes up with this issues! So thank you for being so open and honest about your feelings!
You are so amazing ❤️ thank you so much. You’re impacting so many people who need it. The world is a cruel place and so many people have no one to turn to. Thank you
Girl I appreciate your videos and your openness and honesty. I’ve needed to see the dentist for literal years. I’ve been watching your videos for the past couple days and I finally got brave enough to make an appointment to get dentures. Thank you for putting this out there. I know the shame and embarrassment it brings.
So relatable. Thank you so much for sharing this. I’ve underestimated so much about the impact of this experience. I so hope, and would pray if I believed, that getting my almost full top denture will be the beginning of feeling differently about myself.
Thank you for these testimonials and hopefully the right young people will see this and get up the courage to do something about their bad teeth. I think fear holds people back. And hopefully they will see this a realize that its better to get dentures and be done with it than spend endless amounts of money trying to fix something that ultimately can't be fixed for whatever reason. There are many who need to listen to your journey.
hi Kalin.. I am also suffering from losing confidence because of missing teeth and the struggle is really bad not to be able to show your true self because you are ashamed of how others would look at you because of your teeth.. I am always an optimistic person, and I smile all the time and I love interacting to people but I stopped because of my oral condition.. it kills me everyday... 😭 I am a fan of you the first time I watched your video where in you were talking about winning the contest and you shared your journey through implants.. (bad teeth, dentures, and dental implants :my story) - this video from 5 years ago made me hopeful that I still have a chance to regain my confidence back.. I am from the Philippines and dental implants are not easy to attain because it is expensive. I am using dentures now that I got 15 years ago but I still can't have my smile back since I already lost the teeth beside my dentures and I am saving so much hoping that one day I will be able. to afford implants same as what you have, I started saving since 2014 to get implants all on 4 but I'm still not halfway through.. this is still a continuous battle.. love you so much and you are an inspiration for me to keep going..
You are a rock star ❤️besides being beautiful on the outside, you are beautiful on the inside. And I am so happy you have a beautiful marriage. You help so many people including me 🥰🥰🥰 Bright Blessings 🥰
Thank you for all of your support! In those old albums, I found a video of my husband giving me a pedicure when we had only been dating a few months and I was still living with my parents. I cried even harder because I know I didn’t appreciate that at the time, the fact that he has been there for me from day one. I hope everyone can find their person, no matter what they’re going through and how unworthy they feel. ♥️
You just told the story of my life and what it's like to live with bad teeth. It is a struggle everyday to keep people from seen my teeth. Thank you for what you do.
Thank you so much for sharing your story with us. I just got my bottom teeth taken out & got dentures. I go back to get the top out & get dentures. I was living in so much pain every day & night infections every month & it even is affecting my ears, causing pain in my head, face, mouth, sinuses, & ears its awful. I'm exhausted all the time. Just having my bottoms out I'm starting to feel better & not in so much pain & exhausted. I was supposed to get all teeth taken out but after taking out the bottom my blood pressure got high & wouldn't go down & they didn't want to risk it so thats why I couldn't get it finished. But almost every tooth was broke, cracked, or missing & it seems after I had a 3 hr root canal, things went downhill after that with the rest of my teeth. I hope in the future I can get dental implants, but for now I'm just happy to get this journey started & not be in pain with infections all the time & exhausted. Your a God send thanks for sharing all you do. BTW your so beautiful.
This video has honestly hit home for me in so many ways, im 26 heading to 27 only now being able to finally take the steps after years of being on a waiting list to have all my teeth taken out from having lived with rotten teeth. Started at 16 when i had no enamel left and now i am so excited but so nervous at the same time but i cannot wait to start over in a way with my own self esteem. The pain is unbearable at times and eating is definitely so impossible and being pregnant is scary when you have a hard time eating and your teeth decay worse due to the baby absorbing your body nutrients as well.
I cannot believe how nearly identical your story is to me. Its amazing how thinking about your teeth starts to consume your life. I went 10+ years not smiling worrying about showing off too much. I now have immediate dentures and will soon enough have implants. Your videos are great and so helpful!
Im very happy for you and proud to have found your videos. I've spent my whole life in the same situation as you as a matter of fact I was so good at hiding my smile that the muscles in my face don't even work. Well im a 58 year old man and I finally got the courage to do something about it. Your a beautiful person with a great big heart ❤️. Thank you.
Thank you for this channel. I have felt similar. I appreciate your vulnerability so much. I still hate smiling without my mouth closed when I’m talking to anyone or for any photos. It has caused confidence issues in my life to the point where I’m still unmarried at 44. Even when I have had girlfriends, I know it’s an issue. It’s stopped me so many times from talking to someone or going out. I’m hopeful that I’ll be able to solve this and encouraged greatly from learning about yours and others’ stories.
Omg I totally understand this on every single level. To the letter. I'm crying so hard right now. Your smile is so beautiful. I really need this done. My teeth are ruining my life.
Thank you for putting yourself out there. I KNOW it helps people because it helps me. I got dentures in July 2020 at age 29. I finally went to the dentist after several back to back trips to the ER. I have the dentures medicaid paid for and although they made my top and bottom completely different colors (bottoms are WHITE and tops are... not even close to white) and that makes me feel super insecure, but at least I have a mouth full of teeth and no more pain. But it is difficult going through the whole process and then still feeling like I have to hide my teeth. Your implants are absolutely beautiful and so are you. I hope to be able to start saving money to get some in the future. 💜 thank you again for sharing your story.
I'm so sorry. That's the thing that really irritates me. There's like over 800k ER trips a year for dental pain yet it's not covered by medical insurance. That just doesn't even make any sense. And I am sorry that they didn't get the color right. You could actually get a smile identical to mine in a removable denture. Just have to ask the dentist to request that the lab use ivoclar teeth. If you go to morethanadenture.com, there's a brochure you can print out and bring to your dentist.
I can really relate to this. Same with the wedding photos.. but I was in my 50s when I finally went to my GP and explained my depression and my terror of dentists. He referred me to an NHS clinic who began the process of changing my life. I now have had dentures for 20 odd years and go to the dentist regularly. So many years wasted hiding and feeling inferior because of my bad teeth. To all of you who are suffering this way, just get help! Go to your doctor and share your problem. Hopefully he will help you and refer you to a sympathetic dentist who will help. Good luck.
This is pretty sad but want you to know I envy you and appreciate your genuity, empathy and intelligence--you're a real inspiration Kristi. I listened to you from the beginning and will continue to the end.
Kristi this broke my heart for you and made me so proud of you. I know how hard this video was for you. It was perfect. I learned more about you and I really think you need to redo your wedding pictures. You were so beautiful. Thank you for this video I really needed it this morning. 🥰🥰🥰
I appreciate your candor vulnerability and transparency so much. Completely understand where you're coming from and have been there myself. I hope you realize how grateful we are for your honesty. I've learned so much from you. You make a difference for all of us. I've followed your journey since you first started your channel and I cannot begin to tell you how much you have helped me with losing my teeth and the physical and emotional trauma we go through. THANK YOU so much. You make a difference in this world. ❤ p.s your family and husband are lovely ty for that glimpse into your life, it means a lot.
Hello! I can relate so much to you. All my pictures throughout school and into college were always with my mouth shut. Even pictures taken with the birth of my children. No smiles. So embarrassed and self conscious. The pain I endured, the swollen face of infections, and just the thought of not being able to look people in the eye. One day I was eating an apple and my tooth fell off. That's the day I made up my mind. I got on the internet and ran across your channel. I learned so much from the information you shared in your videos. I found a Dentist. My teeth couldn't be saved. I had to get dentures. But I look back and have no regrets. The tooth pain was so intense as you are aware of. I still sometimes have a hard time smiling. I guess with all the years I couldn't, it's a natural response. Thank you for putting yourself out there! Such a heartfelt video. I appreciate you. Blessings always! 😊🙏
This made me cry, I’ve lived like this for over 20 years. I have 2 daughters and I stil can’t take a picture with them because I’m embarrassed for everyone having to look at me, I’m 32 and have probably heard 32 horrible things people have said about me my teeth. They consume me, I don’t think there is 1 photo of me showing my teeth since I was about the age 7. I’ve gave up all hopes and lost my confidence and sometimes spirit (well mostly that) but I thought nobody would ever understand or want to share their story because I know how embarrassing it is. Thank you For sharing truely x
Kristi....you nailed it! After following you for years, l know this had to be very hard for you..but honest to God, you are one of the strongest people l have ever had the pleasure of knowing..but, we have never met. I did get very emotional watching you, l have never seen you this way. I do know this will help thousands of people and hopefully start looking into dentures..they are the first step, perhaps later, getting something more expensive. The cheapest of dentures help you to be brave enough to go out into this world and live your life...l would suggest to anyone that they should borrow the money...whatever you must do. Kristi Lind..l am certain that you would have accomplished so much more early on but let me applaud you for getting on UA-cam and making a difference in my own life and countless others. Thank you for being Real!
INFP HERE!!! I get it. Those emotions are all right under the surface, and doesn't take much to let them loose. Watching this and other videos you've done, then seeing myself on video today, I got that emotional drop: Do it. Get the dentures. Thanks for being so open about your experience. It's been very helpful.
Thank you for sharing this. I still regret missing out on so much by putting off getting mine. Thanks again for all of your info and support over the years!
I truly can relate especially the looking down part or covering your mouth when u laugh, you inspired me to make a change I have had my beautiful immediates on 3 weeks post surgery had to have all my teeth that were left surgically removed. Look up Summers denture and implant journey on UA-cam and you can see how much strength your videos gave me. Keep being beautiful inside n out
Thank you for all your videos, your candidness, and your sharing. I watched your videos when I began my own denture journey, and you have helped me more than you know. I lived for years in the same situation and had all but given up. I was gifted full dentures by the grace of God and through the generosity of close friends & other benefactors (including an awesome dentist and equally awesome oral surgeon) and have been living my best life for 3 years with my wonderful dentures. I have continued to follow you on Instagram, and I am so grateful for you. God bless you. Thank you again.
I'm in las vegas right now, from Medford Oregon to Vegas to get my Prosthetic. I feel so ugly right now, because my face us super suawllon! But today I got my new smile! I'm sure the swelling will go away and I will see my smile fitting into who I am! I had bad bad teeth, but now Thank God I can 😃 smile! I can show my teeth. I'm only 37 yrs and I lost all my upper teeth! I for sure know that good things are to come, with God's help! I love you all! Thanks for the video!
Thank you for a wonderful video, sharing your life and having to live the way you did. That is so me at this time. I just hate it, I have got to take some steps and get on track. The looking down to laugh, avoiding eye contact, covering mouth, cant talk to anyone face to face. I just know I'm being judged and this is no way to live. I need this, my life back, you are an inspiration and I thank you for that.
I definitely feel your pain in this video. I got my dentures this past January but I got married March of 2022 and all my wedding photos my mouth is closed and barely smiling I was very happy but I couldn't smile like I wanted to because of my teeth and I don't have my photos in picture frames either. I'm still trying to get used to wearing my dentures and having a hard time. Your videos give me hope and believing there is light at the end of the tunnel
Awe our lovely Kristi.....I cried during this video for you.I can relate with all you spoke about.I had rotting front teeth and broken off teeth.At 24 I had dentures and felt normal for the fisrt time. It is painful when we remember all that we missed out on in life,I still get a bit down when I think of my teen years with bad teeth.I dont see you looking old at all.Grey hit me at 35yrs old.I dyed that grey intruder in my hair........"Burgundy" And have for 20yrs.I feel sassy as hell with this shiny burgundy hair and no one believes I am in my 60,s You look absolutely beautiful,We all see you as youthful and your smile is what we all want.I have noticed reading all of your followers with their heartbreaking stories litterly broke my heart since I felt that pain they all had.You are allowed to be emotional telling your story of the pain you suffered with and you being embarrassed. Have some wedding pictures done with your beautiful smile and youf sweet Kevin right in these pictures. You have just blossomed to become a beautiful lady,wife,and mother.We all want to have your confidence.You have the knowledge of these dental procedures that we have no clue what they are.Go back to school if you want and persue your dream.Thank you for all of the encouragement you have given to hundreds of us with our dental issues.You have given hope to so many who are suffering.💕
I will always encourage you ❤ just as you encourage so many of us.New wedding pictures would be absolutely gorgeous of you and your Kevin.I looked like skin and bones when I married Chris.So I may do the sames and find a lacy lacy dress now that I am a bit of a dumpling now.
Thank you!!! I'm so glad I found your channel. I'm older, obviously, and I'm just starting this denture journey. Do I still regret finally putting on my big girl panties and do it, a little bit, I was at the point off not smiling, talking and being HAPPY to wear a mask. The insights and experience you share had given this old lady hope that it will get better and I made the right choice. Thank you❤️❤️❤️
I started writing my previous comment before the video was even over...but you are absolutely stunning, do not focus on what the society you live in tells you should happen because you reach a certain age! Acknowledging wounds is strength. Focus on your joy, and remember the joy you bring others who are looking for information that brings them to your story. 💚
I totally understand the emotions and thank you for sharing!!! You’re so helpful and encouraging!!! THANK YOU!!! I just got dentures and know and understand because I know how ashamed I was of my teeth!!
Thank you for your Vulnerability! Its so amazing of you! I had a terrible bike accident summer before 7th grade…. Talk about being INSECURE! I knocked my my front teeth out and scraped my gums off the bottom of my teeth 🦷. Terrifying to go through as a child….. and worst part of your life your body is changing and I couldn’t laugh or smile always covered my mouth…… many rootcanals, crowns, flippers, bridgework, and partials years later, oh and $1000s of dollars later…..@ the age of 39 i got my dentures! My life up until then was absolutely exhausting, i was in pain constantly as well! Going through all that was traumatic and made me extremely anxious and I suffered bad with it! So grateful for my dad who finally helped me get the wish i had been wishing for! I just have regular dentures but im so happy with just that its insane! I feel like a new person!! I wish I could have been younger …..but im just so grateful now!! Thank you a million times over for sharing your journey it has helped so many people!! Your beautiful inside and outside!! 😃💕🙌🏼
I think it's probably a good time to start thinking about a vow renewal. Get a dress you love, gather up your closest, have a ceremony to celebrate your love now that you know you can look back on the photos with JUST joy.
I relate to this so deeply! I've never really put it into words before but you described it perfectly when you said you felt small in front of everyone & you couldn't enjoy things because of being self conscious. When my teeth started to go bad in my early 20s I did the same & spent years in my head not reaching out to people for friendships or any kind of relationships. Finally when I turned 30 I was able to afford to fix my teeth & I'm now about 6 months out from when I received my final set & it's changed my life in so many different ways. My issue now is that bc I was in my head for so many years & didn't really have any friendships, bc the friends I had had in the past were "drug friends" & were people I walked away from when I got clean and they didn't, now I don't even know how to start/build friendships or even relationships bc I've been avoiding it for years. I feel like even after I speak with someone in the store like a cashier, I walk away thinking how awkward I sounded or second guessing everything I said.
Congrats to you! I know how good it feels to finally be healed. I don’t have friends either. The friends I had when I was younger all went their separate ways. My husband and sister are my best friends. Other than them and other family, I have no one to call on a Friday night. I think this is the busy stage of life where everyone is trying to survive. Hang in there. ♥️
I relate to all you said. I also didn’t like talking up close to people because of my breath. Getting near the end having my mouth overhauled with caps and a couple of implants. Still learning that I can do a wide smile without embarrassment 😃. Glad you are doing ok now,, thanks for sharing your story.
Kristi you are so much like me! So hard on yourself, and being so self conscience. I feel badly for the years we both have lost, but hopefully will regain. When I watched your first videos, you didn't even seem like the same person. You were angry, and a little hostile, and swore like a drunken sailor!! LOL! For looking so beautiful, I could hear the pain through that tough façade. I felt your pain when you cried here. I understood that feeling that you don't belong, or you're not worthy of a great guy. Sending you a big hug!
I’m getting Invisalign in 3 weeks, teeth insecurity can have such a huge impact on everyday life that before u know it, it rolls into years. I’ve waited 14 years. Finally, I am starting the journey of transformation & I’m so excited 😊
I agree with everything you said 😢 I feel like I didn’t start living until I got my denture at 27. I can finally smile and I totally agree with what you said by people don’t understand unless you’ve been through it. I also am so self conscious I acted crazy with all my no good exes. Ready to settle down some time soon now. I’ve changed so much . Cheers to us Denture Queens ❤️
Sending all the hottie vibes and love vibes your way! I suppose everyone has to get the crazy out of their system at one point or another haha. Best of luck to you!
My teeth problems didn't start effecting how I lived until I was 25 years old but when you described your time in highschool it took me aback because that was my experience. It was like instead of having a highschool experience I was watching everyone in my school have one in a movie while I watched from the couch. My self esteem was already as low as you are describing prior to my teeth issues. I started finally finding my confidence, self love, & coming out of my shell around 20 & a few years later my first front tooth broke off. I had always been insecure about my front teeth because I had an overbite & my front teeth were big & overlapped the ones next to them. People always told me things like 'you remind me of a chipmunk', 'youd be pretty if it wasn't for your rabbit teeth', 'atleast you have a nice body', or 'if you cover your mouth you'd be hot'. I'm 100% serious. These are things my exs & my friends used to say to me. I started using heroin when I was 22 to deal with the trauma that bullying during middle school & childhood neglect had given me. And after about 2 years of using my teeth began breaking off. I Believe it was the combination of not going to the dentist until I was 19, being dope sick everyday & not taking care of myself at all because I was either too sick or too high, & clenching my teeth while I would do a shot that did my teeth in. When I first went to the dentist to deal with things after I got clean at 26 years old they treated me absolutely horrible. I told them my parents had already decided to pay for implants for me. They ignored me & said I needed dentures. I told them I'd jump off a cliff before getting dentures at 26 years old & my self esteem couldn't handle that. They ignored me & would speak over me. So I didn't go back for about 3 years. Then I went back 4× in a year because of infections from the same teeth. So we finally agreed to at least pull the 2 teeth that were causing issues cuz that was all we could agree on. So after getting a sign off letter from my heart doctor for my dentist, I go in & they apparently didn't read the letter because they gave me exactly the medicine that my heart doctors letter said would KILL ME. Every shot would make my heart race faster & faster & make my anxiety worsen. He kept saying 'youre fine, just one more' until around the 5th one more that I started realizing I was having an anxiety attack & he wouldn't allow me to get up so I called my mom, she came in & told them we were leaving. I should have sued them. It's been now close to 6 years since then & those 6 years have been lost with me alone in my home too ashamed to be around anyone. I've had so many opportunities (relationships, jobs, fun experiences, etc. ) Pass me by because of their negligence & my inability to not care what people think of my teeth. I have 0 teeth on top now & only the bottom 8 front teeth, the lack of teeth in front on top & in back on top & bottom has made me look like a frog in the last year or so. After watching Your videos I made an consultation appointment last week & now I'd be so grateful even if my implants looked like my original teeth. I'm terrified that the area around my mouth will look worse or the same afterwards & that teeth won't fix the problem even though I was told about a year ago by a doctor that with my age (34) that it's more than likely it'll return to the original look. I'm not so convinced. Being a woman carries a lot of expectations & pressures to look a certain way & teeth are definitely part of that. I'm so excited to live again & feel free & confident. It's worth every penny. I just hope I'm able to find a partner & have a child & it's not too late. All I've ever wanted was love & a child since I was 6 years old.
I forgot to mention that after I left that original appointment when they were going to pull the 2 teeth, I started hyperventilating. I was heaving for air for over 2 hours until I passed out from being so exhausted. This was caused by the dentist not reading my doctor's instructions (I have congestive heart failure & needed different numbing medicine). Than I woke up a few hours later breathing normally with my chest aching for 24 ish hours. But that created a hole new fear of the dentist that I couldn't have ever imagined. I read that they are able to give people some kind of anxiety/relaxer that's all natural. I'm hoping they will do that for me after my traumatic hellish experience.
This is how I feel right now, you nailed it. It’s awful. I refuse to leave my home right now and don’t know what to do. Anxiety is a bitch and so is the cost of dental restorations
You sound articulate, intelligent and genuine. I hope you find some other hobbies as you mentioned wanting to in the video. We are more than just our teeth and past traumatic experiences. I could see you talking about other things besides teeth but I understand this is what your channel is about. Good of you for bringing awareness about having rotten teeth and how that affects self esteem. Despite your insecurities, your loving kind boyfriend now husband found you attractive and built a life with you. If it’s not too personal to ask, how did you deal with kissing your boyfriend or it didn't really matter much? Or did you just avoid it? No need to share if it's too personal. Thanks.
Thank you, Snow! I have way too many hobbies now haha. I do enjoy them but sometimes i'm like man this would have been way more fun when I was 22 and rail thin lol. I avoided kissing him. I actually read your comment to him and he laughed because we both instantly thought about the first kiss. I ran. I literally ran away. He was so confused.
Thank you so much for your transparency and your honesty, I appreciate you and I felt everything you expressed... I am just starting this journey and I'm older than you and I'm scared shitless 😢
Living life without smiling and showing teeth...:( I sooo understand that. After wearing an overbite correction device (not braces) for 3 years as a child, I, unfortunately, found that they damaged my upper front tooth somehow. It started turning yellow. It was significantly different in color and it was unthinkable to smile and show people my yellow tooth. Even though the teeth were finally straight, I couldn't enjoy my smile. Once I went to a party where it was all very dark...how I enjoyed the freedom of smiling in the darkness! It was like finally living. I wished I could feel like this always. It was years before I finally found a good clinic (I saw the ad on the tv screen on public transport) that offered me a good solution - a veneer. After multiple attempts to find ANY solution in other clinics, it was like a miracle. One of the best investments I ever made, or anyone can ever make. I'm HAPPY for you that you finally live life to the fullest. You're still young and beautiful enjoy every day of your life!
I was in two motor vehicle accidents, mine have been making me so sick. Just trying to find resources to get mine fixed and replaced so I don’t have to keep taking antibiotics that are making me feel just as sick. I’m disabled n so lost..💔🥺😭 u give me faith that things can change! ❤🙏🏽
I have a permanent frown from never smiling because of bad teeth , not to mention a very unhappy childhood. I am fifty four and I know dentures are in my very near future... that is when I can afford them. I just pray I don't get a blood infection, that is a big fear I have on top of living without teeth. I feel every ounce of your pain. You are a beautiful soul and an inspiration to many, including myself. God bless. 🙏🏻🌹
If i yawn smile or laugh i always cover my mouth i think about my teeth constantly. Between attempting to eat turning diwn food being in pain all the time being completely turned off by the thought of intimacy because im so disgusted with my mouth that i dont want to kiss and it is absolutely torture youre right its horrible.
I totally understand 😢 I'm living that way now but your videos have made me make a change and I'm getting my teeth pulled and dentures in the next few weeks even tho I know it's going to hurt I can't live this way anymore
Wow! I feel like you were talking for me! You could have not have said it better! It's exactly the life I'm leading. I don't know where to start because of all my teeth falling out. I don't have many left and they have cavities. I wish I just had a whole plan. I can't keep dentures in my mouth because of my jaw, hence, the reason I'm always asking about all on 4. I've also heard about the snap ins(I'm sure I heard it from you with ALL the caring informative information you consisting give. I'm been trying for 6 years now, if not more. But my front ones(on top and bottom) are now decaying as well. I know its the medication thats contributing to them all falling out. I have Medicaid and Medicare, but they don't cover anything really. I have so many roots still impacted. I just wish someone would give me a plan from A to B. I obviously am useless. In all these years and I am still no closer to coming up with a plan. I will travel if I have to. It's just my mouth has gotten worse with so much pain. I can't even drink anything, it's like all pain at once that last 30 seconds or more. I can come up with some money. Idk. I know I keep bugging you and I apologize. I just have been following you for so long. And then the videos I missed, I went back and watched. I can't tell you how many times, I have rewatched your videos over and over. You are so kind-hearted and you're helping immensely! I'm so thankful for you and all that you do for people like us.❤. I just want a plan and I don't know what to do. It's just been so many years of waiting. I research, WATCH YOU CONSTANTLY, read literature, etc. Your information is extremely helpful and important. I just don't how to start. Thanks so much Kristi 🙏
Thank you for making this video. You're always so caring of others. I/we really appreciate you, and all the effort and hard work you put into bringing us this content - for the sake of our encouragement. Bless you and thank you.
I totally get this everything you said are the same thoughts and feelings that I’ve had over the years . I finally had my surgery something that I thought I thought would happen or afford but I was able to use my health insurance. I wish I would’ve found your videos sooner
I have always felt like the outsider due to my teeth. Thank u for making this makes me feel like there some hope at the end of this. my e day was yesterday my wedding photo friends photos I always have my hand infront of face I hope I'll be able to break that habit I've been terrified but this helped by far
I just wanted to say i have enjoyed watching all your videos i have been in process of having my teeth fix and almost completely done in the last stage now but i still love watching your videos it definitely makes it easier thank u so much for sharing your story
I 100% relate. Thank you so much for making your videos. It’s because you were so brave and put them out there that it helped me decided to do all on 4 implants.
I don’t have rotting teeth…atleast I hope I never will, but I’ve always had really bad tooth decay. Ever since I was 5 years old I had so many infections and sensitive teeth, I needed metal caps at 6 years old and didn’t get any of them off until I was 12. I also dealt with many of my teeth chipping because they were so weak, my enamel was weak and I hated it. When my baby teeth came out, I got a ton of enamel erosion and one happened at the front of my front tooth and I was so insecure about it. I got less worried about how my teeth looked..I was more embarrassed about my dental issues. Even though only my parents knew about my dental issues, I was still insecure about it, and it stuck with me for a long time. I’ve learned to overcome my fear of the dentist, and though I still deal with tooth decay, I’m glad I can listen to other peoples experiences. There is only so little videos about stuff like this and I’m glad you made this. Hope you doing good.
Please help support my channel! UA-cam switched up their algorithm and it’s harder for people to discover my videos. Every time you like, comment, and share my videos, it increases the chance of UA-cam showing the video to people who need to see them. Don’t forget to subscribe and thanks for your support!
OMG YES!!! The mental part is the worst. Your brain can’t handle normal stuff because it consumes your thoughts. Constantly it’s their. That’s what finally broke me. I told my husband I had zero bandwidth available for anything else, it was all I thought about. This resonates so much. Thank you for giving a voice to all of this.
I’ve actually used the phrase “zero bandwidth” to describe what it was like. ♥️
Awww I'm going through this.I feel in a separate zone to others. 2 years of dental pain and trying to hide it.Finally broke down in front of husband and kids. I am getting partials after delaying it for a year. I need to eat real food and not swallow it.
The hardest part dealing with dental issues (Rotten teeth) something that know one understands unless you have experienced it, not only the embarrassment but the constant pain from infected teeth. The hardest part is looking back on all the things you missed, photos of you and your children, special occasions, hanging out with friends. You really have no clue how it feels, even though your friends say don’t worry about what people think. The awful feeling of missing teeth, not being able to eat or smile, or just having a conversation with someone, it’s mentally devastating.
Everyone i know with visibly missing and/or bad teeth, are complexed from it. And everyone I know that got it fixed, instantly blossomed like a flower. They smile all the time, are going out more, ect...
I am sure you are making an enormous difference in the lives of people suffering with dental problems. I was like you, having big dental problems from a very young age and I eventually developed a phobia of going to the dentist. After years of living in pain and constantly taking painkillers and going through tubes and tubes of Orajel or anything else that could temporarily dull the pain, I found the courage to book a dental appointment. I was lucky enough to find an understanding, caring dentist. I had many extractions, root canals, fillings, 3 implants (at the dawn of them being used), partials...you name it, over the years. I've spent a lot of time at the dentist/dental surgeon's. Even with all that experience and at 71 yrs. old, I am learning new things from you. Thank you for your courage, honesty and amazing knowledge and information sharing! You are doing something wonderful.
I don’t know if you will ever see this comment but I am currently getting the All in 4, yes I will be paying on this for the rest of my life! But to be able to take a picture with my teenager and smile for the first time has been my dream for 15 years!!!! You are such in inspirational queen!!!!! Thank you so much
Are you going to Golpa G4 for 4 on 1?
Congratulations
How are you doing now?? 😊
I know EXACTLY 💯 how you felt when dealing with bad teeth. I got bullied from 2nd grade thru 12th grade. My parents didn't have any money to help & I was PETRIFIED of the dentist. It's hard for me to look at old pics of myself with the bad teeth. I had rotten buck teeth so it was worse. With the help of your encouraging videos, I went on my denture journey back in 2015. Now I can smile & laugh again. I'm so grateful to you , Positive Beauty, and many 💖others that helped me gain the encouragement to change my life. Like I say in my videos get off the fence & face your fears.
Just subscribed! I hate that. I hate bullies. If I could start a revolution for two causes, it would be patient advocacy and dental reform stuff, and bullying. I despise bullying so much. It's another way people are silenced and left feeling helpless and defenseless. I am so glad you are smiling and laughing again.
I have such large teeth and they are so noticeable. They have been just cracking off, and now my front ones cracked. It’s been pure hell. My credit sucks so I don’t qualify for financing. I just gotta figure it out and when I do I will never stop smiling
@Jade Talking Crime, Mine are crumbling too. I am so sorry that you are going through this. I live in Illinois and my husband is disabled. So my teeth can be pulled. By Medicaid if you are in any serious pain. Please go to the ER. I had one tooth that was infected. It traveled from the tooth to the bone. It could kill you if left untreated. My mother and younger brother are going to pay for the dentures I need. You also could try County Health Department. If you are in the US. They can pull them and that is based on income. I hope you have the teeth you deserve soon.
@@angelaschaefer5883 If you are low income and qualify for foodstamps/ebt, medicaid/medicare; they will also pay for bone grafting, and dentures (although the health care providers do not advertise this). No one should have to suffer the way most working class people do here in the states over basic dental health-all of it should be covered as the health of your mouth effects the rest of your health. Some states have actually had to sue the Federal Government to gain access to funds for dental benefits. In the state I'm in they stopped covering dentures for several years, but have started again.
Seems to me nearly everyone in Usa struggles to afford health and dental care. A country bragging 2b rich, yet neglecting its very own citizens leaving them in daily pain, while they wont hesitate to send millions to bomb places with people wondering if they can feed their kids the next meal....😢
You helped me to decide to get dentures changed my life thank you for talking about this subject
Happy I could help and so glad to hear that you have taken the plunge and are happier for it.
I have NEVER related to a video more. Thank you for expressing this.
Thanks for commenting. I was very nervous about posting something so emotional but I’m glad I did because it’s so validating to hear that I wasn’t the only one.
I love your videos. I AM A FAN OF YOURS xx🥰💐👏🏻💯
Absolutely authentic and it relates so much to most of my patients who bear a very havy load of emotions of shame and guilt for having lost their teeth!
It's so touching to see the transformation that you underwent and how you overcame your emotional obstacles to seek help.
this is not about looking pretty, it's not about vanity. This is about having a set of teeth that every human being deserves to have.
I love how your story is exactly what I hear from my patients, or not hearing from my patients, out of shame to open up!
You are the living proof that even from the bottom of despair, we humans can rebound to move forward.
I have promised myself when I became an implant surgeon, that I would have a non profit or a low cost clinic that delivers care to those who need to have a complete mouth makeover. Bringing the smile back to those patients is MY CALLING!!
I really hope more people would hear your story and that you would encourage them to seek help.
Wonderful video again!!
Very much looking forward to communicating with you soon for a great interview!
WARMEST REGARDS!
Thank you so much for taking the time to watch these videos. It really means a lot and I wish every professional within the field would take the time to see the personal stories from patients and how deep the scars can be when they live through this. It’s something we usually don’t have time to discuss when we are in the chair. Dentistry is so important. Even for people who aren’t losing their teeth. People with severe overbites and underbites, gummy smiles, discoloration, you name it. Your smile is one of the first things people notice on your face and it’s the way we communicate with the world. Thank you for your empathy and compassion. The world needs more of it.
I wish more dentists would work with those of us who dont have alot of money.
Dr K,I think you are amazing.Kristi has given her time to help others who are and have suffered with dental pain and embarrasment.Blesss you sir.
@@JustSheilz I kmow it is so hard.
We need more practices like this!
I know exactly how you all feel.
I just turned 17 in July 1974 , on the 9th of August I was a front passenger in a car accident.
From being a good looking teenager, I turned into nothing in seconds.
1/2 of my left face got cut through.
My chin hanging low cut, my left eye lid hanging on a thin piece of skin.
Thanks GOD it didn't reached my eye.
After 2 years and heaps of cosmetic surgery, electrical shocks...they couldn't do any more.
I was by now 19 and looked like I had a major stroke with my left face side being paralysed . And my left eye not closing fully at night ,, needing eye drops for the rest of my life to keep it from drying.
The electro shocks and facial exercises helped to lift the face and if I didn't talk or smile, no one could notice the paralysis.
But also the scars were very visible and I had 3 month wire in my chin and got intravenous food into me..
Depression and anxiety were my only 2 friends and family was feeling sorry but avoided me.
When I was in the hospital, my dad thought I'm still under anesthetic and sleeping. He was yelling at the doctors that is NOT MY DAUGHTER. YOU HEAR ME....THAT'S NOT MY DAUGHTER.
Work sacked me, as apparently customer's complaint that I scared them with my looks. I worked in a supermarket.
After for many years he kept on talking about how pretty I was and mum talked about me living with them for ever.
I'm from a large family of 12 children, 2 past Away before I was born.
But still 9 siblings...the home was always full..
With time the swelling ceased, the scars became pale and with make up I was able to return to work. I was filling up shelves, avoiding human contact.
After I went to go out in the dark, with heaps of make-up...having male relationships with many different types. To tell myself, yes I look terrible, but I have a super figure.
At age 24 I became pregnant, and I stopped going out.
I concentrated on my baby.
My parents seeing it as a substitute for me never getting married.
July 1981 my daughter got born and I tried to be the best mum.
But by then, the physical, emotional and psychological abuse of my parents became too much..
Dad was nice when the insurance money came through. He used it all.
That's when I realised, if I have money they are nice to me.
So I given them my wage and taken heaps of loans to buy love of my parents.
But when the abuse started to go over to my daughter, I realised I had to go.
But I didn't know how!!!
Until 1984 January, my 2nd youngest sister taken me out for dinner with her boyfriend.
Her boyfriend was the one who started to bring everything in rolling.
He said: I listened to your sister and your situation, you have 2 choices, you are dying young or getting out now.
He didn't meant physical death, I understood.
One of my sisters went to Australia in 1982, with her husband. I asked her to help me to put an advertisement in a Australian/ German paper for a husband ( old fashioned internet dating 🤣😅)
That's how I meet my husband.
June 1984 I went with my daughter to Australia.
I married, have 5 children and 9 grandchildren and no , it wasn't a smooth ride, it was a ride to hell and back. We were married 22 years and that's too long, but short, I went from bad to worse.
My divorce was a day of freedom and independence. I got to school and studying years to help in disability care.
Now I'm 66 this year, and in January I had all my bottom teeth removed and many top ones.
On the 24th of April 2023 I will go and get my dentures and bridge done.
I choose no emidiate dentures, but let my gums heal.
I had to sell my car to get it done, as it's over 3000.00 dollars to have them all taken out and 2 filling.
But it is worth it, because no more pain killers this year and no more antibiotics.
My concentration is on Jesus Christ, my children and grandchildren.
I do not need a husband to be my mirror, I have eyes.
So GOD bless you all
My last smiling pic was at age 15...I'm now 42 and about to have a new procedure that's sort of between overdentures with implants and all on 4. I'm scared and unsure and terrified of complications. I was priced out of all on 4 and really DO NOT want regular dentures at my age. The feelings and habits of hiding you describe, I've been living that way for almost 30 years.
You are absolutely beautiful!! You are so articulate and honest in your videos that I so look forward to them!! I could relate to your story so much and I am grateful you make your videos!! You help so many people feel like they are not alone!! I just recently found your videos and I am so glad I did!! Hon your 37 year old self helped this 67 year old feel better about her dentures!! I have had them since last December!!
We are all in this together, truly! It’s rough but it’s so much more common than you think. Please don’t ever feel alone. 🙏♥️
My 50 year old self too.
Today is the first day in the last 15 years that I’ve found someone who described my everyday with just horrible thoughts and habits that I’ve gone through hiding my smile… Thank you I’m in Jax and currently looking for a place to start my journey, I’m scared, ashamed, and all out nervousness has stopped me way to many times…you’ve givin me some hope!!
I hear you 100% I started my journey Aug and due to some bleeding problems had to wait until Dec to see an oral surgeon and yesterdsy received my Permanent dentures, had to go one month no teeth. Now learning to speak, eat. It’s so much better than all the years of being ashamed.
How u doing now?
Would you ever consider renewing your vows? and take new pictures ❤️
I’d love to hear your story of how you met your husband too 😊
It’s something I’m now considering since many people have suggested it. My husband and I met on MySpace in 2006! 😅 After talking for about a week, he came to my job and we met in person and have been inseparable since. ♥️
@@kalinjax what was his reaction about your teeth? I’m scared to meet anyone I’m interested in in person bc I’m afraid about what they’ll say or think.
@@kalinjax I hope u do renew your vows. I just started watching your videos and you have helped a lot.I had to get dentures in my 20s as well. I'm now 68. Now my partner needs dentures. Your family looks like so much fun!
Her family, from the vids i've seen, are awesome sweethearts,!
I wish I can give you a hug 😢sweetie I'm getting all my teeth taken out tomorrow ! I'm 47 suffered my whole life pretty much with periodontal disease. Super nervous but I feel you my teeth has completely destroyed my teeth covering my mouth not smiling. And I love my smile. You are so inspiring I'm very nervous .. Bit I know good support and God I'll get through it.... by the way your beautiful ❤
Getting implants was one of the best things I've ever done.
Imagine, being in your early/mid 20s with jacked teeth because I couldn't afford to fix them. By the time I managed to get a decent job. They were to far gone to be saved .. had them removed and went 4 years with just 6 teeth. Even the dentures that were made for me, were totally wrong and I ended up looking like Mr. Ed 🤣.
Then always being a brunt of a teeth joke, or he's a meth head, or whatever. That got old after a while.
Even to this day, I struggle with my image because of those experiences.
Keep on putting these vids out. Makes me feel not so alone anymore. Like ya said, unless you've be in this situation, you don't understand.
Isn't it funny how the ones with the most beautiful mouths say the most awful shit? Were you able to get the dentures fixed?
Nope. I was pretty embarrassed by that experience, I just went with 6 front teeth on the bottom for 4 years. Most people didnt know that is all I had. I managed to cover up pretty well, when laughing, talking etc.
I saw a not so flattering pic of me and got implants. 4 on top and 4 on the bottom in 2010. The bottoms were ceramic on posts and the top were click on dentures. Which worked out well for 3 years. Till I snapped the tops in half eating pizza.
My dentist tried fixing them a few times and failed. So I fixed them with some high grade epoxy from work and it pissed the dentist off. Haha He ended up making me a new mega denture i called it. Which led to other problems. It was so strong that I believe it made my one implant fail due to the stresses, that the one particular implant was being exposed to
So that got replaced, and I had two more added in 2015. Went with a permanent denture over titanium.... Which lasted a year till I snapped that one. Luckily that happened after my wedding in 2016.
In 2017 I spent the money (err still paying for it) for the titanium/zirconium bridge. Which looked amazing...... Then I broke it in 24 hours 😂😂 seriously. 10k denture snapped in half. Yet again, eating pizza
After a few months of trying to have the dentist fix it, the company that made the restoration made me a slightly thicker one. Which so far has been great since Sept 2017. I just watch what I eat and not go full strength on chewing
As for the bottom ceramic teeth, 11 years later Most of the ceramic is still there, but the titanium posts are showing. The zirconium pretty much decimated the ceramic. My dentist and I have vastly different opinions on why it happened.
Whew. That is prolly more than what you need to know about me though 🤣
I’m 28 and desperately need mine done
I am much older than you but. Losing your teeth is not your fault. Genetics and dental care being expensive is the reason. I need dentures too.
I live in the netherlands where care is accessible, and payment plans offered to those who need the care. Usa is criminally neglecting its citizens leaving them in pain like that
I couldn’t relate to this more. I suffered for so many years unnecessarily. Getting implants completely changed my life. As a real estate broker, I see people at the happiest times of their life. Can you imagine not being able to smile when you’re congratulating them? So many missed opportunities. Seeing your videos in 2015 gave me the impetus to do what I had to do. I can’t thank you enough. It’s kind of ironic. I was thinking that prior to 2015 if there had been a pandemic, I would’ve been one of the only people that would’ve been happy to have to wear a mask and cover my smile. Now I think how sorry I am to have to wear the mask and not share my smile with the world. This too shall pass.
I'm so glad you were able to heal! This is what I really try to communicate. We are made to believe that teeth are inconsequential and not as important as the rest of the body but this literally affects every aspect of your life. Relationships, jobs, social situations, confidence, everything. I so hope we see real progress towards a better understanding of this and more access to care in our lifetime.
I exactly thought the same during the first lockdown in Germany 😊 a pitty to hide the smile! Also wouldn’t have said that 4 years before 😬 excellent👍🏼 all my best wishes for you!
Im going through this now. I cant smile because my teeth are broken and im embarrassed. Im in pain and im so tired of living this way but i cant afford to change it right now. Thank you for the reminder that this too shall pass. I pray this time in my life passes soon. 🙏 😢
@ Katie Sago, Me too please if it gets worse. Go to the ER because I had abscess that went from my tooth. To the bone I don’t want you to get sick. They can give Antibiotics or call County Health Department. They can pull your bad teeth. What they charge is based on income. My son needs wisdom teeth pulled.
@Sueellen Martin Do you live in the United States?? You sound like that you live in the UK.
I feel like I’m listening to myself, especially the part about meeting your husband. I’m finally going through the process of getting my teeth done and I’m so hopeful this is going to improve my life so much. You inspire me ❤️ thank you
About 6 or 7 years ago was when I was facing the prospect of losing my top teeth. Much like you, my own teeth were bad genetically. They were stained and my gums had receeded so much that my teeth were moving around and painful. I hadn't gone to the dentist as I should have and it was just too late to save them.
My family weren't very supportive, they thought it was funny that I was going to have dentures. My mother told all the family so my sister and nephews and nieces knew too. I was pretty scared. No, I was more than scared, I was terrified about it all so I had a look to see if I could find anyone who had gone through it. That's when I found you. You were such an inspiration for me and you put my mind at rest, you explained alot of the process and showed off the results and helped me to manage my expectations.
It was an awful time for me, it was pretty traumatising too because I had anxiety about going to the dentist and I don't look back too fondly about the situation, just like you. Your bravery helped me get through it all, if I hadn't have found your channel, if you hadn't uploaded any videos, the whole thing would've been alot worse, and for that I am eternally grateful to you. Thank you. You should never feel bad about your past because you helped ALOT of people because you shared your experiences. I know I am not the only person who benefitted from your advice. You are awesome, brave, caring and I admire you so much Xx
Comments like yours have really helped me along the way in my healing process. I’m thankful for people like you that took the time to watch and listen because it gives some purpose to the darkest time in my life. I’m glad I could be a small part of your story. ♥️
My teeth were so bad and something just snapped within me one day and I realized that dentures were a better option than trying again and again to save my failing teeth. My dentist didn't even argue. I had spent thousands of dollars trying to keep my teeth serviceable (they were never pretty) and the day I had my extractions was long and difficult, but after just one day of recovery with immediate dentures I was able to look people in the eye and smile again! Something I hadn't been comfortable doing in years. It's 14 years later and it was probably the best decision of my life.
Omg - I’m so sorry and I do understand why it’s hard for you talking about this. You are amazing and have a good heart by helping others experiencing the same. Thank you!
Thank you for the kind words ♥️
I am soo blessed that there’s an awesome person like you sharing your ‘Personal’ journey.. It defines for us soo many factors with encouragement and love to help us make our dreams come true. Thank You so very-very much for your honesty Kalinjax! It makes your testimony so easy to relate to.🙏💕
Thank you so much for the support, Ramon!
Thank you for being vulnerable and sharing this with us.
Thank YOU for watching! Was a hard video to do.
You’re still young and very beautiful so don’t look back! No regrets! You have your whole life ahead of you and you’ll do great things ~ you’re already doing so much to help people going through tooth loss. You’re also smart and articulate.. the world is your oyster! ❤️
Omg thank you so much for making this. This explains my life. I just got implants 5 days ago and I’m still mentally trying to like them due to all the mental insecurities I have from my past teeth. 😭
Youll pull thru 😊 this is the start!! Take care!
Oh sweetie you are still so young and you have the rest of your life to live your best life. May God bless you and everything your doing to help others heal from what they are going through with their teeth and this video will definitely help so many young and old, Thank you for putting yourself out there for others to see that their not alone 🙏🏼
Yes, people don't understand about not wanting to smile at all, and mentally and emotionally how it affects you in your life, but you are such a beautiful person outside and inside, that's such a good idea, to take your wedding vows again ❤ xxxx
I relate, I haven’t gone to college either specifically for that reason, I’m 26. I’m trying to save up so I can get my teeth fixed. It’s at that point where I have to consider crowns or have them removed. You make me feel like there’s hope for me in the future. Thank you for sharing your story 💕
😊any updates
How much I can relate!! It will help countless people that you did this and were raw with it. It's a REAL PAIN! A DEEP pain. Thank you. Because I have been there for years. I was not there for my kids the way I could have been. And I have no pictures of me with them, or very few. I'll never get that back and I understand 100% what you felt like. It's so much deeper than vanity. So much more. It needs to be fixed.
People that judge should go through a day with that infection and pain and then go DAYS without eating because it's not worth the pain. Live on protein shakes because you have to have calories or pass out because od pain when you tried to eat foe the first time in a week because you couldnt take it anymore. It is HORRIBLE!! You helped me so much. I wish i'd done it sooner too.
I’m so sorry. My sister, who knows me better than anyone on the planet, watched this video before it was released and she cried. She still didn’t realize how deep the wounds are and just how bad it was. I believe there’s a reason for everything and I believe I’ve found my reason for this but it doesn’t take away the real pain that so many people are dealing with silently. There’s no support groups. No resources on how to deal with it. It’s lonely. I pray we can all come together and lean on each other because we are the only ones that get it.
@@kalinjax I know! I work with some that had horrible issues and when I got mine done I would talk with them and let them in to see that it didn't have to be that way. They weren't alone. But it is definitely a painful, lonely existence. And I pray for anyone suffering with it to get what they need. I'm the same as you, in my 30s and just starting to be able to LIVE. And one of my kids is grown already. It sucks, to put it lightly. Made to feel sub-human for something you can't help. We have to be there for each other.
Now, I'm a fanatic about my kids' teeth. Lol!! Like psycho about it because I'd die if they had to live that way like I did.
I empathize with you girl, it’s not like other challenges that you can put out of your mind because you always have a toothache! The pain! Guys I dated would tell me my dentist is just ripping me off if I told them about it. Yes, I was embarrassed to go to the dentist again and again. I needed to be sedated and ask my mom or friends for rides home. I started sneaking out and taking the bus home, was embarrassed to bum rides.
You are a truly amazing person!
I dont wear dentures yet, but as things have developed here at age 68, I fear the day will come some day!
And its just such a relief to hear someone talking about these emotions that comes up with this issues!
So thank you for being so open and honest about your feelings!
You are so amazing ❤️ thank you so much. You’re impacting so many people who need it. The world is a cruel place and so many people have no one to turn to. Thank you
Thank you so much for your kind words.
Girl I appreciate your videos and your openness and honesty. I’ve needed to see the dentist for literal years. I’ve been watching your videos for the past couple days and I finally got brave enough to make an appointment to get dentures. Thank you for putting this out there. I know the shame and embarrassment it brings.
So relatable. Thank you so much for sharing this. I’ve underestimated so much about the impact of this experience. I so hope, and would pray if I believed, that getting my almost full top denture will be the beginning of feeling differently about myself.
It was absolutely the turning point in my life and it didn’t take anything glamorous to get there. Best of luck to you!
I can’t tell you how much this resonated with me.
We're all in this together!
Thank you for these testimonials and hopefully the right young people will see this and get up the courage to do something about their bad teeth. I think fear holds people back. And hopefully they will see this a realize that its better to get dentures and be done with it than spend endless amounts of money trying to fix something that ultimately can't be fixed for whatever reason. There are many who need to listen to your journey.
hi Kalin.. I am also suffering from losing confidence because of missing teeth and the struggle is really bad not to be able to show your true self because you are ashamed of how others would look at you because of your teeth.. I am always an optimistic person, and I smile all the time and I love interacting to people but I stopped because of my oral condition.. it kills me everyday... 😭 I am a fan of you the first time I watched your video where in you were talking about winning the contest and you shared your journey through implants.. (bad teeth, dentures, and dental implants :my story) - this video from 5 years ago made me hopeful that I still have a chance to regain my confidence back.. I am from the Philippines and dental implants are not easy to attain because it is expensive. I am using dentures now that I got 15 years ago but I still can't have my smile back since I already lost the teeth beside my dentures and I am saving so much hoping that one day I will be able. to afford implants same as what you have, I started saving since 2014 to get implants all on 4 but I'm still not halfway through.. this is still a continuous battle.. love you so much and you are an inspiration for me to keep going..
You are a rock star ❤️besides being beautiful on the outside, you are beautiful on the inside. And I am so happy you have a beautiful marriage. You help so many people including me 🥰🥰🥰 Bright Blessings 🥰
Thank you for all of your support! In those old albums, I found a video of my husband giving me a pedicure when we had only been dating a few months and I was still living with my parents. I cried even harder because I know I didn’t appreciate that at the time, the fact that he has been there for me from day one. I hope everyone can find their person, no matter what they’re going through and how unworthy they feel. ♥️
Ugh the shame & embarrassment is horrible 🥺😓
You have a heart of gold. May God bless and keep you.
I appreciate your courage and honesty, thank you.
You just told the story of my life and what it's like to live with bad teeth. It is a struggle everyday to keep people from seen my teeth. Thank you for what you do.
Please hang in there. It’s a lonely walk but there is an end. ♥️
Thank you so much for sharing your story with us. I just got my bottom teeth taken out & got dentures. I go back to get the top out & get dentures. I was living in so much pain every day & night infections every month & it even is affecting my ears, causing pain in my head, face, mouth, sinuses, & ears its awful. I'm exhausted all the time. Just having my bottoms out I'm starting to feel better & not in so much pain & exhausted. I was supposed to get all teeth taken out but after taking out the bottom my blood pressure got high & wouldn't go down & they didn't want to risk it so thats why I couldn't get it finished. But almost every tooth was broke, cracked, or missing & it seems after I had a 3 hr root canal, things went downhill after that with the rest of my teeth. I hope in the future I can get dental implants, but for now I'm just happy to get this journey started & not be in pain with infections all the time & exhausted. Your a God send thanks for sharing all you do. BTW your so beautiful.
This video has honestly hit home for me in so many ways, im 26 heading to 27 only now being able to finally take the steps after years of being on a waiting list to have all my teeth taken out from having lived with rotten teeth. Started at 16 when i had no enamel left and now i am so excited but so nervous at the same time but i cannot wait to start over in a way with my own self esteem. The pain is unbearable at times and eating is definitely so impossible and being pregnant is scary when you have a hard time eating and your teeth decay worse due to the baby absorbing your body nutrients as well.
I cannot believe how nearly identical your story is to me. Its amazing how thinking about your teeth starts to consume your life. I went 10+ years not smiling worrying about showing off too much. I now have immediate dentures and will soon enough have implants. Your videos are great and so helpful!
Im very happy for you and proud to have found your videos. I've spent my whole life in the same situation as you as a matter of fact I was so good at hiding my smile that the muscles in my face don't even work. Well im a 58 year old man and I finally got the courage to do something about it. Your a beautiful person with a great big heart ❤️. Thank you.
Amazing how much you share on UA-cam. On one hand I can relate to a lot of this, but definitely not as bad. So glad you came out on the other side.
I can totally relate! I just got all my extractions and All On Four on 10/1. I can say it has definitely changed my life.
Thank you for this channel. I have felt similar. I appreciate your vulnerability so much. I still hate smiling without my mouth closed when I’m talking to anyone or for any photos. It has caused confidence issues in my life to the point where I’m still unmarried at 44. Even when I have had girlfriends, I know it’s an issue. It’s stopped me so many times from talking to someone or going out. I’m hopeful that I’ll be able to solve this and encouraged greatly from learning about yours and others’ stories.
Omg I totally understand this on every single level. To the letter. I'm crying so hard right now. Your smile is so beautiful. I really need this done. My teeth are ruining my life.
Thank you for putting yourself out there. I KNOW it helps people because it helps me. I got dentures in July 2020 at age 29. I finally went to the dentist after several back to back trips to the ER. I have the dentures medicaid paid for and although they made my top and bottom completely different colors (bottoms are WHITE and tops are... not even close to white) and that makes me feel super insecure, but at least I have a mouth full of teeth and no more pain. But it is difficult going through the whole process and then still feeling like I have to hide my teeth.
Your implants are absolutely beautiful and so are you. I hope to be able to start saving money to get some in the future. 💜 thank you again for sharing your story.
I'm so sorry. That's the thing that really irritates me. There's like over 800k ER trips a year for dental pain yet it's not covered by medical insurance. That just doesn't even make any sense. And I am sorry that they didn't get the color right. You could actually get a smile identical to mine in a removable denture. Just have to ask the dentist to request that the lab use ivoclar teeth. If you go to morethanadenture.com, there's a brochure you can print out and bring to your dentist.
I can really relate to this. Same with the wedding photos.. but I was in my 50s when I finally went to my GP and explained my depression and my terror of dentists. He referred me to an NHS clinic who began the process of changing my life. I now have had dentures for 20 odd years and go to the dentist regularly. So many years wasted hiding and feeling inferior because of my bad teeth. To all of you who are suffering this way, just get help! Go to your doctor and share your problem. Hopefully he will help you and refer you to a sympathetic dentist who will help. Good luck.
This is pretty sad but want you to know I envy you and appreciate your genuity, empathy and intelligence--you're a real inspiration Kristi. I listened to you from the beginning and will continue to the end.
Jeff, you're awesome. Thank you for the support!!
Oh shit! We are so similar! I love your weird ending so much!
See, that is exactly what the world needs to see, authenticity. Keep doing that.
Kristi this broke my heart for you and made me so proud of you. I know how hard this video was for you. It was perfect. I learned more about you and I really think you need to redo your wedding pictures. You were so beautiful. Thank you for this video I really needed it this morning. 🥰🥰🥰
I appreciate your candor vulnerability and transparency so much. Completely understand where you're coming from and have been there myself. I hope you realize how grateful we are for your honesty. I've learned so much from you. You make a difference for all of us. I've followed your journey since you first started your channel and I cannot begin to tell you how much you have helped me with losing my teeth and the physical and emotional trauma we go through. THANK YOU so much. You make a difference in this world. ❤ p.s your family and husband are lovely ty for that glimpse into your life, it means a lot.
Thank you for sticking around! Your comment is really encouraging to me. ♥️
Hello! I can relate so much to you. All my pictures throughout school and into college were always with my mouth shut. Even pictures taken with the birth of my children. No smiles. So embarrassed and self conscious. The pain I endured, the swollen face of infections, and just the thought of not being able to look people in the eye. One day I was eating an apple and my tooth fell off. That's the day I made up my mind. I got on the internet and ran across your channel. I learned so much from the information you shared in your videos. I found a Dentist. My teeth couldn't be saved. I had to get dentures. But I look back and have no regrets. The tooth pain was so intense as you are aware of. I still sometimes have a hard time smiling. I guess with all the years I couldn't, it's a natural response. Thank you for putting yourself out there! Such a heartfelt video. I appreciate you. Blessings always! 😊🙏
This made me cry, I’ve lived like this for over 20 years. I have 2 daughters and I stil can’t take a picture with them because I’m embarrassed for everyone having to look at me, I’m 32 and have probably heard 32 horrible things people have said about me my teeth. They consume me, I don’t think there is 1 photo of me showing my teeth since I was about the age 7. I’ve gave up all hopes and lost my confidence and sometimes spirit (well mostly that) but I thought nobody would ever understand or want to share their story because I know how embarrassing it is. Thank you For sharing truely x
Kristi....you nailed it! After following you for years, l know this had to be very hard for you..but honest to God, you are one of the strongest people l have ever had the pleasure of knowing..but, we have never met. I did get very emotional watching you, l have never seen you this way. I do know this will help thousands of people and hopefully start looking into dentures..they are the first step, perhaps later, getting something more expensive. The cheapest of dentures help you to be brave enough to go out into this world and live your life...l would suggest to anyone that they should borrow the money...whatever you must do. Kristi Lind..l am certain that you would have accomplished so much more early on but let me applaud you for getting on UA-cam and making a difference in my own life and countless others. Thank you for being Real!
You're an angel. Your comments have always been so uplifting and encouraging to me. I'm thankful for you, Joan.
INFP HERE!!! I get it. Those emotions are all right under the surface, and doesn't take much to let them loose.
Watching this and other videos you've done, then seeing myself on video today, I got that emotional drop: Do it. Get the dentures.
Thanks for being so open about your experience. It's been very helpful.
Thank you for sharing this. I still regret missing out on so much by putting off getting mine. Thanks again for all of your info and support over the years!
I truly can relate especially the looking down part or covering your mouth when u laugh, you inspired me to make a change I have had my beautiful immediates on 3 weeks post surgery had to have all my teeth that were left surgically removed. Look up Summers denture and implant journey on UA-cam and you can see how much strength your videos gave me. Keep being beautiful inside n out
Thank you for all your videos, your candidness, and your sharing. I watched your videos when I began my own denture journey, and you have helped me more than you know. I lived for years in the same situation and had all but given up. I was gifted full dentures by the grace of God and through the generosity of close friends & other benefactors (including an awesome dentist and equally awesome oral surgeon) and have been living my best life for 3 years with my wonderful dentures. I have continued to follow you on Instagram, and I am so grateful for you. God bless you. Thank you again.
This made me smile. I am so glad that things all aligned in a way that enabled your healing. God bless!
I'm in las vegas right now, from Medford Oregon to Vegas to get my Prosthetic. I feel so ugly right now, because my face us super suawllon! But today I got my new smile! I'm sure the swelling will go away and I will see my smile fitting into who I am! I had bad bad teeth, but now Thank God I can 😃 smile! I can show my teeth. I'm only 37 yrs and I lost all my upper teeth! I for sure know that good things are to come, with God's help! I love you all!
Thanks for the video!
Thank you for a wonderful video, sharing your life and having to live the way you did. That is so me at this time. I just hate it, I have got to take some steps and get on track. The looking down to laugh, avoiding eye contact, covering mouth, cant talk to anyone face to face. I just know I'm being judged and this is no way to live. I need this, my life back, you are an inspiration and I thank you for that.
I definitely feel your pain in this video. I got my dentures this past January but I got married March of 2022 and all my wedding photos my mouth is closed and barely smiling I was very happy but I couldn't smile like I wanted to because of my teeth and I don't have my photos in picture frames either. I'm still trying to get used to wearing my dentures and having a hard time. Your videos give me hope and believing there is light at the end of the tunnel
Awe our lovely Kristi.....I cried during this video for you.I can relate with all you spoke about.I had rotting front teeth and broken off teeth.At 24 I had dentures and felt normal for the fisrt time. It is painful when we remember all that we missed out on in life,I still get a bit down when I think of my teen years with bad teeth.I dont see you looking old at all.Grey hit me at 35yrs old.I dyed that grey intruder in my hair........"Burgundy" And have for 20yrs.I feel sassy as hell with this shiny burgundy hair and no one believes I am in my 60,s You look absolutely beautiful,We all see you as youthful and your smile is what we all want.I have noticed reading all of your followers with their heartbreaking stories litterly broke my heart since I felt that pain they all had.You are allowed to be emotional telling your story of the pain you suffered with and you being embarrassed. Have some wedding pictures done with your beautiful smile and youf sweet Kevin right in these pictures. You have just blossomed to become a beautiful lady,wife,and mother.We all want to have your confidence.You have the knowledge of these dental procedures that we have no clue what they are.Go back to school if you want and persue your dream.Thank you for all of the encouragement you have given to hundreds of us with our dental issues.You have given hope to so many who are suffering.💕
Joan thanks so much for all of your encouragement and support. New wedding pictures would be great. ♥️
I will always encourage you ❤ just as you encourage so many of us.New wedding pictures would be absolutely gorgeous of you and your Kevin.I looked like skin and bones when I married Chris.So I may do the sames and find a lacy lacy dress now that I am a bit of a dumpling now.
Thank you!!! I'm so glad I found your channel. I'm older, obviously, and I'm just starting this denture journey. Do I still regret finally putting on my big girl panties and do it, a little bit, I was at the point off not smiling, talking and being HAPPY to wear a mask. The insights and experience you share had given this old lady hope that it will get better and I made the right choice. Thank you❤️❤️❤️
I am so glad you won the Golpa G4 Contest.
I understand everything you have experienced.
🌷
You are so real. You put it all out there to help others. Thank you. I'm definitely a fan.
Thank you, Jo!!
I started writing my previous comment before the video was even over...but you are absolutely stunning, do not focus on what the society you live in tells you should happen because you reach a certain age! Acknowledging wounds is strength. Focus on your joy, and remember the joy you bring others who are looking for information that brings them to your story. 💚
I totally understand the emotions and thank you for sharing!!! You’re so helpful and encouraging!!! THANK YOU!!! I just got dentures and know and understand because I know how ashamed I was of my teeth!!
Thank you for your Vulnerability! Its so amazing of you! I had a terrible bike accident summer before 7th grade…. Talk about being INSECURE! I knocked my my front teeth out and scraped my gums off the bottom of my teeth 🦷. Terrifying to go through as a child….. and worst part of your life your body is changing and I couldn’t laugh or smile always covered my mouth…… many rootcanals, crowns, flippers, bridgework, and partials years later, oh and $1000s of dollars later…..@ the age of 39 i got my dentures! My life up until then was absolutely exhausting, i was in pain constantly as well! Going through all that was traumatic and made me extremely anxious and I suffered bad with it!
So grateful for my dad who finally helped me get the wish i had been wishing for! I just have regular dentures but im so happy with just that its insane! I feel like a new person!! I wish I could have been younger …..but im just so grateful now!! Thank you a million times over for sharing your journey it has helped so many people!! Your beautiful inside and outside!! 😃💕🙌🏼
I feel this to my core, I haven’t been able to smile without covering my mouth in years
I think it's probably a good time to start thinking about a vow renewal. Get a dress you love, gather up your closest, have a ceremony to celebrate your love now that you know you can look back on the photos with JUST joy.
I relate to this so deeply! I've never really put it into words before but you described it perfectly when you said you felt small in front of everyone & you couldn't enjoy things because of being self conscious. When my teeth started to go bad in my early 20s I did the same & spent years in my head not reaching out to people for friendships or any kind of relationships. Finally when I turned 30 I was able to afford to fix my teeth & I'm now about 6 months out from when I received my final set & it's changed my life in so many different ways. My issue now is that bc I was in my head for so many years & didn't really have any friendships, bc the friends I had had in the past were "drug friends" & were people I walked away from when I got clean and they didn't, now I don't even know how to start/build friendships or even relationships bc I've been avoiding it for years. I feel like even after I speak with someone in the store like a cashier, I walk away thinking how awkward I sounded or second guessing everything I said.
Congrats to you! I know how good it feels to finally be healed. I don’t have friends either. The friends I had when I was younger all went their separate ways. My husband and sister are my best friends. Other than them and other family, I have no one to call on a Friday night. I think this is the busy stage of life where everyone is trying to survive. Hang in there. ♥️
I relate to all you said. I also didn’t like talking up close to people because of my breath. Getting near the end having my mouth overhauled with caps and a couple of implants. Still learning that I can do a wide smile without embarrassment 😃. Glad you are doing ok now,, thanks for sharing your story.
Kristi you are so much like me! So hard on yourself, and being so self conscience. I feel badly for the years we both have lost, but hopefully will regain. When I watched your first videos, you didn't even seem like the same person. You were angry, and a little hostile, and swore like a drunken sailor!! LOL! For looking so beautiful, I could hear the pain through that tough façade. I felt your pain when you cried here. I understood that feeling that you don't belong, or you're not worthy of a great guy. Sending you a big hug!
I’m getting Invisalign in 3 weeks, teeth insecurity can have such a huge impact on everyday life that before u know it, it rolls into years. I’ve waited 14 years. Finally, I am starting the journey of transformation & I’m so excited 😊
I agree with everything you said 😢 I feel like I didn’t start living until I got my denture at 27. I can finally smile and I totally agree with what you said by people don’t understand unless you’ve been through it. I also am so self conscious I acted crazy with all my no good exes. Ready to settle down some time soon now. I’ve changed so much . Cheers to us Denture Queens ❤️
Sending all the hottie vibes and love vibes your way! I suppose everyone has to get the crazy out of their system at one point or another haha. Best of luck to you!
I’m also 27 and about to get my teeth extracted next week. So emotional but so excited to smile again. 🥺
My teeth problems didn't start effecting how I lived until I was 25 years old but when you described your time in highschool it took me aback because that was my experience. It was like instead of having a highschool experience I was watching everyone in my school have one in a movie while I watched from the couch. My self esteem was already as low as you are describing prior to my teeth issues. I started finally finding my confidence, self love, & coming out of my shell around 20 & a few years later my first front tooth broke off.
I had always been insecure about my front teeth because I had an overbite & my front teeth were big & overlapped the ones next to them. People always told me things like 'you remind me of a chipmunk', 'youd be pretty if it wasn't for your rabbit teeth', 'atleast you have a nice body', or 'if you cover your mouth you'd be hot'. I'm 100% serious. These are things my exs & my friends used to say to me. I started using heroin when I was 22 to deal with the trauma that bullying during middle school & childhood neglect had given me. And after about 2 years of using my teeth began breaking off. I Believe it was the combination of not going to the dentist until I was 19, being dope sick everyday & not taking care of myself at all because I was either too sick or too high, & clenching my teeth while I would do a shot that did my teeth in. When I first went to the dentist to deal with things after I got clean at 26 years old they treated me absolutely horrible. I told them my parents had already decided to pay for implants for me. They ignored me & said I needed dentures. I told them I'd jump off a cliff before getting dentures at 26 years old & my self esteem couldn't handle that. They ignored me & would speak over me. So I didn't go back for about 3 years. Then I went back 4× in a year because of infections from the same teeth. So we finally agreed to at least pull the 2 teeth that were causing issues cuz that was all we could agree on. So after getting a sign off letter from my heart doctor for my dentist, I go in & they apparently didn't read the letter because they gave me exactly the medicine that my heart doctors letter said would KILL ME. Every shot would make my heart race faster & faster & make my anxiety worsen. He kept saying 'youre fine, just one more' until around the 5th one more that I started realizing I was having an anxiety attack & he wouldn't allow me to get up so I called my mom, she came in & told them we were leaving. I should have sued them. It's been now close to 6 years since then & those 6 years have been lost with me alone in my home too ashamed to be around anyone. I've had so many opportunities (relationships, jobs, fun experiences, etc. ) Pass me by because of their negligence & my inability to not care what people think of my teeth. I have 0 teeth on top now & only the bottom 8 front teeth, the lack of teeth in front on top & in back on top & bottom has made me look like a frog in the last year or so. After watching Your videos I made an consultation appointment last week & now I'd be so grateful even if my implants looked like my original teeth. I'm terrified that the area around my mouth will look worse or the same afterwards & that teeth won't fix the problem even though I was told about a year ago by a doctor that with my age (34) that it's more than likely it'll return to the original look. I'm not so convinced. Being a woman carries a lot of expectations & pressures to look a certain way & teeth are definitely part of that. I'm so excited to live again & feel free & confident. It's worth every penny. I just hope I'm able to find a partner & have a child & it's not too late. All I've ever wanted was love & a child since I was 6 years old.
I forgot to mention that after I left that original appointment when they were going to pull the 2 teeth, I started hyperventilating. I was heaving for air for over 2 hours until I passed out from being so exhausted. This was caused by the dentist not reading my doctor's instructions (I have congestive heart failure & needed different numbing medicine). Than I woke up a few hours later breathing normally with my chest aching for 24 ish hours. But that created a hole new fear of the dentist that I couldn't have ever imagined. I read that they are able to give people some kind of anxiety/relaxer that's all natural. I'm hoping they will do that for me after my traumatic hellish experience.
This is how I feel right now, you nailed it. It’s awful. I refuse to leave my home right now and don’t know what to do. Anxiety is a bitch and so is the cost of dental restorations
I'm so sorry. That feeling will never fully leave me, I'll remember it forever. But there really is hope. Just start wherever you can. Hang in there!
I am relating to Every Single Thing you are saying!!💔 Thank you sooo much for posting this!! I look forward to watching some more of your videos! ☺
I'm sorry to hear that you had to endure throbbing pain in your mouth.
You sound articulate, intelligent and genuine. I hope you find some other hobbies as you mentioned wanting to in the video. We are more than just our teeth and past traumatic experiences. I could see you talking about other things besides teeth but I understand this is what your channel is about. Good of you for bringing awareness about having rotten teeth and how that affects self esteem. Despite your insecurities, your loving kind boyfriend now husband found you attractive and built a life with you. If it’s not too personal to ask, how did you deal with kissing your boyfriend or it didn't really matter much? Or did you just avoid it? No need to share if it's too personal. Thanks.
Thank you, Snow! I have way too many hobbies now haha. I do enjoy them but sometimes i'm like man this would have been way more fun when I was 22 and rail thin lol. I avoided kissing him. I actually read your comment to him and he laughed because we both instantly thought about the first kiss. I ran. I literally ran away. He was so confused.
Thank you so much for your transparency and your honesty, I appreciate you and I felt everything you expressed... I am just starting this journey and I'm older than you and I'm scared shitless 😢
Living life without smiling and showing teeth...:( I sooo understand that. After wearing an overbite correction device (not braces) for 3 years as a child, I, unfortunately, found that they damaged my upper front tooth somehow. It started turning yellow. It was significantly different in color and it was unthinkable to smile and show people my yellow tooth. Even though the teeth were finally straight, I couldn't enjoy my smile. Once I went to a party where it was all very dark...how I enjoyed the freedom of smiling in the darkness! It was like finally living. I wished I could feel like this always. It was years before I finally found a good clinic (I saw the ad on the tv screen on public transport) that offered me a good solution - a veneer. After multiple attempts to find ANY solution in other clinics, it was like a miracle. One of the best investments I ever made, or anyone can ever make. I'm HAPPY for you that you finally live life to the fullest. You're still young and beautiful enjoy every day of your life!
I was in two motor vehicle accidents, mine have been making me so sick. Just trying to find resources to get mine fixed and replaced so I don’t have to keep taking antibiotics that are making me feel just as sick. I’m disabled n so lost..💔🥺😭 u give me faith that things can change! ❤🙏🏽
I have a permanent frown from never smiling because of bad teeth , not to mention a very unhappy childhood. I am fifty four and I know dentures are in my very near future... that is when I can afford them. I just pray I don't get a blood infection, that is a big fear I have on top of living without teeth. I feel every ounce of your pain. You are a beautiful soul and an inspiration to many, including myself. God bless. 🙏🏻🌹
Oh yes thank you for showing all of you ,it shows that you are transparent about everything thank you ❤
If i yawn smile or laugh i always cover my mouth i think about my teeth constantly. Between attempting to eat turning diwn food being in pain all the time being completely turned off by the thought of intimacy because im so disgusted with my mouth that i dont want to kiss and it is absolutely torture youre right its horrible.
I totally understand 😢 I'm living that way now but your videos have made me make a change and I'm getting my teeth pulled and dentures in the next few weeks even tho I know it's going to hurt I can't live this way anymore
Every time i watch this video i cry 😢😢😢😢
Wow! I feel like you were talking for me! You could have not have said it better! It's exactly the life I'm leading. I don't know where to start because of all my teeth falling out. I don't have many left and they have cavities. I wish I just had a whole plan. I can't keep dentures in my mouth because of my jaw, hence, the reason I'm always asking about all on 4. I've also heard about the snap ins(I'm sure I heard it from you with ALL the caring informative information you consisting give. I'm been trying for 6 years now, if not more. But my front ones(on top and bottom) are now decaying as well. I know its the medication thats contributing to them all falling out. I have Medicaid and Medicare, but they don't cover anything really. I have so many roots still impacted. I just wish someone would give me a plan from A to B. I obviously am useless. In all these years and I am still no closer to coming up with a plan. I will travel if I have to. It's just my mouth has gotten worse with so much pain. I can't even drink anything, it's like all pain at once that last 30 seconds or more. I can come up with some money. Idk. I know I keep bugging you and I apologize. I just have been following you for so long. And then the videos I missed, I went back and watched. I can't tell you how many times, I have rewatched your videos over and over. You are so kind-hearted and you're helping immensely! I'm so thankful for you and all that you do for people like us.❤. I just want a plan and I don't know what to do. It's just been so many years of waiting. I research, WATCH YOU CONSTANTLY, read literature, etc. Your information is extremely helpful and important. I just don't how to start. Thanks so much Kristi 🙏
Yes I appreciate it sooo much!! I’m there! I need my teeth pulled! I’m scared though and embarrassed, thank you ❤️
You got this! It's nothing they haven't seen before. Put yourself first this time and ignore what anyone might possibly think about that.
@@kalinjax thank you 😊 your courage is giving courage to all of us!
Thank you for making this video. You're always so caring of others. I/we really appreciate you, and all the effort and hard work you put into bringing us this content - for the sake of our encouragement. Bless you and thank you.
Thank you for the kind words!
I totally get this everything you said are the same thoughts and feelings that I’ve had over the years . I finally had my surgery something that I thought I thought would happen or afford but I was able to use my health insurance. I wish I would’ve found your videos sooner
I have always felt like the outsider due to my teeth. Thank u for making this makes me feel like there some hope at the end of this. my e day was yesterday my wedding photo friends photos I always have my hand infront of face I hope I'll be able to break that habit I've been terrified but this helped by far
This video moved me so much. I send you virtual hugs! ❤❤❤
I just wanted to say i have enjoyed watching all your videos i have been in process of having my teeth fix and almost completely done in the last stage now but i still love watching your videos it definitely makes it easier thank u so much for sharing your story
I 100% relate. Thank you so much for making your videos. It’s because you were so brave and put them out there that it helped me decided to do all on 4 implants.
I'm so glad!
I don’t have rotting teeth…atleast I hope I never will, but I’ve always had really bad tooth decay. Ever since I was 5 years old I had so many infections and sensitive teeth, I needed metal caps at 6 years old and didn’t get any of them off until I was 12. I also dealt with many of my teeth chipping because they were so weak, my enamel was weak and I hated it.
When my baby teeth came out, I got a ton of enamel erosion and one happened at the front of my front tooth and I was so insecure about it. I got less worried about how my teeth looked..I was more embarrassed about my dental issues. Even though only my parents knew about my dental issues, I was still insecure about it, and it stuck with me for a long time. I’ve learned to overcome my fear of the dentist, and though I still deal with tooth decay, I’m glad I can listen to other peoples experiences. There is only so little videos about stuff like this and I’m glad you made this. Hope you doing good.