Like a lot of people, I wish I had the pearly white teeth of a Hollywood starlet. But last year my dentist told me it would take $5,000 out-of-pocket to make it happen, so I decided to continue frittering away my money on food, kids’ clothing, and $4-a-gallon gasoline instead. (For more on pricey teeth, check out “The Soaring Cost of Dental Care Is Nothing to Smile About”).
But those dreams die hard. So when I heard about the Ultimate Dental Health Makeover contest run by the magazine Dear Doctor: Dentistry and Oral Health, my ears perked up. If you win the contest, which is open to contestants through Dec. 1, you get all the dental work you need, whether it costs $5K or $33K.
Throwing caution to the wind, I entered the contest. But I couldn’t help wondering: “What’s the catch?” So I tracked down the publisher of the magazine, Mario Vilardi, DMD, to find out. This is the magazine’s third dental sweepstakes: A real person won the first one, and the second winner is currently being selected, according to Vilardi.
The winner of the first contest, who was featured in the magazine, needed $33,000 worth of work—hence the contest’s upper limit. Brian had teeth that were chipped and discolored, missing in some cases, and one that had to be extracted due to an infected root canal. The 38-year-old also had a suspicious lesion inside his lip and a history of infrequent smokeless tobacco use, so he had a cancer screening as well. All this, plus replacement of the missing teeth, added up to the hefty price tag.
But Vilardi says price is not the issue, and it’s not necessary to have lots of dental problems to win the contest, which brings me back to the catch.
It works like this: The magazine has a group of contest sponsors, who donate the “stuff” you need to make pretty teeth, such as braces and bone-regenerating factors.
However, your dentist has to agree to waive his or her fee in exchange for 1,000 free magazines and the publicity that comes with coverage in the magazine.
So that means if you happen to live in rural South Dakota, and you win the contest, there’s no guarantee that you’ll find a local dentist willing to do the work. But heck, $10K of dental work might be worth a few plane tickets.
You also have to agree to appear in the magazine. And the magazine or its sponsors aren’t going to pay the gift tax. So you’ll owe Uncle Sam a portion of your award.
The magazine’s staff picks 10 people at random, and calls them to see if they object to the gift tax, says Vilardi. “Believe it or not, one person in the last contest did say no, and then what we did was pick another person,” he says. The magazine then evaluates those 10 people and selects a winner.
And the emphasis is on health, says Vilardi, not just a pretty smile.
“I think that’s really important to clarify, it’s not just to make someone beautiful,” says Vilardi. But that doesn’t hurt either.
Vilardi says they had 6,000 entries for the first contest and 10,000 for the second. Those odds aren’t too bad, considering my only other option is winning the lottery.
Even Hollywood starlets start out with nothing more than a dream.
(PHOTO: FOTOLIA)
Recent posts by Theresa Tamkins:
Comments (148)
Please help my mouth.
Please save my mouth!
I’ve already had partial jaw implants, but my teeth are so yellow, I hate to smile, I need all the help I can get….
We have 5 generations needing dental work and based on your offer we could all get it done for the price you mentioned. We range in age from 7 years to 86 years old. This could be a unique article. Sure hope we qualify we have had so much illness we need help with this. Thanks 2nd generation of 5 Betty
I have been praying for such a opportunity as this; for years; I have alway want to have a beautiful smile. I know that this is the answer to my prayers. You see, I am not asking for the world,I just a beautiful smile.
I just want to smile again,Please help me.
my boyfriend said he’ll marry me if he we can smile with pride on the photographs!
thank you
I am a 42-year-old mother of three. I am near poverty level if not there. All of my front teeth are broken at the gum line. The rest of the few teeth I have are broken in pieces and also more broken to the gum teeth. I have 6 abscesses at this time. My heart and brain are in danger at this point. I would be so grateful to be healthy, able to eat, and project happiness with a full smile. Thank you.
I am a mother of three and my front teeth are broken badly I have 4 abscesses in the back on my wisdom teeth I need most of my teeth fixed and have no way of getting done my health is at risk I’m only 29 with alot of bad teeth CAN SOMEONE PLEASE HELP ME??
I WANT A PRETTY SMILE SO THAT I CAN GET A JOB GET A BOYFRIEND AND JUST SMILE AGAIN. THANKS K.S
I AM A SINGLE MOTHER OF A 16 YR. OLD I HAVE TAKEN THE BEST OF CARE OF MY THEETH WITH THE INSURANCE I HAVE [MEDICAL] WHICH DOSENT PAY FOR MUCH AND MY DAUGHTER HAS BEEN CAVITY FREE UP UNTIL NOW. WE HAD A DENTIST APPOINTMENT 5 MONTHS AGO, SHE NOW HAS 8 CAVITIES, AND I HAVE PERIDONTAL THEETH DISEASE.MY INSURANCE CANT PAY FOR PROPER TREATMENT, AND I DONT WANT TO HAVE SPACES FROM EXTRACTION,I LOVE TO SMILE AND WANT TO SMILE. PLEASE HELP US. DESPERATE BOBBIE AND DAUGHTER. THANK YOU KINDLY
I would be a better person. If I only could smile again without being ashame of my nasty mouth.
If I was to be granted one single wish. To have all necessary dental work to be healthy again. I have oral surgery Sept 2nd to remove 3 more teeth. In my mind I keep think eventually I will start feeling better but may not have many teeth left. Overall not to have infection in the gums and bones and the pain I have had in the last couple of years would be such a relief.
plz help me smile, i’ve not smiled in a long time cos my teeth are so bad, i’am ashame i let them get so bad becouse now my life is so sad i dont talk a lot cos i see them looking at me, hope you can help a dream come ture thx
Ihave always had very large spaces in my teeth, but after I had several pulled it has gotten worse. I also have several cavities and a lot of yellowing, it would make me feel a whole lot better about my appearnce if I could have this opportunity.
I went to the dentist last week and they said I would have to pay alot of money to get all my teeth done..I’m just 25 I don’t want to lose all my teeth. I have 2 kids and I really can’t afford to pay that much to get them fixed. I don’t know what to do anymore. I went out of the office and cried when I seen how much I would have to pay to get them fixed cause I know I cant pay it…Please help me..
I would donate a healthy limb to science for half a mouthfull of yellow teeth. I have 5½ teeth left in my mouth, 4 on the bottom, 1½ on top. Twenty years ago I was on my bicycle when I was struck down by a hit & run driver of a truck. Luckily, the worse of my injuries was a broken leg and my two front teeth. Six of my other teeth were shattered, but still intact. With no insurance, I could barely pay for the caps on the two front teeth. Within a few years, one at a time, my shattered teeth started breaking off at the gumline. Lose a few teeth, and it throws your “bite” off, putting pressure on existing teeth. Molars started breaking, then went my two capped fronts. Eight years ago, I had all my teeth. Since then, I don’t smile, lost my self esteem, don’t go out on dates since I really can’t dance and dinner is not an option. I’m slowly gaining weight since my diet is so messed up and close friends tell me I look “so sad”. Not lacking skills, I can’t get a job, and not smiling is probably why. Two weeks ago, I suffered from unbearable stomach pain, emergency medical treatment discovered an undigested, huge chunk of stew meat I don’t remember swallowing. The Doctor told me, “get some teeth to chew with or you may die”. I now use a steak knife on everything I eat…..and pray for a miracle.
help me im about to be 20 years old i cant get a job and caresource will not help me!!!!!!! I am missen my front tooth but the root is still in there it is very painful!!!! very very painful. i cant get a job bc i dnt look professinal…. My selfesteem is so low i dnt want to go outside or hang with my friends… All i want to do is be able to bite into a hamburger without pain shooten up and going to sleep with out haveing to worrie about taken a ibprofin to ease the pain i have no money no body will help me i used to have the most beautiful smile now its so ugly i used to laugh and show my teeth now i laugh covering up my mouth!!! Brings alot of attention to my mouth i just want to smile again.. please help me!!!!!!!!!
Having bad teeth is the worst thing in the world. Nobody knows how painful it is when they have perfect teeth. I have had bad teeth since i was little an i have tought my self how to talk without showing them. I wish i could get them fixed but have no job an nobody to help me. Everyday i look at them an get so sad i start to cry. People say 1st impression is the best an for me i never had a good one cause i dont wanna smile. I wanna feel pretty an not have people look at me an get grossed out! One time i was with some friends an i smiled a little kid saw an said eww gross. My self esteem has been so low for many years. I just wanna be able to leave my house an smile all day! Im in need of help anybody
Hi I really need help , i am trying very hard to find a dentist who will help fix my teeth, well what i have left. I am 49 yrs old female in customer service type work. I used to have a beautiful smile and now looks so bad i cry at times. its awful. i have 5 teeth on top spread out no front teeth. and on the bottom 8 teeth in front i have no back teeth. it is very very difficult to eat. i bite my lip and it makes it bleed. this problem is killing me then it burns with anything salty. please someone help me or refer me to someone who can. i know there is someone out there that can and will help me.
THANK YOU
My best friend Nikki does everything for everyone else and never for herself. She is missing many teeth and her front tooth is hanging on by a thread. Not only aesthetically is she unhappy but, almost everyday that goes by I hear her say that her teeth hurt and she wishes she could get them fixed Is there anyone who can help her. Please contact me with help!
Thanks so much
Susan Bersbach
well i guess my story is kinda like every one else, missing a ton of teeth and cant afford to have them fixed, so just get them pulled when they get infected. it is so hard for me never to be able to smile with my mouth open. i feel so weird with 1 tooth in front and the ones on each side are gone and they judt keep fallin out. if anyone can help please feel free to contact me.
I’m a single young female with no children. I’ve had to have open heart surgery for a mitral valve replacement at the age of 25. With an artificial heart valve, dental health is not optional-it’s mandatory. Problem is, I’m disabled due to my condition and affordable dental work is just not in my reach. Cavities and chipped teeth have spiraled out of control. I can’t express what a huge blessing it would be to finally have these issues resolved. (The stress alone is overwhelming).
Thank you in advance for your consideration.
I am a 27 year old mother of 2 and just to be honest my teeth are so bad and i have not been able to get my teeth fixed for a couple of reasons.First of all the first time i went to get my teeth fixed i ended up fixing my sons teeth he had broken and from that point on all my money went to my son and getting his hearing fixed,well trying atleast.He is now almost deaf in both ears and wears hearing aids.So please help me with my teeth i will feel so much better about myself.
I would love to have my teeth fixed. I am always chewing gum because I feel and know I have a terrible smell to my mouth. My babies who are getting bigger now I would not feel like I am embarrassing them with their friends.! I am going back to school in January to finish nursing ! So I will be talking to alot of patients and people! I have implants up top my teeth on the bottom are breaking and I owe that bill . Also trying to manage after the hurricane! Thank you for reading this far! Mine and all the other mothers !
I have heart diease and I had open heart surgery in 1994,I am a 59 yr ole woman. I need dental work and I can’t afford it,and they say if you don’t take care of your teeth you can die.I can live with my yellow teeth but I don’t want to die. I don’t dream any more because all my dreams were taken,but I still have wishes,Bless Someones heart if someone can help me. Phyllis Kerzner
My teeth are awful. My health is awful. I need help and hope.
I TOO HAVE A STORY, I AM A RECOVING ADDICT WITH MISSING TEETH WHO PROUDLY HAVE PUT EVERYTHING BACK TOGETHER IN MY LIFE EXPECT 1 THING MY TEETH, THEY MAKE IT TO MUCH TO AFFORD, I JUST WISH THERE WHERE MORE RESOURCES OUT THERE FOR THE ONES THAT TRULY NEED THE CHANCE TO SMILE BIG AGAIN
Hi! My name is Karrie and I really need some help!!! My brother-in-law Randy is 26 years old and is having SEVERE toothe pain and swelling! He is such a sweet and caring man that works 2 jobs just to make ends meet. Randy went deaf 25 years ago and was shipped off to deaf boarding school when he pratically could talk. He was never giving a chance to go to the dentist growing up because his parents were deaf also and could not afford for them to go to the dentist! We have spent thousands of dollars for my husbands teeth and Randy has been the unfortunate one that has not had thousands of dollars to spend. On March 28, 2003 Randy got severely sick and had to take high dosages of antibiotics and it made the rest of his teeth fall out. I have the upmost respect for him because he has been through so much in his life and this just makes it worse. I can see how this affect him physically and mentally everyday! The severe pain he goes through because his teeth are severely ruined! I know that if it gets to bad the infection can actually kill him! It would mean the world to me if you would give him a chance to smile again and get the self cofidence that he use to have!!!! Thank you!!!!!!
I would like to be able to eat solid food with out my teeth hurting, and they are embrassing the ones that I do have are rotten down to the gums and I can’t afford dental insurance. I only get one thousand six hundred and sixty eight dollars a month. I really could use some help!
I am 52 years old. I’m on disability and my teeth in the front lower bottom are rotten to the gums. I can not afford dental insurance. I need help, please!
Hi I’m Dana and I just turn 23 in July. I haven’t been goin to the dentist really but I went last year and they told me that my wisdom teeth will need to come out, and my back teeth will fall out if I didn’t start flawsing. I do need braces and would love to get them but I just can not afford them. I’m not ashamed to smile because I love doing it and love to laugh. I would love to be in your megazines and show everyone the beautiful work I hope you will do for me. Please please PLEASE fix my teeth!!!
Yours truley, Dana
I have a son who has an over bite plus other things that are needed. I also need my bottom teeth fixed which are breaking and chipped. I am going to school in January 2009. I am going to finish my RN degree! I am concerned about walking around with an ouder in my mouth, which I have had for years. Many of the times I am tired of chewing gum. Please if I could get the help I would appreciate it very much!
My son is a recovering drug addict and during his active abuse, he didn’t take care of his teeth. They have deteriorated and he has had 4 pulled already. The dentist said it will cost in the multi-thousands to repair his teeth. He needs another 6 (at least) removed and now really wants his teeth back. He has realized the damage that drugs did to his teeth and wishes he could go back and do it over… but that’s not a possibility. He’s now trying to take care of his teeth but I’m afraid that the damage has already been done. He is very self conscious of his teeth and won’t smile like he used to. He’s 27 and it’s hard to get a job without a beautiful smile. Please help!!
forget yellow and stained teeth…I’m only 20 years old and my teeth are falling apart.I have four teeth in the back that broke off from decay and now half of the teeth are still stuck in my jaw with my gums growing over them.I have teeth that I can feel are starting to crack and it won’t stop untill all of my teeth are gone and decayed.the pain punches me out of nowhere and it throbs and I will have to take 5 crushed up tylenol just for it to calm down for a hour.I can’t eat or chew I can only use my front teeth and thats taking its toll on those.I have no insurance and I am on my own.I don’t like talking to people beacuse I know my breath must smell horrible beacuse I can taste it.I have abcest occasionaly and I can only afford the antibiotics to bring the swelling down.I know my teeth are making me sick and am too young for my teen to be going down this horrible road so fast…even if you can offer other services or suggest a way for me to get the help I need it would be greatly appreciated.thank you to all who took the time out to read this.
MY NAME IS SUNNI. I AM 36 YEARS OLD AND THE MOTHER OF FOUR CHILDREN.I WAS SINGLE FOR YEARS AND THEN I MET THE MAN OF MY DREAMS, BOBBY WHO IS A RECOVERING METH-ADDICT. HE HAS BEEN CLEAN FOR TWO YEARS BUT SUFFERED SEVERE TOOTH DECAY OR METH-MOUTH. SOME PEOPLE WOULD SAY THAT HE DOESNT DESERVE TO HAVE GOOD TEETH BUT HE HAS 9 TEETH LEFT AND HIS ONLY OPTION IS GET DENTURES. HE SUFFERS DAILY WITH PAIN AND IT HURTS ME TO SEE HIM LIKE THAT WE CANNNOT AFFORD INSURANCE AND ARE CURRENTLY TRYING TO FIND A DENTIST THAT WILL HELP US WITH THE COSTS. HE IS FULLY AWARE OF WHAT HE DID TO HIS BODY AND TEETH, AND AGREES THAT THRE IS NOONE OUT THERE THAT WILL HELP HIM, SO OUT OF DESPERATE ACTION I AM ASKING FOR YOUR HELP. I WOULD TO SEE HIM SMILE!!!
My name is Wilfred an I need help with new teeth as you can see from my picture that they look bad an it become more of an embarrassment to me to smile or show my teeth and soon I want to get married but my fiance wants me to get them fix first but I don’t have any money since I don’t work any more I am out on long disability because I have lupus.and i also had both eyes Coronal replaced
I need help can you please help me ??
My son is diabetic and needs his teeth fixed , He is such a cutie and has an over bite that I worry about. i also need my teeth fixed on the bottom and I can stop chewing gum!
I REALLY DO NEED THE HELP, IF YOU CAN HELP AT ALL, PLEASE CONTACT ME. I DON’T KNOW WHERE ELSE TO TURN.
I SHOULD PROBABLY ADD SOME INFORMATION TO MY PAST COMMENT…. I’M A 26 YR OLD WOMAN WITH A BABY BOY AND LOVING HUSBAND. LET ME START OFF BY SAYING THAT EVERY SINGLE TOOTH IN MY MOUTH HAS A LARGE FILLING IN IT. I’VE HAD A HARD TIME WITH MY TEETH EVER SINCE THEY CAME IN WHEN I WAS A TOT. I’VE BEEN TO MANY DENTISTS THROUGH THE YEARS AND THEY ARE ALL SAYING THE SAME THING… EITHER GET IMPLANTS OR DENTURES SINCE MY TEETH ARE LITERALLY FALLING APART. I RECENTLY WENT TO A DENTIST IN THE AREA AND THEY PUT ME ON ANTIBIOTICS AND PAIN RELIEVERS SINCE I HAVE SO MUCH PAIN DUE TO ABCESS. I JUST DON’T KNOW WHERE TO TURN ANYMORE, WE WENT BANKRUPT 2 YRS AGO SO I CANNOT GET APPROVED FOR CARE CREDIT OR ANY LOANS, I CANNOT GET APPROVED FOR ANYTHING THROUGH THE COUNTY, AND WE HAVE MAXED OUT BOTH OF OUR PARENTS. I FEEL LIKE THESE TEETH ARE AFFECTING MY OVER ALL HEALTH AND HAVE ACTUALLY BEEN TOLD THAT BY ALL OF THE DENTISTS. I CONSTANTLY HAVE HORRIBLE HEADACHES AND PAINS EVERYWHERE. I CANNOT LIVE OFF ANTIBIOTICS AND PAIN RELIEVERS FOR MY WHOLE LIFE. IF THERE IS ANYTHING AT ALL THAT YOU CAN DO, PLEASE LET ME KNOW.
I am a single mother of 1 son i have to have a lot of dental work done but its to much. I have missing teeth crowed oversized yellow teeth and im only 23 can someone please help. This is my one and only wish
I really needs this i live with my son and i have very bad self esteem i even tried commiting suicide 2 twice because i get rejected by everone no joke just because of my teeth i wish i can make this nightmare go away
Last year I was renovating a stream. I made steps down to it and misplaced a rock. When I stepped on it, I was catapaulted about 10 feet into the stream. It broke off my bottom teeth. Since then my job has been sold to a foreign country so I was able to go to school. I took distance learning on my computer so noone would see me. I have been a virtual hermit since then. I’ve lived with my fiance for the past 10 years. Recently, he has been diagnosed with a very aggressive form of cancer. This is his last week of chemotherapy, then in 4-5 weeks he has to have a chest resection. I want to be there with him, have to be there with him, but look so horrible that the worry of him plus my humiliation of teeth like this is more then I think I can handle. My school funding was cut, I have$320.00 left on on my unemployment. I have 10 years of college under my belt but am virtually unemployable. I worked for Sony Corp. but could not afford to keep up their insurance. I even called welfare and they said that I make too monuch money per weekk to get a medical card ($145.00) weekly. I am desperate, and do not know what to do but must do it now. If you know of anyway….I would pay back every cent. Plus I am on a liquid diet because I canot eat solid food. But at least I do not have cancer which must come first in this household right now. Thank you for your time.
I am praying for a miracle that someone will help me with my dental work. I have dental insurance, and I cannot even afford the costs of getting my dental work done. I love people, and have an outgoing personality, but, I get sad because I can’t smile. Please help me!!! Thank you, and God bless!
I have 4 kids and just want to be able to take a nice family photo with them again and have a healthly smile! My teeth are bad bad, so bad to the point i deal with infections that could possibly poison me! And I dont even want to go out and socialize or even work for fear of what people are thinking when I talk to them. Im so entering for this and I know Im not the only one out there with bad oral health but I do know I’m up there with the ones that would be enternally grateful to have their smile that they never had even when their teeth were good!! Wish me luck as do I all of you on the great exspectation of actually winning something that may better you!
It would be a huge blessing to have my teeth and gums repaired. I am a divorced mother of two, and I have recently become a full time student with NO INSURANCE. My mouth hurts from decay and lack of money, not to mention the lack of self confidence while sporting broken teeth. Can you all PLEASE HELP me?
I AM A 30 YEAR OLD MOTHER OF 3 KIDS AND I HAVE REALLY BAD TEETH WELL I CAME FROM A LOW INCOME FAMILY AND WHEN ME AND MY SIBLINGS WERE YOUNG WE NEVER WENT TO THE DENTIST BECAUSE OUR PARENTS COULD NOT AFFORD IT BUT I STILL BRUSHED THEM BUT THEY STARTED GETTING BAD BUT NOT THIS BAD UNTIL WHEN I WAS 18 I WAS IN A VERY BAD ABUSIVE RELATIONSHIP AND THAT MAN HIT ME IN MY MOUTH AND KNOCKED OUT ALL MY FRONT TEETH AND THEN I JUST STOP CARING ABOUT THEM BUT NOW THATS ONE THING I WISH I HAD IS A PRETTY SMILE I THINK ABOUT IT EVERYDAY IF I HAD THE MONEY THATS WHAT I WOULD DO FOR MYSELF SO PLEASE HELP ME HAVE A PRETTY SMILE AND BE ABLE TO BE AROUND PEOPLE AGAIN WITHOUT BEING ASHAMED OF MY SMILE PLEASE HELP
Hi there I am a 50 yr old mother with a terrific attitude and have always loved to talk to people until I turned 40. Like others my teeth are literally falling apart due to major dental work and coffee. Some dentist tell me my previous fillings were way to big and make them crack from the hot and cold, when I talk I find myself covering my mouth with my hand.. my husband works but the company offers no insurance….meaning my dental work was put on hold. I just want a nice smile with out having to put it jar at night when i sleep. Thank you for offering this and even listening to me!
I am a single mom of 2. I also help support my 2 yr. old granddaughter. My childrens’ father died of cancer at age 44, 6 yrs ago so I’ve been doing it all by myself since then. My son is attending college and is a terrific kid. He is in serious need of cosmetic dentistry. Joey has soft teeth and gets cavities all the time. His job when he finishes school will include a lot of face to face with clients. I cannot afford to fix his teeth and I would love to see him smile and be proud of his teeth, because he does have a beautiful smile. There are a lot of things I do need, but I would fore go all of that to just see him smile just once. Please help my 18 yr. old son.
im 39 all teeth are all abscess iv lived with mouth pain cant find anyone to help im disablei get 600.00 amonth madcare does not help with a dentist pain pills dont help does anyone know how to find help
I would like to enter this contest. I am 63 and always had numerous dentists over the years beginning with a dentist in childhood (mom made sure teeth were checked every 6 months). But, this dentist in my hometown scared me for life because I never like seeing a dentist after leaving home. I felt it was torture to see this dentist, which was numerous as I remember having sooo many fillings, teeth pulled and just walking up those stairs in the old building to see this dentitst did it for me!
Now, so many years later and only using a dentist when I had to because of an extraction, I have a great need for a new mouth. My smile deserves this. After all I was a shy person and it took me forever to learn how to smile. Now, I do not like to laugh because of missing teeth, broken teeth, in need of repair.
I would appreciate a free mouth makeover if at all possible.
hi my name is Tony and im 3o yrs old all my life iv suffered wiv really bad teeth and iv always been conscious of them im married wiv two lovely boys and have never had money to get them done iv had people from work drawin pics and takin the mick out of me and every where i walk i think people r talkin about how dirty my teeth are im so depressed and just dont know wat to do even my 3yr old son looked at my teeth the other day and sed why dont ur teeth look nice like mummys i just didnt no wat to say im so ashamed and really need help please
I’m allergic to milk so I don’t have very strong teeth infact they are sensitive to just about everything, and at the young ripe age of 24 I have 5 root canals and need so much more work! I just wan’t the pain to stop but I can’t keep up with these big bills! I’ve tried everything and nothing seems to help
I am a 24 year old mother of two beautiful girls.I never had a family that took care of me.I grew up on the streets and watched other peoples children for a place to stay.I dont ever remember going to a dentist.I was never taught how to take care of my teeth the proper way.I am happy to say that my children will never have to go through what I have been through.My two front teeth started to decay when I turned 18 years old and from that time and now it has just been a mess.I can not afford dental or health insurance but my children do have both.My two front teeth are almost gone and badly decayed.I have a few teeth in the back of my mouth that need to be extracted and I also need some other work done.I am always in pain and my weight jumps up and down due to not being able to eat some days because I cant handle the pain.I can not remember the last time I smiled and that was what I was always complemented for when I was growing up.When I look in the mirror and smile I feel like I am looking at a monster and cry for hours and my 2 year old says mommy what is wrong and I say baby my teeth hurt and she says to me mommy it will be okay and rub my head and give me a big hug.I do manage to pull myself together for her.I have been with my fiancee for 6 years and we dont kiss because I ma afraid he may leave me.We are due to get married but I refuse because I would like to smile in my photos.I do not have any pictures of me and my children or a family photos because of my mouth.I see myself as a monster and I know other people will also.I do not have any friends and I would really love to.Most of all I would just not like to have my children made fun of because of my mouth and I would like to kiss my fiancee again.Thanks so much for taking the time to hear my story
I am 38 years old, and like many people cannot afford health or dental insurance because where I have been employed in the past, most places did not offer it or it was too expensive. Right now I am unemployed. My gums are badly receded showing alot of roots which are extremly sensitve and always hurts when I eat. I recently broke a tooth and part of the filling. It hurts to chew on it so I use the other side of my mouth which has a gaping hole due to a tooth being pulled a couple years ago. I have bad halatosis for I have not had my teeth cleaned in twenty years. I hope you can help. Thank You.
Hello,
My name is Brian Allen Jr. I am 11years old and my mom is 34 years old. The reason I am sending this is because my mom has be to many dentist office with the dental insurance she has and they have told her it will cost over $5000 to repair her teeth. My mom is a very pretty lady and had very pretty teeth at one time, she smiled a lot. Now because of all the damaged and work she needs done she does not smile as often. My mom works a fulltime job and is a fulltime student for a Bachelors Degree in Network Technology and the only thing I would like for my mom this christmas is to have that pretty smile again. I know she can not afford it even though she works a lot. One day I plan to be a great football player and if you can help my mom in any way I will pay you back plus more. Please help my mom.
I entered the contest, because i have severe over-crowding and it’s so embarrassing, my useless insurance won’t cover any cometic’s, my self-esteem is very low and i know that’s why i’m still single at 35, please help!!!!!!
I am 30 yrs.old and a dentist told me just to save my teeth it would be about 20,000 dollars. but that was if they could be saved! he said but it looked more like I would need implants or work and venners wich was about 30 to 70,000 dollars I do not have insurance and no way to correct the problems with my teeth. so I am Begging for help!!! My unattractive smile is not only a self-esteam issue but a health issue aswell my doctor told me I needed them fixed and that they were the reason I don’t have energy and always sick and could cause a more serious problem if not taken care of. I need your help!!!!!!!!!! PLEASE……….
I’d like to have a nice smile to win the self-esteem I never had.
Hi! Iam 49. Single mother. I do manicures for a living. Life is very expensive. And Dental Care is extreme. I was told by U.M.D.N.J dental school that I need 10 implants. Price,24.000 in one years time. And ofcourse I could never pay that amount. And getting dentures sounds horrible. I would play hundreds of sweepstakes trying to win money to get my teeth fixed. Here I am and still with bad teeth.I still play the sweepstakes and still waiting. I wish for once in my family life something nice could happen. My mother, would play for years and nothing happened. She passed away last Oct of 2007. It would make me so happy. Now, Iam always depressed. Its true, like all the other people with there stories. Having unsightly teeth can ruin a persons life. I wish there was such a place for people who only make 15.0000 and under. It would be so nice if all Dentist in the United States would take one person one time in there life to help one person who cannot afford having there teeth fixed. Just one time. If all Dentist agreed to do this, I think all the people who are poverty level would be taken care of. Well, I know I am not going to win. But I wish for all the people who are in need of dental work, I hope all of you will someday or eventually be able to either find a dentist who would be nice enough to not charge an amount that is outragous for us. I mean even at the dental school in newark cost a lot. I will continue to play sweepstakes. Bless you all!!!
Hello. I am a 24 year old mother of 3 beautiful children and i can honestly say that i have never had a petty smile. I was born with a dental issue that was passed right on down through my family. I have extra teeth in front of my four top front teeth that are pushing my teeth backwards slowly but surely. Everyone in my family suffers from tooth decay and mine are getting really bad. I have had 3 teeth pulled and one by one they keep breaking plus my all 4 of my wisdow teeth are coming in straight into my back teeth. I have been made fun of, to my face, by many people (strangers and people i knew). I don’t leave the house anymore unless i have to and if i do i try not to smile in fear of the look people give me when they see my teeth. It hurts me for may reasons but it really sucks to think that i will never truly be able to be happy. I have a few things i would like to accomplish in my life time that i don’t think i will be able to do with out this one thing that i cannot control. I want to go to school then open my own hair salon once my youngest is in school but i cannot stand being embarrassed. I also have 3 wonderful children two with my fiancee who i want to marry and who actually wants to marry me irregardless of the was i look or feel about my self because of this but i refuse to get married until i can smile in a picture or even infront of people and thats just not fair to my fiancee, our children or me. Its embarrassing, ugly, irritating and sometime painful. Please oh please i really don’t like asking for things from others but i don’t know what else to do. Please help! Thanks for your time and consideration. Keep me in mind and i’ll keep you in my heart and prayers.
I’m 35 years old, and more than two-thirds of my teeth need to come out, due to breakage at the gum line. I haven’t seen a dentist in a great many years, because I haven’t had the money to take proper care of myself. Many abcesses and infections later, I’m at the end of my proverbial rope. I’ve recently found the woman of my dreams, and I really want to look good for her, and to stop having people look at my teeth and automatically judge me as being a lesser person than I know I am… I really need help, and I find myself praying that I can find a way to regain the self-esteem that comes from having a good smile. If selected, I promise to be a walking advertisement for the benevolent soul that chose to take a chance on me.
My husband was in the Navy for 23 years so that means I had to find a new Dentist every 3 years. I had a bridge done in Porto Rico, etc. etc. I would just love to have all my teeth problems fixed by a good Dentist not one I can effort
Thanks Kathleen
I need my mouth save ed. I have a pretty smile but my teeth HURT. I’m 26 years old an I need a lot of dental work. I need 3 teeth extracted, 7 root canals, 7 crowns , 2 dental implants.. That is what I call a lot of work. That’s what I call pain. If I could win a dental make over I would do a back flip.
thank you for excepting my application i hope i will be picked for this makeover i am 27 years old and i have a serious dental problem and if i was picked this will bring back my love of smiling
please help
long story short my mouth needs help
please help my mouth
I am 35 and in very much need of work done on my teeth. With losing my good job I had back in 2002. I have had no dental insurance since. Now just the other day one of my huge fillings fell out, and they need a major cleaning, hard telling what else is going on in my mouth. With my current job that has no dental insurance and the cost of living now days. Whats going to happen to my smile everybody I can not afford to see the dentist to get my teeth looking pretty again. :-( After all my mom and dad had paid for me to have braces back when I was 8 years old, I feel terrible that I can not take care of my teeth like they cared about my smile. Will I have to hide my smile cause I can not afford the care they need.
im 14 and my dream is to get my teeth gap closed i cry every night knowing that to get my teeth fixed is alot of money and it wont happen. can someone help please.
Please help my teeth! i am 20 years old with exreme dental problems and it is severly affecting my life and self-esteem! i am in desperate need of a dental makeover. i am currently unemployed because of my low self-esteem and i am always trying to hide behind my hair and make-up. i would love the oppourtunity to go to college and make something of myself, but it is really hard to get motivated when i am so depressed and afraid people will make fun of me. i have cavities, my bottom teeth are straight across not round and pretty, which results in about an inch of overbite, my jaw is crooked and i cant completely close my mouth without my jaw popping. i am constantly in pain. i cant chew without my jaw locking up and i have to open it really really wide and i look ridiculous, this goes on everytime i eat you see. i dont smile even around people i love because i dont want anyone looking at my teeth. i have almost applied for dentures just to have beautiful teeth, they dont have to be perfect, just better that this. im not asking for alot of money to be put into me, if i could get a little help that would be great, then maybe we could split the cost and give away some of the money to someone who needs it. PLEASE PLEASE HELP ME!!! i cant live under a rock forever.~~Tiffany
My teeth are horrible, I have several abscessed teeth, which has caused an irregular heartbeat, 8 teeth missing and whats left is chipped and falling apart. I am 38 years old the mother of a 20 yr old and 17 yr old and now the caregiver of my 4 yr old niece. I don’t have dental insurance and desperately need help with my teeth. I have extreme fear of dentists which has made the journey along the way even more difficult. I care about my appearance, but that is not even a big concern anymore. I would just like to have a day without pain and popping ibuprofen left and right. I would like to eat normal solid food again, like a steak, popcorn, peanuts, and ice cream. Please help me in anyway that you can I am in misery!!!
I am a 53 year old male. I have always been afraid of the dentist.I mean very,very afraid.To the point that my mouth is in very terrible shape.It depresses me to even look in the mirror.I don’t know what to do;I have no insurance and I am at the end of rhe rope.Please,I need help!
I am a 43 year old african american with serious dental problems that are leading to serious health conditions. I have dreams of being sucessfull in the field of administation or even education however my appearance and self esteem prevents me from furthing my career possible my life. Although I have a degree it has now and will not ever benefit me or society because of my appearance. I have no money nor do I have insurance. If you only help me to save my life , that will be good enough for me. Thank you in advance for you cooperation in this matter. You help is deeply appreciated. Sincerly Shawn Holmes
Hi i am a mom of 4 and i am constanly sick because of my teeth i have 6 teeth that has already chipped out and well to be blunt my teeth are rotting away i am in so much pain that no matter what pain relaver i take it dosent work any more ive tried alot of them and still no help i cant really eat any food with out causing piercing pain in my jaws i have no way of getting dental insurance because i dont have a job just please help me
From the articles that I have read, that it seems like a good deal, that I would like to check out. My dental issue is that I have an missing tooth in the front, with the exception of the space that was there before time. I’m now a choir director at my church and just the thought of having a missing tooth really discourage me with the choir, and my self. So please send me all the information on this new and unfound miracle.
I was wondering who won this contest.
I need my teeth done so badly i am a sweet person on the inside but since i don’t smile people think i am a mean person but i am not just don’t smile like i used to.
I really need to have my teeth fixed. I was in an abusive relationship and have a broken front tooth, cause from this. I want to be able to smile again. I’m working on my 30yr High School Reunion that will be next yr (2010). I’m trying very hard to get this all done, but it’s so expensive. I also have some broken crowns, that were never done right and my teeth are inbedded and required surgery to have them remove. I want to be able to smile again and be happy. I would really appreciate any help you can give me. I don’t have any medical or dental insurance to get this done. I’m very ashamed of the way I look and don’t want to go out with my friends. I want to smile, again. PLEASE HELP ME!
What’s up, Docs? I would like to begin by telling you that I have tried taking proper care of my teeth all my life. I have always brushed at least twice a day, and, up until there were too few teeth to bother, flossed daily. Weak teeth have run in my family for generations, however. To compound the genetic predisposition, I was addicted to methamphetamine for a couple of years. Even though I ceased using meth over a decade ago, irrepairable damage was done, and despite all attempts to save them, my teeth continue to disintigrate. My only desire is to be capable of showing the world the joy and love I feel with my smile. I want people to see the me from now. But, I can feel people looking at my gruesome grill, and suspect that many of them judge me by this, possibly thinking that I am still a drug addict. I am a psychology major, and badly desire a career which will require a great deal of public contact…and confidence. But, my self image and the perception of what others think keeps me working in dark back rooms or by myself. For this opportunity, one million thank you’s would not begin to express my gratefulness.
Does anyone know how much dental veneers are? I learned alot about veneers on the Dear Doctor website that sponsors the smile makeover contest. I really would like veneers but have no idea how much dentists charge. I entered the contest so I am hoping for the best! I entered the contest at http://www.deardoctor.com
All I want to do is smile again. I have insurance but it will not cover all the work I need. I have been a single mother for the last eight years and I work with children. They deserve a smiling face every day. Please help me and them.
Hi i will die for an opportunity like this. I am 31 Years old mother of 3. With pregnancy and the lack of calcium to my body my teeth have deteriorated. I cant hardly eat my front teeth are cracked. I am missing a lot of teeth. I dont even like to speak with people because my breath is really bad. I dont kiss my husband anymore. I always make an excuse and i see my life and family falling apart. I live in a two bedroom home with my husband 3 kids and my father which is disabled. I really cant afford to get any dental work done. I wish i can get help. Everyday i have nightmares that my 2 fron teeth are going to brake. Please help me get a smile on my face and a chance to live a healthy life again. Thank you for reading this post.
Yami
I AM ONLY 29 AND MY TEETH ARE TERRIBLE . I GO THREW PAIN EVERYDAY IT HURTS SO BAD I GETR HEDACHS I NEED THIS MORE THEN ANY THING IN THIS WORLD I AM A MOTHER OF 3 KIDS AND I WANT THEM TO SEE THAT I CAN SMILE AGIAN PLEASE PLEASE HELP ME
I am a 37 year old female whos always been self concious of my teethe.People tell me I’m pretty all the time but I never let them see me smile.All I ever dreamed of is having a pretty smile.I’m not this mean person everybody thinks I am I just know How discusting my teethe are and I will never smile no matter how many times in a day people tell me to.I would give anything to be able to laugh and smile without all the shame I feel for not taking better care of my teethe when I was younger.If any one can help me please let me know!I would be eternally grateful
im a 31 yo mother of three im in desprate need of help i was the victim of domestic abuse. my teeth were bad enough to begin with and than they were knocked out i cant laugh or smile and i have had to turn down job offers because i cant smile is there any one out there who can help? please!!
I am a single mom of 2 – laid off and lost my insurance. I love to laugh and smile but I look terrible. I have no bottom teeth and a bad over bite. I would be a project for any dentist. I would do whatever I could to have my smile fixed.
Please help. I am a 40 yr old single female with severe dental problems. I have my two front teeth but missing the ones on either side of them and a few in the back (all on the top). I have had a partial, or what is call a flipper that was only good for a year. It has now been three years and one of the front teeth have broken off of it. I have had to crazy glue it back on the the flipper. I cannot afford a bridge or implants which is what I was told by my doctor that I needed. I have just been notified that I may be getting laid off in the next month so there goes my dental insurance. I am also dealing with Thyroid cancer which I am having surgery for on May 4th. I just had a hysterectomy 2 yrs ago because of endometreosis. Everything that I have ever wanted in my life seems to have been taken away from me. I wanted to have a baby more than anything and now I will not have that chance to do it naturally. Yes, I can adopt but I want my child to have a father. I cannot meet a good man because I have no self confidence because of my teeth. Now that I have had to crazy glue one back in, it is painful in my mouth after a few hours. I have been trying to save money to have my teeth fixed but now that will be going towards my thyroid surgery. I have been told that I have a beautiful smile. I want that back. I want my confidence back and I want my life to feel complete. Please please help!!
I need a full mouth reconstruction, i keep putting $ into my mouth, by the time i pay off my dental bill my other teeth need help. I was told the total amount is around $25,000.00. i just paid $5,500 for a 4 ynit bridge. I am 35 and almost toothless! I have had several root can. and crown…just for them to fail. I have heard of dentures that clip in you mouth…I haven’t heard of anyone having these dentures but it does sound good.
I went to a dentist a few years ago and her told me that it was a shame that i had teeth like that bacuse i was so attractive! Depressing!
i am so lucky in so many ways , im 55 been married for 39yr. raised two great daughters.my husband&i have worked hard but jobs with no insurance or dental. we have always payed our way threw life.but i was told 6yr. ago i needed 23 thousand in dental work.my husband always says i wish i could do that for you. i would like to win the makeover the ofcourse . but also to take that burdon off him. just dont think we can get ahead to ever afford .it would be great to smile at him like i did when i met him at age 16!!!
I really would love this makeover I have had so much dental work done but not the main thing that i want so much. I have a major crouded mouth witch makes my two front teeth very crouded.I also have a missing tooth due to not taking care of them. Ever since I was a little girl i have always wanted to have straght teeth. My little sister got them done but my parents didnt have enough to do mine. Please let me have the smile i have always wanted!
I am in such desperate need of major dental work. I am afraid if it’s not done soon, it will affect my health. I spend alot of time in excruciating pain. I have recently lost my job due to our company shutting down and do not have the resources to pay for my much needed dental work. I would love to have a smile without being self conscience about it. Please help me.
I’m a single mother who has raised both boys on my own, needless to say I don’t have the money to fix my
teeth or to get braces for my son who desperately needs them. If someone can direct me to a dental school or dentists in my area that can help me I would greatly appreciate it. From reading some of the other stories I see that there are people that are alot worse than me. So any help that you can give me would mean the world to me.
I’m a 43 year old Mother of 3 and 2 i call my own.I have severe dental problems.Four years ago my teeth where beutifull & i loved my smile then before i knew it they started rotting away lifting at the gums.I have no insurance & have met the man of my dreames and we have been togeather now for a year & 4 months 7 his teeth are so perfect.Any way’s we are getting married soon but i am scared that as fast as they are rotting my wedding pictures wont be so happy.Please help me.I’m so embaressed of my smile.God Bless!
approx 22 years ago, I had a terrible auto accident. Was hit in the side of my car by a reckless driver. This broke my neck and damaged my teeth which were capped and last month my caps fell off and I do not have the money as I work at a school helping handicap childern with minimum wages and have a 12 year old son. I am a single mother and the children are even bothered with this. Thank you
I’m a soon to be 40 yr old with no type of insurance. I have a tooth that is turned sideways in my gums that never came down when I was younger which leaves a space where a tooth shoud be , now years later that tooth in my gums is on the move and causing the tooth next to it to be pushed sideways which causes my mouth major pain. The pain is so painfull at times that I take goody powder medicine and rub it on the missing tooth area to relieve some of the pain but that only last so long then the pain starts all over again. I’m at my wit end PLEASE HELP ME IF YOU CAN .
I am only 21 years old and my teeth are horrible. As a child my parents could not afford dental insurance so I lacked the proper care. I am a full time student and i also work full time and it would mean the world to me to be able to smile. Thank you for you time!
I am 30 years old single divorced man suffering for the last couple of years to the point it has affected my health and self esteem and confidence. I want to be able to smile again and not hide my teeth from others and being judged for that.
i am 23 years old and i have a bad cavity on my front tooth and it moved to the next tooth on my left side its just a big hole in the back the last dentist that did my teeth when i was 14 he only put a temperery feeling because i didnt have insurance he said to cover the costs my temporery feeling fell out within 8 months so my two teeth are hollow and im afraid there going to break i need major work done. please please help me
I hope this site can help me I have been in the military for years either active duty, reserves and now National Guards, I went to every dentist here in South Carolina, My last Dr. Larry Ferguson told me I have to have 6 extractions and two bridge done and the cost $9,000.00 and I can pay a bill like this over time but none not one doctor would this this I spend all my years servicing my country only to find out not even the military or a good dentist will help with this I hope by winning this contest some one could.
I would love to have the opportunity to have my teeth restored..I am tired of countless times of going to the hospital because of abcessed teeth and gum discomfort. my self esteem has fallen and my smile is no more.
my only dream is to have a beautiful smile but it is too expesive for me and i have tried so hard to find help I only wish i can be helped here .my life i gonna change forever with a new smile. thank you and god bless you all and cogratulations to the chosen one.good luck everyone.including me.
PLEASE HELP ME. I havent smiled in years and although I know my kids love me I know their embarressed about letting any of their friend see me because my teeth are in terrible need of fixing. I don’t speak to anyone and have gained so much weight because I’m so depressed. Please help me I even stop going to church. I want to be a part of my kids social life and I want to actually smile at my job or smile with my kids and I’m tired of crying everyday. Please help me and my kids. thank you.
Thanks for taking the time to listen. Because of my ignorant i neglected to give proper maintain on my dental hygiene, my mouth is in such a bad condition that i am afraid to talk to people and forget about smiling. they are missing,yellowish,decayed and the worse part is i can’t afford to even pay a low budget clinc fee and i work part time. I sincerly pray that God will grant me this this one miracle by touching adentist to help me. I am getting depressed over this matter ,but i am keeping my faith. Will you help me?
I WAS BORN IN GUATEMALA CITY WITH A CLEFT LIP WHEN I WAS 5 OR 6 MONTHS THEY TOOK ME TO CANADA TO CLOSE MY LIP BUT AS I GREW MY TEETH DID NOT COME OUT RIGHT I HAVE TEETH COMNG OUT OF MY PALLET AND EVERYWHERE ELSE I HAVE NO INSURANCE AND WHAT THEY TOLD ME IS THAT THEEY ARE TAKING SOME BONE OFF MY BOTOM TO RECONSTRUCT MY CHIN AND MOUTH PLEASE IF SOMEONE CAN HELP ME
I am a 48 year old recovering meth addict . my teeth are in bad shape and starting to hurt. I do not have the money to fix my teeth and I have been looking for some program that can help me with my teeth. I have not been able to smile for years. It is hard to eat some times due to the pain. Is their any one that can help me with getting my teeth fixed ?
I am a 34 year old woman with two girls. i really need help with my teeth. i have alot of plaque at the bottom of my teeth and between them. sometimes i wake up in the mornings i have a bad taste in my mouth. plus i have cavties to. i am unemployed right now cant afford any dental ins. i think i also have gum diease. please can sombody help me. i am depressed cause of it. i cant talk to people because i have bad breath sometimes. thank you .
Hi i am 22 years old. i am married to the most hard working man in the world and have a wonderful baby girl and stepson. I have the worst dental problems i have all four of my wisdom teeth and the tend to swell and get infected about every two months i also have a cracked front tooth and one of my kanines that failed to come in when it was supposed to grew in in the roof of my mouth and it is very painful it has caused me to have a big bump on my tongue. i also have one tooth that is turned sideways and its in the front. i have struggled with my ugly teeth my whole life and its really embarrasing my parents couldnt afford it and with two kids of my own and my husbands bankruptcy we cant now either… if you can help in any way i would be very grateful. i have never had pretty teeth and i would like to one day make my husband and my children proud to have a pretty mommy…. i’m tired of smiling with my lips closed and always feeling like people are staring at my mouth please help
I am asking for help with my health and my teeth. I was injured at work 4 years ago, had surgery for my his injury, I got fibroglymia due to stress and surgery. After that was diagnosed my employer fired me. My teeth have just fallen apart, can’t eat, really worried about my heart and health. Most importantly don’t want to leave my 5 without their mother. Please let me know me any way to get help with my problem. We live in the United States there should be some kind of programs to help those in need. Do you feed your family, keep a roof over their head, or fix your teeth. Of course the later waits but never will happen without a miracle.
Thank You
Tracy Chavez
http://myuglyteeth.blogspot.com/
I CAN GIVE YOU A LONG SAD STORY OR I CAN JUST SMILE AT YOU .PLEASE CHOOSE ME FOR THIS GREAT OPP. I WILL BE SO GREATFUL FOR THIS IF YOU CAN HELP ME . IT’S REALLY BAD WHEN THE FAMILY KIDS ARE AROUND AND THEY ASK YOU WHAT HAPPEN TO YOUR TEETH, AND IT REALLY HURTS TO HEAR ANYONE ASK. AM 25 WITH THE SMILE OF A 50 YEAR OLD MAN THAT HAS SMOKED ALL HIS LIFE. PLEASE PLEASE HELP. THANK YOU EVE
been a single parent for 17 years and i have neglected my teeth because i have not had insurance.i have soft teeth that break easily, im afraid to eat things like corn on the cob because i might lose another tooth.i want to be able to smile again and it might help when im looking for a job, so if you can help me it would be greatly appreciated
I’m a 31 year old single mother of 2 beautiful children. I have one dream that will change my life and that is to be able to smile and laugh without being in the dark or with my hand over my mouth. I would be so grateful to have a dental makeover. I also would be honored to be in the magazine. Thank You
I would love the chance to smile.
I am a 39 year old who is a father of 5 and i would like to be able to laugh and smile with them but I’m ashamed of my smile.maybe this will also help me at job interviews.
I am 29yrs.old.I am married and have two children.I am a happy person but I cant show it all the time because I am ashamed of my smile.It would change my life to win.
i am 36yrs.old and a child i am a very happy person i am single a nice person i realy need some help with my teeth please
my mom is a very special and very pretty lady whos teeth is in real desperate need please help her she gets so ashame to smile or go out anywhere all her life shes taken care of us and even outsiders that needed help but shes never had the finance to get her teeth fixed.she has done so much for others it makes me so sad that she no longer smiles or go out anymore shes 52 years young but she looks so young but with her teeth messed up itv messes her appearance up so much.please help her or my mom will never smile again. god bless you
If I received this once in a lifetime chance I will not have so many horrible toothaches and will be able to chew and enjoy food with my family and friends. It will also help the digestion of my food therefore relieving my stomach pains and problems that are occurring due to not being able to chew my food fully for having missing teeth and teeth that are on the process of decaying. My teeth started to decay during my pregnancy with my little girl Mackenzie and they still seem to be on a path of destruction. I am a 27 Years old I am a proud US Infantry military wife stationed at Fort Drum New York with one precious, amazing little girl. My husband deploys to Afghanistan for a 12 month tour October 2009. Money is very tight in our household, the ARMY is not one of the best paying jobs to begin with but we always seem to make it. I have United Concordia for my dental insurance through the military and it will only pay $1,319.00 which is good but not enough in my case due to the extensive work that needs to be done totaling $4601.00 out of pocket. It puts much added stress on me and my family to have toothaches constantly and stomach aches and believe me the US ARMY is AWESOME but you have to be a strong woman and or man to survive in the field and survive within your home life. I feel that it would greatly benefit me medically, mentally and also my family. To be able to have the finances to have this done would be a prayer answered from God and it would also be a huge relief off of me while my husband is gone to Afghanistan, because he helps out all the time with our little girl when I am having numerous toothaches every month and I know that it will be much harder to be the mother that I am when I am undergoing so much stress due to being in constant pain and having to fulfill the duties of a mother and father. Please consider me as a candidate for this grant; it will be a huge blessing to me and my family.
Over the yrears I have had so much work done to my teeth its unreal. I was told at a young age I had something called wash away theet basicly. I thought and thought about this and still to this day not understand this but its basicly what its called wash away teeth. After time Im sure as most of you know it adds up till one day you just have no more funding for it. Over the past 5 yrs I have lived this this and try very hard to smile everyday and most days I have to force myself considering all my teeth in my mouth are broke or missing. I was told it would cost around $6000 out of pocket to have everything pulled and pretty dentures ones that most people cant tell they are to be put in. It would be a blessing to have won this and have this done because I would be able to smile and mean it.
Having my teeth fixed would be like a dream come true for me. I’ve searched all over the internet trying to find a doctor in my area that wouldn’t charge me an arm and a leg to have all of my problems corrected, but so far, I’ve come up with nothing. I have so much work that needs to be done. I was involved in a really bad car accident that left the front of one of my teeth chipped. This has caused my confidence to almost dissapear. I’m always worried that when I go out in public that people are going to stare at my tooth and wonder what happened to me. Most of the time when I talk to people now, I turn my head away from them so that they can’t see my chipped tooth. And whenever I laugh, I always make sure to cover my mouth. It’s all very embarrasing really. But on top of that problem, I also have a cavity that needs to be removed. It’s very painful, and because I have it, I can only chew on one side of my mouth. One of our local dentists sent out promotional flyers for new patients to come in and have x-rays done for half price. I was both shocked and very dissapointed to find out that there are a lot of other things that need to be corrected, things that I can’t afford. If I am picked to be one of the lucky participates for this gift, it would mean so much to me. This would help me in more ways than you know.
I am a 24 years old mother of a beautiful 2 1/2 years old son who make me happy my only reazon to live but my all life I have a big frustration my teeth since I remember I have to get my teeth fixed it make me feel so unhappy and ugly I can’t smile I have a open bite sometimes I can’t eat I know im a beautiful girl but I will never going to have a smile I hope somebody open it heart and help me I need my selfsteem back thank you
Oh my God!!! The stories I just read about peoples teeth. I thought I was the only one with this serious medical condition that requires plastic surgery money. My mouth is a combination of all the stories from missing teeth to uncertainty about putting food in my mouth to swallowing it whole. To not wanting to smile and constantly putting my hand in front of my mouth when I have no other choice to laugh or smile( when I see my son). Throughout the years I tryed my best to take care of my teeth to the best of my ability and from what I was taught as youngster moved to my adult hood about teeth. I want a health mouth and all my teeth. Every single visit I had with a dentist they hurt me and the pain was just unbearable and mentally it played a major role in my life about going back. I couldn’t never understand why they hurt me. If this offer was granted to me I would be very grateful not just because my smile would be upright, but that I would finally be educated on the importance of a healthy mounth and teeth. Also, just maybe my fears would be at rest. When I look in the mirror and really smile I could see me with no shame. This opportunity some would say is a once in a lifetime, but it is for those who dont have the means to correct basic things that we all need. In closing of this request and story of my mouth I ask if you would please consider me as a willing, face your fear candidate. Thank you
PS. Thank you for offering such a valuable(mental)service to all of those who need this so badly.
PLEASE HELP ME!! MY TEETH ARE SO BAD I MAINLY EAT SOLID FOODS, I’M ALWAYS TAKING SOME KIND OF PAIN KILLERS AND MY SELF-ESTEEM IS BELOW AVERAGE.
I am a single mother who lost all hope of never finding love again because, most women my age seem to have a beautiful smile. I have an embarressing smile and so I never smile or show my teeth. It’s completely ruin my self image and hope of ever finding love again. I am lonely, I don’t date. I’ve tried the dating scene before and I am never asked out again because once they see my teeth I get the ugly glare, my face turns red and I am completely mortified. I am a working mother but I do not have medical or dental benifits. I have a disasterious mouth. Lots of missing teeth and losing more. I am depressed all the time because of it and I get migranes from the infection in my mouth. I would find it a complete miracle of I was selected amoung all the contestants. Although I wish all of us that entered was given the chance to win, I would be over joyed beyond words if I won! Good luck to all of you !!
My name is Stephanie Reed, I am a 20 years old. I am in need of serious dental care…My whole life people have made fun of my teeth, and I believe it holds me back from getting a decent job. My parents always promised me that they would have my teeth fixed, but it turned out that they cared more about alcohol and their social lives..I also feel it holds me back socially, and when trying to date..Im afraid my teeth will stop me from finding true love. I want to move on with my life and feel confident with my smile, and be able to open my mouth to laugh and show a grin…If i win this it would be a dream come true! I pray and dream that one day my teeth will be beautiful and not a flaw. People always tell me” your so beautiful, you just need to have yur teeth fixed” It really hurts me deep inside and I want my mouth to be as pretty as the rest of my body and soul. Please consider me, and good luck to others in need.
Hi! my name is chaella I’m a mother of two, 37 yrs old, i have a problem with my teeth. They are decayed, they break at times and i dont know what to do have tried dentists but the amount they charge me i simply cannot afford it. I only have a few teeth left as they break,this is happening so quickly, i can’t smile anymore, I’m afraid to go out or meet people because it is difficult for me to communicate with other people , right now one of my front teeth has a crack. I’m afraid it can break anytime…
please come to my rescue…
I have no confedance in myself can’t smile because of missing teeth.Please HELP me.
unemployed can’T AFFORD IT.
hope i could win my teeth are bad i need help i dream of new teeth every nite im sad i dont like to go any where cause of my smile
im a 34 year old mother of four that cannot afford to get my teeth fixed;i have teeth that need to be removed and just would like my teeth fixed to avoid health issues i clean my teeth but they still have so many problems
sign me up!!! I need lots of help, could be a “9″ instead of a “4″.
My dentist says my (what is left of it) tooth is loosening – and it is infected. It is a cap over a sliver of a tooth to the left top side of my mouth. My smile/teeth are the most important nice first impression I give. I am on disability and can’t afford it. What do I do? They say “payment plan” HUH…
I’m a 33 year old man who is the process of divorce, so far I have lost everything. I can’t find work the way I used to and alot of it has to do w/ my appearance. I am missing a front tooth, and one or two more that are decaying. I know if I could get them fixed, I could be more confident and it would help me to rebuild my life, and therefore insure a brighter future for my son Alex. Because he deserves good future, it’s not about me, it’s all for him. I want to make sure he doesn’t want or need for anything! Someone, anyone, please help me with my teeth!
I just really hate myself because of my Teeth.
my teeth had all been filled in the front and all the fillings fell out leaving me with a bunch of holes, i never smile only grins my 2 sons got married and asked me why a don’t smile in their pictures , this would truly be a dream come true. i am 60 years old and this would be great. dental insurance offers hardly anything for work on my teeth so its not worth the effort because i can’t afford to pay the difference. thank you
I am in a really bad sittuation, I feel the only way to get this fixed is to contact you for help. I am 34 years old and have very little teeth left (just the front teeth), the teeth that are left are broken-decaying-temporary. My anxiety is so bad just thinking of the dentist. as a child my mother never took me to the dentist, and now my husband is un-employed with no health insurance for us. while visiting my parents out of state this week, my front tooth broke and feel out, they made an emergancy dentist apt for me that night, I had to take my anxiety pills just to go, they only were able to put a “flipper” in place just till I can get money to fix it, but that will be a while. I am a very personable person, and love to talk and smile, but over the years I have become isolated in my own world, due to bad teeth and afraid that others will see them if I smile or talk. I am starting my familes business as a sales rep here in the midwest, but I know I will not be the same person that will “whoo” others with my customer skills due to being afraid to smile and talk. I am scared, I am in pain everyday and have to eat only soft food. My sex life with my husband has gone way down due to feeling less of a person from my bad teeth. I am asking for some help from you, Please! I would do anything for new teeth. Thank You. Sarah Phipps
Please help me, I have looked after my teeth my whole life, braces, lead removed, cleaned twice a year, and now they tell me i should have the top teeth capped. My smile is so important to me as I don’t want false teeth. I cannot not afford after spending thousands on my teeth to get more work done and would dearly love to hae nice teeth. Please help me I have dreamed of this for ever. Thank you in advance. I am an attractive woman with very good skin and high cheekbones and I don’t WANT but I NEDD white teeth.
I am genetically predisposed to have bad teeth. They are loose and falling out regularly.I have had them break,discolor and are painful when I bite into any food that is solid. Because I can’t eat a balanced diet,it is affecting my health. Although my kids don’t say anything about my appearance, I can tell they wonder why I don’t smile like I used to. I work with the public and find myself subconciously hiding my upper teeth when I speak. Any help I can get to fix my problem would be wonderful. I have had professional exams and have been told the cost would be quite substantial to restore my mouth.I am on a fixed income subsidized by a part time job and will never be able to afford the care I desperately need.
The military dentist did a job on my teeth in boot camp originally; but, since aging and disease have really finished the job. I really need to win this!
I am writing in for my wife who desperately needs help with most of her teeth. We have put off getting her teeth for too long, usually due to bills and raising our family. My wife needs extensive dental work done to her teeth which from what I’m seeing quotes from around our area are anywhere between 15,000-23,000. I love my wife very much and she deserves to have teeth that don’t always hurt when she eats or don’t fall apart when she eats, she never complains about them, but I know they give her problems all the time. If I had the money to get the work done it would have been done already, my wife works very hard raising our family while I’m on the road working each week and she deserves to have a beautiful smile and I wish I could provide it for her, so if you can please help, and if not thanks for listening and god bless.
i have always wanted my teeth fixed my medicade wont even cover cleaning’s no matter howe much i brush or flose my teeth just keep giving away im only 23 i dont want people to continue to think im 30 becuase of my teeth .
I am a wife and mother of 3. I had weight loss surgery in May 2009. Although I am regaining my self esteem, I rarely smile. My teeth are yellow and decaying due to smoking and gastric reflux. I have taken care of my teeth with regular dental vistis. However, the cost of dental procedures is outrageous even with dental insurance. I continue to practice good oral hygene. I really need help!! I have more energy with my weight loss, but have been told I never smile and seem happy. This is not what I want to hear. Please help me, so I can express myself through a beautiful smile!
I have had bad teeth for as long as I can remember. I have school pictures where I’m smiling real big, showing off my pearly blacks. Over the years the smiles became more and more closed lipped. Now I’m 33 and hardley have any of my teeth left. I have 5 crooked ones on the bottom that are pushing the 2 big front ones foward. One of the big ones is half eaten by decay. I’m not sure how much longer they will hold out. I would love to be able to smile without that little voice in my head always nagging me “hey, don’t let them see your pirate teeth.” Thanks you very much for this chance.God bless.
My mouth has been hurting for years. I had an accident, where I fainted and I landed straight on my lower jaw. My lower rammed up into my upper jaw and broke several teeth. Unfortunatly I am poor and cannot afford an oral surgeon. I have three children on a house cleaner income. I am in pain constantly. My diet mainly consumes cigarettes and liquids, for it hurts to drink. My problem is not a beautiful smile just constant pain. Please help me! Amber
My name is Emily, an ordinary mom from Boston, MA I discovered a clever trick to get a celebrity smile for less than $4.
Read my story here: My Story
Please help me, due to our family genepool,we have really bad teeth,no matter how much we brush and floss,our teeth just don’t get better in fact they get worse as we grow older. When I entered the military when I was 18 they started to try and get my teeth to where they were I could at least smile without being embaressed. That was ok for awhile,but then it all started to fall apart because the family gene took over and continued on it’s destructive path. I’m 49 years old now and I have missing teeth, holes in my remaining teeth when I smile you can see from one side of my mouth to the other as if you were looking through the back door to the front door of someone’s house. I can’t digest my food properly because I can’t chew my food properly. My gums are sore all of the time. But the most devestating thing is my selfe esteem is so low that I don’t laugh or smile a lot,and when I do I have to cover my mouth or lower my head. It’s frustrating to not be able to talk to people when you know that the first thing they see is my ugly teeth. I went to a job interview after applying for a customer service job, i thought everything went well with the interview…they never called me back, I found out later it was because of my smile, they didn’t want a person with ugly teeth greeting customers(can’t blame them). I used to attempt to date but after awhile I just gave up because even though I’m a good looking guy as soon as I open my mouth the date was pretty much over. I have a wonderful girlfriend now that doesn’t care about my teeth but I want to get my teeth fixed so that she will not be ashamed of me when we go out in public. I have thought about trying to get my teeth fixed but it’s just too expensive, I’m a layed off boatbuilder and I just can’t afford to pay the dental costs(not that I could when I was working). I was saving up money to get my teeth fixed, but being without a job for over a year it’s all gone now as was the hope of getting a better life. Please help me get my life back. Yes I want a beautiful smile but the main reason is that I want to be able to eat my food correctly and be able to digest my food so that I can be in the best health possible. Please help me.