A Life Changing Moment

Dr. Salzer's experience with this patient was truly transformative, leaving her inspired, grateful, and reigniting her passion for dentistry. Reflecting on the challenges of 2022, she found immense fulfillment in completing what she describes as her favorite case of all time. “The year 2022 wasn't such an easy year for many of us. Of course some great things happened too, and for me, at work, that was finishing my favorite case of all time.” From the outset, Dr. Salzer recognized the complexity of the case. Yet, through it all, the patient displayed remarkable patience, dedication, and unwavering tolerance. Her resilience and positive attitude left a profound impact on Dr. Salzer, who admits to feeling sheer joy when the day finally arrived to remove the braces. “It's nearly impossible to do it justice in 90 seconds but the main takeaway was that this patient was so incredible, so patient, so dedicated, and so tolerant of all she went through. I knew from the very beginning that it was going to be a long road because there were so many steps we had to go through, so many procedures and stages and complicated visits, and she showed up ready for all of it. I think I was happier than she was the day the braces came off.” The patient's journey was not just about dental correction but a testament to grace under pressure and an unwavering spirit. Dr. Salzer's hope for anyone is to spread the same positivity and grace that this remarkable young woman exemplified throughout her treatment—a reminder of the profound impact compassion and perseverance can have in healthcare. “She really was an inspiration to me, the way she handled the whole process. My wish for is for everyone to feel positivity in the face of difficulty like this patient did.”

This patient presented with a unique and challenging dental condition characterized by a large mass obstructing the normal growth of her front teeth, resulting in the retention of baby teeth into adulthood. Additionally, she had a double impacted canine on the lower jaw. Her dental alignment was further complicated by a skeletal open bite, where her teeth made contact only on her second molars. Notably, when biting down, her lower jaw exhibited a noticeable shift to the left.

This complex array of dental and skeletal issues necessitated a comprehensive treatment approach involving specialists in orthodontics and oral surgery. Addressing these challenges would likely require careful planning to correct tooth alignment, removing the obstruction, and restoring proper jaw function and aesthetics.

Here is her initial condition with the baby teeth still present. This situation posed significant challenges as she experienced difficulties smiling and chewing comfortably, which also caused discomfort in her jaw. To address this, our approach began by keeping her existing baby teeth to create space for the incoming permanent teeth. Subsequently, we extracted the baby teeth and replaced them with fake “pontic” teeth. These pontic teeth are attached discreetly behind the adjacent teeth, allowing her to regain a natural appearance and the confidence of having a complete smile. This treatment not only improved her ability to smile but also restored functionality, significantly enhancing her overall dental health and well-being.

Her journey continued as her right central incisor finally emerged (with a little help from a laser), marking a significant milestone in her treatment. Shortly after, her left central incisor followed suit, allowing us to guide it into place while adjusting the pontic tooth accordingly. With each adjustment, her smile became progressively more aligned and aesthetically pleasing.

Despite these achievements, the challenge of her open bite persisted, prompting us to coordinate with a skilled surgeon. Following successful corrective surgery, she returned to us with a beautifully aligned bite and an enhanced facial profile. The transformation was remarkable, but the true highlight came when it was time to remove her braces. It was the culmination of her perseverance and our collaborative efforts. Witnessing her amazing smile and newfound confidence was immensely rewarding—a testament to the transformative power of comprehensive dental care.

Here's a glimpse of her remarkable before-and-after journey, highlighting the profound impact on this patient's life. Throughout the process, she exhibited incredible resilience and positivity.

The open bite issue was successfully corrected, and from the front, her midlines now align harmoniously. She looks and feels happy and healthy.