Dana L. Yeoman, DDS

Dentures and Implants

The Power of a Smile to Change Lives:  Mimi's Story Part 3

The album spread out across Mimi’s lap as she drifted through her memories.

•Christmas with her parents as a child - 1945
•Prom with her first heartthrob - 1958
•Wedding with aforementioned heartthrob - 1962
•Family portrait with three small children - 1973
•First time holding a granddaughter - 1992


The fashions and hairstyles had certainly changed, some for better and some for worse.  Some of life’s bumps and bruises had been encountered along the way, but for the most part it was a good life.  She had justly earned her gray hairs, even though she kept them neatly dyed and out of sight.  She had even earned a few of her wrinkles, particularly the crow’s feet that emerged when she laughed.  But what had she done to deserve her broken smile?  As the album pages turned, Mimi could see what started as a dazzling smile that stopped traffic had slowly deteriorated through the years into what now only caused shame.


Gently she pulled out her high school graduation portrait. Looking so regal in the black drape, Mimi chose the photo that showcased her best.  She smiled smugly to herself as she remembered what a peach she used to be.  When Mimi had called to make her dental appointment, Valerie had asked her to bring an old portrait of when she was proud of her smile so the doctor could discuss what it would take to bring it back.  Was it possible?  Mimi knew her teeth had shifted a long way from where they had once been.  She felt like a dental disaster, but at least now she had hope.  She took one last look at the past and shut the book.  Mimi now looked forward to her future.

Arriving at the dental office, Mimi was glad to find Valerie at the front desk.  Having already “met” her by phone, Mimi felt comfortable.  Mimi severely needed someone to trust since she would rather face a school of hungry sharks than go willingly to the dentist.  Already, she could feel her blood pressure going through the roof.  


Looking around, Mimi was surprised to find herself in what looked like a living room instead of a dental waiting room.  Oddly, there were several decorative baskets of Beanie Babies.  A sign explained they were being collected and sent to orphaned children in Ukraine for Christmas.  Mimi knew where she would be bringing her own small collection in the future!


Studying her surroundings, Mimi discovered some before-and-after photos of patients.  She was amazed by how different people looked when all that was changed was the smile.  Mimi noticed it was not just the teeth that were altered, but somehow the whole structure of their face made them look younger and healthier.  In fact, as she struggled to put her finger on it, she realized a new smile made the person’s eyes more brilliant.  


“Eyes are the window to the soul,” she thought, “so the change will be more than just new teeth.  A new smile transforms the heart.”

The Power of a Smile to Change Lives:  Mimi's Story Part 2 Part 4