SOUTH BEND, Indiana--The loss of a person’s teeth can be a devastating life event.
It is estimated that a person’s dental function is reduced by as much as 90% without their natural teeth, and the impact on the person’s self-confidence and quality of life might be even greater. It is for these reasons that Heraeus Kulzer, a leader in dental esthetics, insists that the look and functionality of Pala Mondial denture teeth are virtually identical to real teeth.
For more than 30 years since losing her upper teeth, Lois had been wearing a full denture. During that time, she had also lost her lower posterior teeth and was forced to wear several partials. Just more than a year ago, the lower crown that held her lower partial became loose.
Every day she would put in her crown and then her partial, careful not to eat anything that might pull it out. She was constantly in fear of losing the crown and not being able to wear her partial. Eventually, she reached the point where her lower canine became useless; it had a large post and core, no ferrule, and was unrestorable. It was at this time that she was referred to Lee Ann Brady, DMD.
Dr. Brady’s initial treatment plan was to fabricate a new upper denture and a lower immediate denture. Once this was complete, Lois would have her remaining lower teeth removed and, after adequate time for healing and adjustment, have two lower implants placed to anchor her lower denture. When Dr. Brady showed her a simulation of the predicted outcome, Lois laughed and said that was how her teeth looked as a teenager.
Achieving the proper Class III jaw relationship and tooth positioning and size proved initially challenging. But with the help of Craig Nelson, technical manager for Heraeus’ Dental Lab Division, the eventual outcome was what patient and doctor had hoped for.
According to Dr. Brady, “Heraeus’ Pala Mondial denture teeth created incredibly natural tooth esthetics, and Lois couldn’t have been more thrilled.”
When Lois recently returned to the practice for her final photographs, she told Dr. Brady she had something to show her. Reaching into her purse, she pulled out her teacher ID for the new school year featuring a beautiful picture of herself.
She said, “This is the first year I have smiled in my picture since I’ve been at that school.”
To prove this, she then produced eight years of ID badges with no smile.
Said Dr. Brady, “Lois was beaming from ear to ear as she told me about how everyone has been telling her how great she looks and trying to guess what’s different about her.”
Added Nicole Turner, Heraeus director of marketing: “It is so sad when the condition of a person’s teeth makes them afraid to smile, but having dentures that look artificial can be almost as traumatic. That is why we go to such great lengths to ensure that our Pala denture teeth are not only comfortable and fully functional but exceptionally natural-looking. And we could not be more pleased that a respected, caring clinician of Dr. Brady’s stature has chosen Pala Mondial denture teeth to help her transform this patient’s life.”
Division of Heraeus makes $20,000 donation
This story is part of Heraeus’ on-going “TLC: Transforming Lives Chronicles” series about dental professionals who have partnered with the company to have a profound impact on a patient’s life. By chronicling these inspirational stories, the company hopes to create awareness among both the dental community and the public of the truly amazing things that can happen when talented, caring clinicians take advantage of dental materials and techniques.
Dr. Brady maintains a private restorative practice in Glendale, Ariz.
For more information, call (800) 431-1785 or visit www.heraeusdentalusa.com.
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