A woman who lost all of her confidence because of her “horse teeth” and crocked smile has shared before and after photos after a major dental transformation.
As 41-year-old Leona Clarke from London revealed, she was “petrified” to visit her dentist for two decades because of her protruding teeth that made her a target for bullies from an early age.
The stay-at-home mom also claimed her teeth began shifting after gingivitis caused her gums to recede when she was just a child, leaving her unable to close her mouth properly.
After decades of being told she had “horse teeth,” Clarke managed to gather the courage needed to seek dental treatment and get the smile she deserved.
The $6,000 procedure took place in Turkey after the woman’s step-sister intervened and suggested the treatment to ease Leona’s suffering and help her regain her confidence.
“My teeth were horrific, they were big, bulky and embarrassing,” the 41-year-old recalled.
“I had zero confidence, I would not smile in photos and people thought I was quiet because my mouth was always closed.
“I was referred to as having horse teeth which stuck like glue in my head and even started seeing this myself when I looked in the mirror.”
Eventually, Leona settled on a $6,000 package at a dental clinic in Turkey that included implants, sinus lift, bone graft, and crowns.
While she was terrified of going back to the dentist’s office after decades of “traumatizing” experiences, the mother couldn’t be any happier with the results of the procedure.
“They removed all my teeth, apart from four which they left in for a frame and they ground my own teeth into a paste. They used this to rebuild my bone for the graft and I also had 12 implants, as well as a sinus lift in the first surgery,” Leona explained.
“I was very confused as I woke up and the next few days were tough, as I was quite swollen and I couldn’t eat anything.”
Months after Leona was sent home with temporary teeth following the first part of the treatment, Leona was instructed to return to the clinic to have her caps implanted.
From there, it took the mother several months to fully recover and even longer to regain her confidence. Now, however, she is no longer looking back and isn’t shy to show off her beautiful smile.
“I have personally sent others to my surgeon for the same treatment, one being my cousin who has finished and another two of my friends. It’s like a domino effect,” Leona added.
“I would say to anyone thinking of having it done, to really research the clinic and ask to speak with patients who have had the procedure. I’m so happy – and my smile shows this.”
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