Three months ago, Debbie Mealer went to Dr. Steven Andreaus' office for a dental makeover. Her transformation is complete and she is all smiles.
"I see the smile I've always wanted to give," she said.
"I think she looks fabulous. I'm just wowed," Andreaus said.
Mealer received a full mouth restoration. Every tooth had some type of work done to it.
Makeovers like Mealer's can cost up to $50,000. Andreaus says that is why it is important to teach patients how to take care of their new teeth.
"We want to make sure that they can take care of this. It's like getting a fancy sports car for a teenager," he said.
Besides daily care, patients return for checkups every three to four months.
"If we wait six months or a year between visits, if something starts to have trouble or there's a problem, then we're sunk," Andreaus said.
Mealer does not mind the extra work.
"It's just been a phenomenal change and it's beautiful. When I smile, I can really smile now and not hide my teeth," she said.
"I'm thrilled for her," husband Art, said. "I know how happy she is, but it really makes me feel good to see what he's done."
Was it worth the time and money?
"It's more than worth it. It's more than I anticipated," she said.
The transformation is more than physical. Mealer says she is more self confident and outgoing.
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