After a trauma occurred to my two front teeth at the age of 10 years old, I began a dreadful journey. My first diagnosis was two chipped teeth with one worse than the other.
My parents then had braces put on, which I wore for only one year. I was told that I wasn't wearing my retainer (even though I was) because my front teeth were shifting. I was referred to a specialist and ended up with two root canals. As the years passed, I was told I needed to have one of my front teeth taken out and that there were no other options! Well, this resulted in a dental bridge involving three teeth.
By this time, I had lost 50% of my gum tissue and when I smiled, you could see black and gray areas around where my gums had receded. This made me very self conscious and kept me from smiling. As time went on, my bridge cracked so I went to another dentist who had another bridge made. I had high expectations but ended up with a bridge that caused me to whistle when I talked and my gums were still shrinking.
Years went by and I was still unable to smile. Once again, I thought I found the right dentist and had a third bridge made, and then a 4th! The results were the same as the others who had tried.
So I decided teeth implants would solve all of my problems and was referred to yet another specialist. Just before my 5th attempt to correct a thirty-five year old problem, I met a dental hygienist (from another office) who insisted that I meet with Dr. Fondriest. After our initial consult, I knew I had finally found the dentist that would absolutely make it right...he was a perfectionist. Dr. Fondriest has given me my self confidence back. My smile looks great: I NEVER think twice about smiling. I don't whistle when I talk and my gums are healthy again!
I can't say enough about my experience and I thank God that I found him. I love my dentist!
Thomasina Jungmann, Libertyville, Illinois