By Dr. Eric Wolfe
For many of my patients, restoring their smile in the latter half of life is one of the most profound acts of self-care they have ever undertaken.
At Summit Smiles Dental, we have the privilege of walking alongside patients who make that choice everyday, people who refuse to let the past define them and instead embrace a future where they can smile, eat and speak with confidence. Their stories remind us that taking care of yourself is a lifelong journey, and it’s never too late to start.
Choosing Confidence: Luke’s Story
Luke’s journey is one of resilience. After using at-home aligners, his front teeth began shifting outward, making him hesitant to smile in public. The embarrassment crept into his daily life, and his confidence took a hit. But Luke didn’t settle for discomfort. He chose to reclaim his smile, working with our team on a plan that restored both his teeth and also his trust in dental care.
Today, Luke owns his smile. “It has boosted my outlook on life and given me a positive attitude every day,” he shared. That’s what self-care looks like:choosing a future where you feel fully comfortable and confident.
Reclaiming Joy: Sandra’s Story
For Sandra, the decision to invest in her smile didn’t come overnight. She took her time, asked countless questions and made sure she was making the best choice for her long-term well-being. Over the years, her teeth had deteriorated, leaving her with two options: dentures or implants.
She chose implants, and after her initial upper fixed hybrid procedure, Sandra saw an immediate transformation. “Even my temporary teeth were more beautiful than my original ones,” she recalled. Now, Sandra smiles freely, enjoys a healthy diet, and most importantly, feels like herself again. For her, self-care meant making a decision that supported her happiness for years to come.
A Life Transformed: Monte’s Story
Monte’s story is one of physical and emotional transformation. Years of dental issues had eroded his confidence, affecting his role as a director at a major corporation. He felt self-conscious in meetings, avoiding interactions that once came naturally. When Monte chose to undergo full-mouth reconstruction, he reclaimed his identity. Today, he eats what he wants, smiles without hesitation and holds his head high.
Prioritizing Yourself
These stories remind us to prioritize ourselves and our self-care. Your smile is your gateway to confidence, health and connection.
It’s easy to put off self-care, to believe that age or circumstance means we must settle for discomfort. But as Sandra, Luke and Monte have shown, it’s never too late to make a choice that puts you first. Here is what the process looks like in six simple steps:
- Consultation & Evaluation – I will do a comprehensive exam, and we will discuss your goals.
- Customized Treatment Plan – We will work together to outline the best approach, from implants to veneers or full-mouth reconstruction.
- Preparation & Procedures – My team and I will begin your treatment with you.
- Healing & Follow-Up – Your mouth heals, and together we monitor progress.
- Final Restorations–My team and I place your permanent teeth or restorations for a natural, functional smile.
- Ongoing Care–Regular check ups at our office and your self-care at home keep your smile healthy for life.
If you have been considering restoring your smile, I will tell you personally: you deserve to smile just as boldly as you did years ago.