Real People with Cosmetic Dental Problems Tell Their Stories

I could devote this entire book to the wonderful stories about how cosmetic dentistry has changed the lives of thousands of my patients over the past three decades.

However, I think that letting you read some of the letters and emails sent to me from my actual patients in their own words is more powerful than anything I could say.

People are constantly telling me how lucky I am to have such naturally, beautiful teeth. Little do they know it’s compliments to you, your staff and your wonderful work. Being petrified of visiting dentists and cursed with a low tol- erance for pain, I put off

having veneers for years. To my amazement the whole procedure from beginning to end was easy and smooth. You not only were professional and gentle, but your humor also served to allay my anxiety. Now, I have the most spectacular teeth and a smile that wins me compliments constantly. I am so happy! My only regret is that I didn’t do it sooner.

I wanted to let you know that I am extremely happy with the results. Not only do my teeth look and feel natural, but having a beau-

tiful smile makes me feel great. I have a confident feeling about myself, knowing that I now have an attractive and bright smile. Just today, a stranger

complimented me on having such a beautiful smile. People really do notice my smile!

If any prospective clients have concerns or questions about getting porcelain veneers, I would highly rec- ommend they do it. Thanks for doing a great job!

smile. When they stopped mentioning it, I realized I needed help. My teeth had turned yellow and streaked in my 70 years.

dures. You were the most professional and the best informed as to my needs. I appreciated how you painstakingly prepared my teeth, advising me of each step, and applied porcelain laminates in a perfect shade to my upper teeth-without any pain! I smile now with confidence and, though the lines in my face weren’t removed, people won’t believe my age, as my teeth look 50 years younger.

At the age of 45, I was sure my life was over. I was not a fan of dentists, (having many bad experi- ences in the past) and let’s face it, most people are not, being afraid of pain and the money issues the

Here it is, five months later and I will never forget the office visit when you handed me the mirror and I saw the “new me” for the first time. The tears of joy ran down my face and I saw the pride on your face! Not once did I ever feel that I was just another patient.

Now, every day when I look in the mirror, I see a beautiful smile and when I go out, other people do too and tell me so.

You truly have a gift and I am so glad that I found you. Thank you for being you.

I went onto your web site and for the first time in my life, I had a glimmer of hope, thinking that maybe you would be able to help me. I called and made an appointment with Gretchen, who made me feel really comfortable by telling me that you were indeed the person who could help me. I walked into your office depressed and feeling alone. We discussed options, pricing and loan options and I walked out of your office with a new hope and a new life to look forward to, all to be completed in a matter of months.

I have to be honest that although there was a light at the end of the tunnel, I was scared of the pain and discomfort that I would have to bear. With each procedure and visit that I had, you and your staff

I just want to thank you, Dr. Kurpis, for giving me a reason to smile again. Before all these procedures I was very unhappy with my smile. Everytime I used to talk to people I would look the other way so they would not see my teeth. I hated pictures and would

were awesome. The pride that you take in your work that you do, and the way that the girls work as a team, made being a patient of yours so much easier. Not one procedure caused me pain and I did not dread going to my appointments.

never smile. I always said to myself, I have to fix this problem so I went toyou, MY HERO! Now I talk to people face to face without turning away and I smile often.

Thank you Dr. Kurpis for a beautiful smile. For several months I searched the web for a cosmetic dentist who could design a smile that would complement my facial features. Only your Website offered the kind

other websites showed before and after photos that had a very “one size fits all” look that did not appear very natural at all. I also found your credentials to be the very best I could find. You are clearly the most qualified expert in your field with a very talented eye for aesthetics. In two visits you were able to trans- form my widely gapped teeth into a beautiful natural smile that truly reflects my personality. I look younger, healthier, and much happier. Simply put, Dr. Kurpis, you are the very best.

Hollywood last week and one of the producers asked me to star in his movie. I told him I couldn’t because I was just made president of my multi-million dollar company. My wife brings me my slippers and the paper everyday now when I come home from work all because of my new smile! NOT REALLY- - but one thing is true! I AM DELIGHTED because for the first time that I can remember I can really smile again! I look at pictures of myself from the past and I can see everyone else in the picture has teeth showing, but there I am-tight lipped. What a differ- ence now! Every once in a while I still catch myself holding back a toothy grin, out of shame, and then I remember my smile is no longer a negative but a huge positive.

I also have to tell you how impressed I was with Francy and the girls at the desk. They made my two visits very pleasant. They were so pleasant and very professional.

I’ve been meaning to write you ever since you completed the work on me. I can’t tell you how delighted I am with my new smile. I was out in

I’m amazed that you could do all of that extensive work and yet I never had a problem with any pain or real discomfort. Even the temporaries fit well and were more than adequate for the two weeks that I had them. After the procedure I expected to have some problems with sensitivity or adjusting to my new bite, especially since you lengthened my front teeth a little. There was none of that. My final caps and jackets look extremely natural and they fit the gum line perfectly. Even when I floss, the floss fits just right between the spacing of my teeth. The whiteness that we chose is exactly what I had hoped for. The results just couldn’t be any better in my opinion!

Just a quick note to say my “grillwork” looks great. Thank you again. In fact, they got to unexpectedly be on air that night! I did an interview for WEEK- END TODAY on of all things…Bill Clinton

“unhappily” turning 60. I’m getting a copy of the segment and putting it on our website so you can refer potential clients to a happy, smiling person.

My teeth have never been my best attribute, and I have always been self-con- scious of the way they looked in addition to envy- ing those with nice teeth. I struggled with my decision

to spend this kind of money on my teeth, but finally decided to visit Dr. Kurpis’ office based on extensive research I did on the Internet to find an expert in the field.

I visited the Ridgewood office in early September of 2002, which I traveled an hour each way. Dr. Kurpis and I discussed many options, as well

as cost options. On my first visit, I made the decision to “just do it”, and I am glad I did. I took a loan out on my 401K which I can pay back interest free. An option one might want to visit.

I had my first appointment in early October, and I had 16 teeth worked on. I left the office that day with 16 temporaries. I was scheduled to come back in later October, and when I left the office that day, I left with my permanent 16 new veneers. I felt like a new person. I felt more confident, I felt pretty, I felt and looked great. On a few occasions since then, on meeting a person whom I had never met prior, they mentioned what a nice smile I had.

Something I had never in my life experienced. I am at this point re-doing all my other teeth, the ones that are not as visible. I am doing a few a year, which my insurance covers at some percentage. I was in Dr.

Kurpis’ office the other day for a cleaning, and he asked me “How are you doing with your veneers?” I said, “It was the best thing I ever did, other than quit smoking.” That is pretty powerful. I think about it, and I had wished I had done this many years earlier. All the years of not feeling my best, and not having the confidence that I have now. I always knew that when I meet someone, or am talking to someone with bad teeth, it leaves and undesirable impression in my mind. I knew that I had left that same impression on others when I spoke with them. Not a good feel- ing. I am one person who is very happy that I made the decision to have a beautiful smile.

I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for helping me change my appearance and in turn changing my life.

dentist because of the extensive damage to my teeth. I walked into your office for a consult and walked out feeling more hopeful than ever before.

I took the plunge 2 years ago and haven’t looked back since. I have a great new job that depends on my confidence and professional appearance. Without my radiant smile I doubt I would have been able to do this. I was afraid to have work done because of how much it was going to cost but even that was easy to work out.

It’s been two years and I haven’t had any problems with my teeth. I work in the medical field and I’ve even had other dentists comment on what great teeth I have. (No one realizes half the time that they’re veneers). I recommend that anyone even thinking about cosmetic dentistry “just do it”- you owe it to yourself to feel good. Take the first step and I promise you won’t regret it.

I am writing this letter to thank you for my new smile. I still can’t beleive it. I had bonding on my two front teeth for 13 years due to a huge gap in my front teeth.

actual veneers in my mouth, I was shocked at the dif- ference it made. I could not believe it. It has been two weeks and I love my teeth more and more every day. Thank you very much for my new smile. I definitely would recommend you to my friends and already have two co-workers who say they looked beautiful.

Actually, people can’t take it any more because I keep talking about them. Well like I said to everyone, you are the best! Thank you again.

At the time I thought that bonding was an easy way to fix my appearance. I was just happy the gap was gone.

Well the day I got the bonding I realized the teeth were too thick and overlapping the original teeth to cover the gap. I then started to have a hard time pronouncing certain letters. I also had a very bucked- tooth appearance. For years I had kept my mouth closed and never smiled, especially in pictures. I have been very self-conscious about my smile and could not stand my appearance. Then I heard about veneers, a new process to fix gaps with a thin porce- lain material. I can tell you I was very skeptical due to my last dental experience. Doing my teeth over was a big step for me.

My first experience at your office was very profes- sional staff was great (thank you Gretchen!), who made me feel very comfortable. She explained the procedure and let me view the actual veneers. When my veneers were ready she reviewed them with me. They were ready in only eight days. In the patient time however, it was a very nervous time for me. I wondered if I did the right thing. Once you put the

Dr. Kurpis is a genius! I never thought the implant experience could be so painless. My teeth look gorgeous, I’m not afraid to smile and my family says I look much happier all the time. Kudos to Dr. Kurpis and his entire staff.

I would like to offer a word of advice to anyone with even the littlest bit of inter- est in cosmetic dentistry.

Before I had my teeth fixed I was a bit skeptical, and so were those around me. Since having it done all minds have changed. I

smile all day long, and the people around me can see the difference. It is something I wanted done for a long time but was searching for the right doctor.

Believe me when I tell you, “you have come to the right place.” At my consultation Dr. Kurpis made me a promise that I would love my new smile. Today I can say thank you because I am like a new person. Like I said earlier, if you are even slightly interested then get it done. My confidence level is sky-high. It has truly changed my life.

Major dental work sug- gesting caps, implants, or other irreversible changes to your mouth can seem unduly unsettling.

result in giving your teeth what they need. With excellent dental care I have been given a spectacular and lasting smile, and a mouth that feels smooth and silky with the added benefit of improving my overall health.

I wanted to take the time to thank you again for the beautiful work that you did on my teeth. My whole life, I have had many trou- bles with my teeth. I have gone through many minor surgeries and spent a good

four years wearing braces. Even with all of the dental work that I had done, I was far from happy with my smile.

I dreaded taking pictures. I was even too self con- scious to smile at people at home, not to mention people that I met on the streets and at work, and many people viewed me as being unfriendly.

I am so fortunate to have come across your web site that day. It gave me such hope that maybe I could have a wonderful smile too. I called and made my appointment and from the first time I met with you, I felt so comfortable. It’s been very difficult to visit a dentist since I have had so many dreadful experi- ences. I was afraid that I was getting my hopes up and never believed that I could afford something like this. I walked out of your office that day glowing.

I was so excited knowing that in a few days, I was going to have a perfect smile.

Throughout this past year, I have smiled so much and you can really notice the difference in my personality. My nickname at work now is “Smiley”.

There doesn’t go a day that I don’t get a compliment or hear how beautiful my smile is. Nobody can tell that I have veneers. You do an amazing job and it looks 100% natural. I am so grateful to have met you and to have chosen you to be my smile savior.

Thank you so much for changing my life. Thank you for helping me. My confidence is high. My self esteem is high. My smile is beautiful and I owe it all to you.

Thank you very much for all of the work you have done on my teeth. Both you and your staff have treated me well and your quality of work was fantastic. Having Dr.

Kurpis put porcelain veneers on my teeth is one of the best decisions I could have made. As a young attorney, my image is very important to me. Not only was Dr. Kurpis’ quality of work fantastic, but dealing with him and his staff was a joy as well. They made a potentially complicated procedure very simple and an enjoyable experience. I highly recommend Dr. Kurpis to anyone who needs any type of cosmetic dental work.

With my wedding only three months away, I knew I was not happy with my smile and I wanted every- thing to be perfect for this special day in my life. I had braces as a kid but my teeth had shifted over the years and whitening proce- dures were not giving me

the results that I was looking for. You explained to me how veneers could give me a perfect smile that I was never able to achieve. I was nervous to schedule the procedure because you only get one set of permanent teeth so you need to be careful what you do with them! You and your staff erased all of my concerns so I went ahead and booked the procedure. It’s been one week since the procedure and I am very happy with the results. My smile finally is the way I always envisioned it to be. I can’t wait to take my wedding pictures now!

Last week you finished my veneers, and I want you to know how very happy you made me. I used to daydream about teeth like these-and now I have them!

What’s completely amazing is that you not only gave me beautiful, real-looking “new” teeth so quickly, but in so doing you also fixed my poor bite-and gave my mouth, smile, and entire face a refreshing new look! I absolutely love it! (So does everyone who sees me!) The result is a wonderful, new, happy attitude about myself and my forthcoming retirement. Dr. Kurpis, with my new look, you have actually “made” that next stage of my life. Thank you so much!

After being involved in a motor vehicle accident in 1997, my teeth were repaired by another dentist with porcelain veneers.

The veneers appeared bulky and masculine and fell off frequently. After extreme frustration I was referred to Dr. Kurpis and

my mouth was transformed. The veneers fit my mouth better and look perfect. In fact, other dentists have commented that they were unsure if my teeth were veneers because they look so natural. In addition, Dr. Kurpis has a gentle disposition with a great bedside manner. But, most important to me is that my teeth finally stay in my mouth!

About a year ago I had my teeth veneered at your practice. I wanted to tell you that I have been in the entertainment industry for 30 years and yes due to the fact I work on camera have had my share of

plastic surgery. Of all of the maintenance I’ve chosen for myself over the years having my teeth veneered was the BEST decision I ever made. The first thing anyone notices is your teeth! It is the window of your smile and beauty. When you have had bad teeth your confidence slips. My teeth were never extremely terrible but I felt self-conscious because of yellowing. I’ve tried EVERY product out there. They will never even come close to the result I got with your procedure. So for anyone wondering what to do about their teeth they should definitely consider your veneer procedure.

It has been just about a year since you did my porcelain veneers. I am still amazed at the difference it has made in my life. My smile was something I was always embarrassed about and wanted to hide.

I had thought many times over the years of doing something about straightening my teeth, but the prospect of wearing braces for several years was not something I could imagine doing. Even with braces I would not have gotten the dramatic effect that the veneers achieved. My teeth are now perfectly straight and whiter than I could have ever imagined. After years and years of the embarrassment I felt due to my crooked smile the dramatic change was accomplished in two visits and over a few short weeks.

Over the past year I have taken on a sales position at my job and this entails traveling to new and existing customers as well as to different conferences and trade shows. My new smile has given me much more confidence when meeting people for the first time.

This has helped me tremendously in the way I communicate with clients, colleagues, and in day-to- day life.

I owe this change to my smile makeover. I do have one regret that I think about quite often. That is that I did not have this procedure done many years earlier. This would have made a huge difference in my life in so many ways.

Again, I would like to thank Dr. Kurpis and his friend- ly staff for doing a great job and for making a dream come true. The dream of having a smile that I use to envy and that I can be proud of. Now I can smile and laugh with confidence and I will always be amazed at the beautiful job that you have done.

Thank you so very much for the fantastic job you have done with my teeth. In the past, I would have smiled on very rare occa- sions. When I did smile, it was a very smug, closed mouth insincere looking

smile. This was due to the fact that I was very embarrassed to smile. I had very crooked, yellow stained teeth, and was very self-conscious. People perceived me as being much too serious or snobby. This was not the case at all.

Since the beautiful job you have done on my teeth, I have been receiving compliments on my smile and my teeth continuously. I wish I would have known

about your work years ago. I had never imagined the entire procedure would be so quick and so painless.

Thank you so much for the beautiful new smile. I never thought my teeth could look so good. Not only do my teeth look great, but they are straight and give me so much more confidence when talking.

I am so happy you gave me such good advice on correcting not only crooked, but such discolored teeth. My teeth not only look wonderful, but also feel so much better. I will be happy to recommend you to anyone interested in having the best possible smile in such a short time. Your office staff is also very comforting and encouraging. Thank you for making this experience so rewarding.

When I decided that I wanted to try dental implants, I wanted the best dentist to do the work, so

I went to Dr. Albert Kurpis. Although I thought I would shy away from the cost of the implants, after a thorough explanation on the implant process,

assessment of my specific needs, and answers to every question that I asked, I decided to go for it.

Dr. Kurpis’ kind and professional manner, and his professional staff really made me feel comfortable. What really sold me on having Dr. Kurpis do my implant procedure was this: I already had bridgework done and he explained how I needed a new bridge along with implants. Again, I was not too happy about the costs. However, he said to me: “what level of quality do you want for your bridgework and implants?” He continued by saying, “right now, your bridgework is equivalent to a Ford. I can give you quality work equivalent to a Rolls Royce.” After seeing his numerous certificates in dental and implant surgery, his prominent positions in the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, and knowing that I wanted the best, I had him do the work. I have been very pleased so far with my implants, and I do feel he was the right choice for me. I would not hesitate to recommend him to others seeking implants.

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Perhaps in this case it’s not a picture, but a woman’s smile and in this particular case the woman’s smile is mine.

I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for not only enhancing the way I look, but also changing the way I feel.

I recently was involved in a photo shoot where the photographer kept echoing what a beautiful smile I had and how it seemed to light my entire face.

That light, or halo of happiness, comes from a talented dentist and a woman who has a reason to smile.

My original dentist suggest- ed I get six crowns. I was very apprehensive about crowns and their cost. Dr. Kurpis explained veneers would be safer, a much healthier alternative, and also, less expensive. Most importantly, he explained

The procedure was painless and only required two visits. The crooked and discolored smile I’d lived with for 40 years was gone forever. My teeth are white, straight, and great looking. I enjoy smiling now and am no longer self-conscious about my smile…instead, I like to show it off. My brother tells me every few weeks: “It’s the best investment you’ve ever made.”

I just wanted to say thanks for giving me my confidence back! You are truly an artist as well as a great dentist. When I left your office today, I don’t think that it was my new teeth that I wasn’t used to, per say, I think it was all the attention I was getting--- that’s hard getting used to! But I love it!

This letter is a long time coming, but I have thought about how I would write it everyday since I received

my new smile! Since I was a young girl, I have had horrible results and experiences with dentists. I would go to one and they would redo the job, only to have

more fall apart. I was nevcr happy with my teeth. Then, in my 30’s, I became a clown, a white- face clown.

ful. I taught myself to smile a crooked smile to only show the teeth that were decent and when my party moms would take a picture, I never smiled with my teeth showing. I didn’t want to ruin their picture. My Mom had great difficulty with her teeth all her life, but never went to a dentist. When she died, we real- ized how few pictures we had of her because she did not want her mouth to be photographed.

Then I found you. Just when another doctor was placing “flippers” and suggesting the possibility of dentures, I had to try just one more dentist. That was you and your team! In less than a year, I had implants, bridges and veneers in place and a whole new me!! It actually took me a lot of work to learn to smile again, but I do it ALL the time. I have never had such a beautiful smile in my whole life!

Everywhere I go, people make comments about my teeth and how beautiful my smile is! Even when I went to the McDonald’s drive-up, the young man said, “I hope you don’t mind me saying, but you have

a beautiful smile”! WOW! It is not that easy for a white face clown to have a beautiful smile against all that white make up. But I do, thanks to you. Like an artist, you gave me something that I only dreamed about. I am reminded of how lucky I am and I really appreciate what a fantastic dentist can do. THAT’S YOU!! I just commissioned someone to make a cari- cature of my clown, Daisy for use in stickers to hand out to kids. When we first saw the rough draft, all my family and friends said “You can’t use that one, you can’t see your smile. You’re always smiling!” So we had to have him redo the picture and add in the smile.

Every time I smile I will think of you and appreciate it all. Hey, if you ever need a clown, you’ve got one here who is always smiling!! Thanks just doesn’t seem like enough.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this chapter show about real people with cosmetic dental problems tell their stories?

This chapter from Amazing Smiles Through Cosmetic Dentistry explains or demonstrates real people with cosmetic dental problems tell their stories as part of Dr. Albert J. Kurpis’s broader cosmetic dentistry approach to improving smile balance, appearance, and confidence.

How do I know which cosmetic dentistry treatment is right for me?

The right treatment depends on the condition of the teeth, gums, bite, facial balance, smile goals, and a professional examination. Similar-looking smile problems may require different solutions.

Can cosmetic dentistry improve both appearance and confidence?

Cosmetic dentistry is designed to improve the appearance of the teeth and smile. For many patients, a more balanced and attractive smile can also improve confidence in social, personal, and professional situations.

Where can I learn about similar smile problems?

Use the related chapter links on this page to explore similar cosmetic dentistry cases, porcelain veneer examples, dental implant topics, bite correction cases, and full mouth reconstruction chapters.

Related Smile Transformations & Topics

Frequently Asked Questions

From Amazing Smiles Through Cosmetic Dentistry