My reason to smile was a 35 year journey. At the age of seven I broke my two front teeth. As one dentist labeled me later on, I became a professional dentist goer. I have been to many dentists over the years for restorative work. None of my caps or bridges ever lasted very long and were certainly not aesthetically pleasing, but they were functional. That was all that really mattered, right? After what seemed like endless root canals, mismatched coloring, replacements, revisions and restorations, I learned to accept that every dentist was the same, and that a bridge would always look like a bridge. When my last bridge broke, (pieces of my front teeth actually began to fall off in pieces while eating a peanut butter and jelly sandwich), Id had enough. Even though I had poor bridgework all along, I never thought twice about smiling. I was tired and disgusted with the whole bridgework ordeal, after having had countless unpleasant experiences. After all, my bridge was still functional, I could still eat and I was not self-conscious yet. Therefore, I stayed this way for just over two years. My family, friends and co-workers became accustomed to my appearance and I acquired a nickname, snaggletooth. Over this two year period, I became increasingly aware that I, in fact, was not really smiling. I was doing what someone once referred to as the Mona Lisa smile. Additionally, I was now covering my mouth when I smiled, ALL of the time, (another friend pointed this out to me in spite of my denial). As a Registered Nurse, I am constantly in contact with people. I had unknowingly become self-conscious. I decided it was finally time to address this, and once again, a consultation with a local dentist left me uneasy, disgusted, and doubtful, again. Months later I learned of Masci & Hale though a local commercial. I was wary as always. After an online visit, I found myself at their office. My experience with Masci & Hale and their wonderful staff will last a lifetime. From the moment I walked through the door, I was welcomed and greeted by a pleasant, personable, and caring staff. Thats right, caring. There is warmth in the Masci & Hale office that I cannot explain. I immediately felt comfortable. Courtesy and professionalism are second nature. From my first visit through my last, these qualities that the Masci & Hale team emanate never changed. Dr. Masci evaluated me and told me things that I had never heard before, things that made sense. My bite was causing trauma to the bridge. My lower teeth needed to be straightened, or no bridge would ever last. Invisalign was the answer, and had to be a commitment on my part. Dr. Masci felt so bad for me, (I was quite the sight), that he made me a temporary bridge immediately! Imagine that. I was conKfident, no doubt in my mind, that I finally had a chance at a decent bridge. That thought was an understatement. Over a period of approximately 18 months, the Masci & Hale staff worked with me, and my hectic schedule, to find my smile, a perfect smile. My smile story will never end, because every time I receive a compliment, Im thankful to the knowledgeable, skillful Masci & Hale team. I completed my treatment with such a beautiful bridge that I couldnt stop smiling. I was moved to tears, and so was the staff, that by this point had become more like family. It was truly that dramatic. I became accustomed to the questions, have you lost weight, had a face lift, hit the lottery, by those who know me. What a beautiful smile has now become a regular compliment. Thank you for giving me a reason to smile... Elisa M. Wilson