Sarah Vine, at 59, has undergone a significant dental reconstruction, a process that took nine months and cost thousands of pounds. The author describes her teeth as having been "a mess" due to a combination of genetics, night-time grinding, and numerous past dental interventions including crowns, fillings, bridges, implants, and a bone graft.
Vine's dental issues manifested as weakened teeth from a young age, a condition she shares with her father and brother. By her early twenties, her mouth was filled with fillings, leading to a phobia of dentists rooted in experiences of pain and financial strain. Over the years, her teeth had worn down, becoming grey and almost transparent where the enamel had eroded by her mid-40s. A severe infection that led to a bone graft and implant was described as one of the most painful experiences of her life.
Addressing Jaw Pain and Aesthetic Concerns
The decision to pursue extensive dental work was also driven by chronic jaw pain. Vine experienced a clicking and locking in her jaw, which worsened over time, causing pain and inflammation. While Botox injections in her masseter muscles offered temporary relief, they did not resolve the underlying issue. She noted that her lower jaw had begun to sink into her skull due to the wear on her teeth, contributing to the pressure on her jaw joints.
Aesthetically, while older veneers had maintained a passable appearance, Vine felt her teeth were no longer "fit for purpose." The prospect of turning 60 and a perceived link between poor dental health and heart disease, a condition prevalent in her family, also factored into her decision.
The Reconstruction Process
Vine sought treatment from dentist Dr. Edward Li, who employed advanced techniques including 3D scanning to map her mouth. The treatment plan involved removing all old fillings, crowns, and a bridge, then reconstructing the teeth to correct her bite and increase their height. This was intended to alleviate jaw pain, improve her jawline definition, and create a more youthful appearance.
The process was divided into four sessions over nine months. It began with a visit to the hygienist, followed by extensive work on the upper teeth, including temporary fittings. Scans were sent to a lab for permanent veneers, which were then installed. The same procedure was repeated for the lower teeth. Throughout the process, Dr. Li used numbing agents and technologies like electrotherapy to manage anxiety and discomfort. Temporary veneers were carefully matched in color to ensure a natural look, avoiding the "too white" appearance often associated with cosmetic dentistry.
Results and Investment
Vine describes the results as both aesthetic and functional. The nine-month treatment has not only made her teeth look better but also significantly improved her oral health. Her gum disease has resolved, and she no longer dreads dental visits. The reconstruction has effectively resolved her jaw joint pain and clicking, dramatically improving her quality of life. She views the cost, though substantial, as a sound investment in her long-term health and well-being, comparable to other cosmetic procedures but with more enduring benefits.
"The results are both aesthetic and functional: my teeth don’t just look better, they are also far healthier," Vine stated. She added that her jawline has regained definition, and the internal support from the corrected bite has eliminated the joint pain and clicking, resolving morning pain and headaches. The procedure also involved removing old lead fillings, addressing a potential health concern.