Making Dr. Cranford Smile

Dr. Bill Cranford, my dad, asked me to give him a new smile. I was honored that he waited to get his teeth fixed until I finished my dental residency.

We worked together to develop a dental treatment plan that would give him the best results possible. 

Problem: Worn Down Teeth

Dad had worn his front teeth way down. When he smiled and talked, his front teeth didn’t show. He had “missing teeth” in front for as long as I can remember.

His “toothless mouth” made him look much older than he is. His smile did not look full and natural. This was not a great advertisement for himself. Who wants a dentist who looks like he doesn’t have any front teeth?

He damaged his teeth years before he entered dental school. Eventually this led to problems with his bite. He wanted his teeth to look good and function well.

Plan: Fix Dad’s Teeth

I treated Dad’s case just like I would any other patient’s dental care.  We did not jump into fixing his teeth without having a goal in mind—and a plan to reach the goal.

We developed a comprehensive treatment plan to fix his teeth over several years.

Step 1: Conversation

I listened to Dad’s goals for his mouth: to look good and feel good. He did not want a bright white “Hollywood” smile. 

He also wanted to be confident that what we did would last a long time.  We discussed his dental history, and some of the factors that may have contributed to his dental status.

Step 2: Study

I did a thorough clinical exam of dad’s teeth and mouth. I took radiographs and  photos of his teeth. I made study models of his teeth. I put my training in doing comprehensive care plans to work!

Next Dad and I looked at this information to evaluate what treatment would work best for him.

I evaluated the information we gathered and used that information to determine that we couldn’t fix Dad’s front teeth without addressing his bite. His teeth were out of line. There was no easy “fix” for his teeth.

Step 3: Treatment Options

The models helped me see that there were two options:

1. Crown all of his teeth to help open the bite and correct the wear on the front teeth.
2. Move the teeth with orthodontics, then correct the wear of the front teeth with dental crowns.

Dad and I discussed my findings. They were both excellent options that would give him a great final result. We reviewed the pros and cons of each option. We looked at a timeline of getting each option completed.

I told Dad what I would do if I was working on my Mom or Grandmom.

There is always a good – better – best in treatment planning. Best is what the patient wants after considering all the options. Dad and I arrived at the best plan by working together. This is how we make plans for our patients.Dr. Elizabeth Cranford Robinson

Step 4: Choose Treatment Plan

Though he was nearing his 60s and wasn’t completely thrilled with the idea of braces, we opted for Option 2. Dad liked the thought of fixing the alignment of his teeth before beginning cosmetic work. 

I developed a plan of appointments needed and a timeline and reviewed these with my patient. Of course, I promised excellent care at a very good price!

Solution: Fixing Dad’s Teeth

With a solid plan in place, Dad and I were both ready to get started on fixing his teeth. He did not mind the time he would spend on treatment because he was confident of the end result. I could already visualize Dad’s great new smile.

We met with a local orthodontist who examined Dad’s teeth. We discussed in detail what I wanted the end result of braces to be.

Dad wore braces for about a year. During this time he came to Cranford Dental for regular cleanings. I examined his mouth to make sure our plan was progressing as planned.

Once the teeth were in the correct position, I lengthened and improved the teeth by making porcelain crowns for Dad’s front teeth.

1. I first made temporary crowns that were the exact size and shape the final crowns would be. We confirmed that he was happy with fit and function.
2. I made the final crowns using CEREC technology. I scanned in and milled the crowns in our office.

Dad requested oral conscious sedation to make him feel relaxed during his treatment. We documented his oral conscious sedation appointment so that patients could understand how this may help them relax.

Progress: Fixing Dad’s Smile

Results: Beautiful Smile for Dad  

Dr. Cranford now has a smile that looks natural and feels comfortable. He smiles big and often. The best compliment my dentistry gets is the friends who asked him what is different. They can’t figure out why he looks younger and better! (until this post—-Now the secret is out of the bag!)

I am happy that I could “Make Rock Hill Smile” by fixing Dad’s smile. I loved helping one of our own smile again. He looks happier and more confident with a natural teeth and a warm smile. 

Dad recommends to his patients what he would do for his mouth or a family member’s mouth. I trust that his excellent results will influence others to choose the treatment that gives the best long term results. The great outcome is worth the extra time spent in planning and treatment.

I am glad that I took the comprehensive approach to correcting my teeth. I have loved wearing my new smile!  Dr. Bill Cranford

Questions: Improving Your Smile

Are you totally happy with your smile? Do you find yourself holding your mouth tightly over your teeth? Or do you smile with confidence? 

On your next visit to Cranford Dental, talk to your dentists about what bothers you about the way your teeth look. They would be happy to develop a plan to create your ideal smile. 

With modern technology and an experienced dental staff, you may get great results with a very simple solution. 

Ask Dr. Cranford or Dr. Robinson to show you large before and after photos of Dr. Cranford’s smile. The comparison is amazing!

If you have questions about cosmetic dental work, make an appointment with our office or call 803-324-7670 to talk to a member of our staff. Dr. Cranford and Dr. Robinson will be happy to work with you to Make you Smile.