Dana L. Yeoman, DDS

Dentures and Implants

The Power of a Smile to Change Lives:  Mimi's Story Part 6

“Mimi!  We haven’t seen you in forever!  Glad you’re back!”  There was a buzz of hellos from her old friends in Tai Chi exercise class.  This was not the first time that week Mimi had heard these kinds of greetings.  She was pleased to discover she had friends from all walks who were happy to see her return to her old fun way of life.

Waving her hand, Mimi made some excuse about being busy with the holidays.  She knew in her heart that the infection in her mouth had made her fatigued, lethargic, and not to mention embarrassed and that was what had kept her away.  With all the bad teeth gone and a brand new Dr. Yeoman Smile, not only did her smile get a new lease on life, but her energy got a boost too.  Her immune system finally had a break from fighting chronic infection, and now her body responded by providing more vigor and zest for life.  Mimi was glad to be back in the center of life.

“So have you been on vacation?  You look simply refreshed,” asked one friend.  Mimi beamed and made a remark about certainly feeling refreshed, but did not bother including the reason why.  It was her own little secret, besides she wanted to see if anyone noticed.  While she got lots of compliments on her appearance, none were close to guessing the reason for her change.  Mostly they thought she got her hair colored and cut, since hair is “supposed” to change, but nobody guessed it was her smile.  When pressed for more information, Mimi added, “Oh and I’ve lost some weight.”  That would satisfy their curiosity, she thought, and change the topic.

As the Tai Chi exercises begun, Mimi couldn’t help but sneak a peak in the large wall mirrors at her smile.  It made her want to giggle. She started to lose her balance.  She would have to concentrate on her footwork if she wasn’t going to be a complete klutz!

An hour later, the group had finished their exercise, so they filtered out of the room chatting among themselves.  Mimi’s friends Paula and Denny sauntered out with her to their car in the parking lot.  Paula whispered, “If I didn’t know better, I would think you had gotten a face lift.  You look ten years younger.  I’m jealous.  So tell me, who was your surgeon?!”  They cracked up together.
Denny could tell that the girl-talk was not meant for him.  Not nearly as social as his wife, he went ahead to the car to let them talk. 

Trusting Paula’s friendship, Mimi made the decision to let her in on her secret.  She described the extreme make-over at Dr. Yeoman’s office she had gone through the previous month, and Paula was amazed.  “No way!  You’re kidding!  Those are dentures?  They look so natural!  YOU look so natural.”

“I know!  Can you believe it?  My whole life has changed.”  Paula asked her several questions about her experience, and Mimi gladly shared.

Paula stared at Mimi’s smile for a moment longer.  “Can I ask you a HUGE favor?  I’ve been trying to get Denny into the dentist for years for new dentures, but the Old Goat won’t budge.  Would you be willing to talk to him about your experience?  Only if you’re comfortable, of course.”

Denny saw Mimi flash him a smile in a way that made him instinctively know he was suddenly the topic of their tête-à-tête. Mimi replied, “I’d be honored.  Let’s get dinner.”

The Power of a Smile to Change Lives:  Mimi's Story Part 5