STORIES

“My name is Lorry, and I’m sharing my story in hopes of finding help. Growing up in a low-income family, dental care was a luxury we couldn’t afford. As I got older, I’d occasionally get cavities, but it wasn’t until I had children of my own that my teeth started to deteriorate rapidly. Despite daily brushing, I’ve had root canals, bridges, and now I’m left with only one usable back tooth. My front teeth are gapped and on the verge of falling out.

I’m not ashamed to admit that my smile has become a source of embarrassment. The cost of dental care in the US is prohibitively expensive, making it inaccessible to those who need it most. I feel like I’m being punished for circumstances beyond my control.

As a young mother, I’ve always put others first, but now I’m desperate for a chance to regain my confidence and improve my oral health. I’m grateful for organizations like Smile Rescue, who are working to make dental care more affordable and accessible. Your support would be a lifesaver, giving me a second chance to smile with pride and live a healthier life. Thank you for considering my story.”

“At 72, I thought I’d taken every precaution to protect my teeth. But a devastating fall shattered my smile, leaving me with broken, infected teeth and a lifetime of dental work undone. Despite spending thousands on care, from braces to bridges, I’m now forced to face the consequences of Medicare’s denial. They deem implants ‘cosmetic,’ but I know the agony of living with broken teeth.

I wish I could show Medicare the pain and suffering I endure daily. My smile, once a source of pride, is now a constant reminder of my struggles. As a senior living on a limited Social Security income, I’ve worked tirelessly since age 15 to support myself. But with no second income and mounting bills, property taxes, and living expenses, I’m left with nothing for the medically necessary procedure I so desperately need.

I’m not asking for a cosmetic fix; I’m fighting for relief from pain and a chance to regain my dignity. I hope someone will hear my story and understand the urgency of my situation.”

I am grateful to Smile Rescue Foundation and their supportive donors for giving me a chance to smile again pain-free. 

“Hello, my name is Crystal Luers, and I’m a single mother of two from Ohio. Growing up, people often complimented my straight, white teeth. However, a series of unnecessary dental procedures led to a poorly fitted cap on one of my front teeth, causing an air pocket. Years later, a decent dentist discovered the issue and warned me to be cautious while eating. Unfortunately, the cap broke off while biting into a cheeseburger, leading to a partial denture, which ultimately caused more tooth loss and damage.

On August 14, 2024, I had all my teeth removed due to the severity of the damage. I’ve been devastated ever since. Medicaid doesn’t cover implants, and I can’t afford them on my own. Dentures seem like my only option, but I’m unsure when I’ll be able to get them. I want to regain fully functional mouth and my smile, and feel beautiful again. Any help would be incredibly appreciated and mean the world to me.”