Being (a) Patient: Tough Decisions and Temporary Solutions

I have avoided writing this blog post for almost five months. I actually did write one back in June; when I first found out I can’t yet afford to finish my dental reconstruction. The shame and frustration of admitting that reality were so raw I couldn’t bring myself to post it at the time.

Since then I have tried to save enough to get to the point where I could put most of the money down to get the eight crowns and two posts I need but I am not quite there yet. I have enough money to start the work but the large payments I would have to make in the months following, make me uneasy because I would essentially be eating Ramen noodles the whole time and living in terror of ANYthing that might go wrong.

If I have learned anything from this situation (actually…I’ve learned a lot,) unexpected things happen. As much as I would like to stick my head in the sand right now and throw all my money and credit cards at my prosthodontist and be done with this trial, it’s not financially responsible and there is no way I can justify it. Besides, I am way too into healthy eating to survive on processed, freeze-dried noodles!

I am, however, impatient to make some progress. I want all my teeth to stay in 24/7. I also want to break bread with other people. I haven’t shared a meal with another human being in over two and a half years.  (It can be kind of gross when you are missing two front teeth and have braces.) I want back those things that I took for granted before but now I won’t. I would be grateful to have that kind of functionality back.

I asked my prosthodontist last week if we could at least do temporary crowns on the two implants and bond my two worst teeth. He went to work, taking measurements and an initial mold. When I called yesterday, his office manager told me they need me to come back next week for more measurements because, “he is trying to get [me] the best deal on parts.” (Kind of makes me sound like a car, doesn’t it?)

I still don’t know how much this temporary solution is going to cost. Hopefully, it is feasible. The temps will have to be redone when I get all eight crowns. So, I already know that it will end up adding to my total cost in the long run but it will be worth it. I just can’t endure another year in braces and a plastic flipper! I really need to get out of limbo. Being able to share a meal with loved ones and smile without being self-conscious will be priceless! Sometimes, progress is more important than perfection.

Many Blessings,

Cynthia

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justdragonfly

9 thoughts on “Being (a) Patient: Tough Decisions and Temporary Solutions

  1. sylvia

    Girl i so much admire you for this trial that you are endoring on in with much a positive outlook. I really commend you. Your amazing. And i would love to say those of us who know you know all the beauty you pocess inward and outward. But i can admit i would be in your same place had this been me. You inspire me my friend. And I’m sorry that you have to go through this, i truly am. But your strength and what this is making you I’m truly blessed to call you my friend. God bless you and I’m going to keep those finances of yours in prayer cause I know God answers prayer and you he certainly loves and will bless you!! Xoxo

    Reply
  2. Drea

    C, it is way past time for you to get out there! You’re young and beautiful, move forward however you can. Don’t wait any longer! Love you! Aunt Andrea!

    Reply
    1. Cynthia Lenz Post author

      That’s where I am at Aunt Andrea. Hopefully, my mouth will be in a more comfortable in a few more weeks. 🙂 … you know, after my “parts” are in! 😉

      Reply
  3. Andrea

    Oh, my dear Cynthia, I’m sending you so much love and wishes for this all to be over soon for you. Your strength and openness about it all is so admirable, but I can imagine also so very challenging at times. Just know that I am rooting for you! xo

    Reply
  4. D Wansor

    ❤️❤️❤️❤️?❤️❤️❤️❤️
    “Life moves on and so should we”
    ― Spencer Johnson, Who Moved My Cheese?

    Get back out there…….smile and be happy.

    L, AD

    Reply
    1. Cynthia Lenz Post author

      Thanks AD! I have to say,I haven’t really been hiding. I just don’t eat out which unfortunately is the go-to American social activity. There’s always plenty to be happy about. I realize that more and more every day. 🙂

      Reply

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