At The Happy Teeth Project, we are incredibly grateful for your support in welcoming our 2024 Smile Maker Winner, Alena.
Among many applicants, Alena’s submission stood out because she embodies the very reasons this organization was created. In the coming weeks, we’ll be sharing a “get to know you” piece about Alena, but first, we’d like to share what this project will involve.
Once again, we are partnering with Lazarus Orthodontics in Waterford, Michigan, and we’re thankful to have them as a partner for the fourth year in a row. When speaking with Dr. Lazarus, he mentioned that this case is one of the most challenging he has encountered in his career. It will be both a multi-step and multi-year process.
During Alena’s consultation, it was discovered that she has TMJ Disorder, which causes pain and dysfunction in her jaw joints and muscles, along with frequent headaches. In some cases, this condition may require surgery, but we’re hopeful that six months of treatment with a wood splint will allow the joint to realign. We are optimistic this approach will be successful and alleviate the pain she has endured for quite some time.
Before beginning this treatment, Alena will need oral surgery to have a tooth extracted. The six months of splint therapy will allow that area to heal properly, setting the stage for braces. Once braces are placed, it will be a two-step process. The bottom braces will be used alone for about six months, as her bottom teeth have significant curvature, before adding braces to the top teeth. After her braces are near completion, an implant will be needed to replace the tooth extracted earlier in the process.
As I’ve detailed, this is a particularly challenging project, and, as with any project of this magnitude, it comes with significant costs. We ask you to consider supporting The Happy Teeth Project with a donation. These donations make a real impact on the lives of these young people and their families.
Please visit our website or contact us directly for more information about how you can contribute and where your donation will go.
