Help Tristen Get Life Changing Dental Surgery

Hi, my name is Tristen and from a young age, my dental health has always been ignored. Neglect and lack of funds from my parents and guardians while growing up have evolved into an emergency that affects my daily life.

I was born with a form of Hypodontia that affects my daily life from physical pain when eating, to mental health issues. I have five adult teeth missing and five baby teeth that have rotted because there are no adult teeth to push them out and replace them. Along with no wisdom teeth. The rest are deteriorating fast, leaving me with about five to six functional teeth on my upper jaw.

For years I have endured severe pain and problems with eating, so much so that I currently can’t eat most hard foods at 26 years old. For the last seven years, I've endured severe pain, from chunks of my teeth breaking off while eating, to literally pulling out some of my teeth like some kind of nightmare, though this is very much my reality. Every single day of my life is met with extreme pain when it comes time to eat which to me has become so normal to me, I can't imagine what it's like to eat normally.

Furthermore, I'm realizing now more than ever how much this has affected my mental health throughout my life. To this day, it has been my number one insecurity. To laugh, smile, and eat in front of anyone is embarrassing. Fearing what others will think is constantly on my mind, and I am always working to make sure I don't show my teeth when talking to someone. My self-esteem and confidence are non-existent. There hasn't been a photo of me open-mouth smiling since I was a young child.

So, while this is a physical problem, it extends way further than many might realize.

Unfortunately, if this problem is not dealt with in the next few years, I’m told by specialists I could suffer more severe health problems with abscessed teeth. This is extremely dangerous on the upper jaw as it could result in brain complications and even death if left unattended.

Luckily I have found an oral surgeon and prosthodontist who are willing to take on this challenge. The whole procedure could take less than a year if everything goes smoothly. The quote I received was $8000-$9000.

The costs would cover

- the initial extraction of all ten upper teeth at once

- a fitting and temporary denture

- a final fitting and lifetime permanent denture to cover my entire upper jaw

- interim care and aftercare throughout

All my life, I've thought about this journey and dreamt that it could one day be possible. Now, having finally found the resources, I know it is.

I have no extensive insurance or family support to help cover the immense cost of the procedure, and I never thought I’d find myself here, but this is my best hope for making this life-changing surgery possible.

I need to experience eating freely and without pain.

I want, even more so, to not be afraid to smile.

I hope that you might consider supporting me as I push forward to make this dream a reality.

Thank you for reading,

Tristen