What she didn’t realize was that many of the symptoms she’d been living with, including jaw pain, headaches, and teeth grinding, were connected to an underlying TMJ issue.
During her comprehensive evaluation, Dr. Alex and the team discovered that before creating the beautiful smile Colleen desired, it was necessary to restore healthy jaw function. That conversation changed everything.
From the moment she walked through the door, Colleen felt welcomed by the team and confident she had found someone who truly understood what was happening. She was excited to begin treatment, knowing her smile makeover would be built on a healthy foundation that would last.
Like many patients, Colleen initially focused on what she could see: her front teeth. She had been wearing a traditional nightguard and had accepted her jaw pain, headaches, and clenching as something she simply had to live with. She didn’t realize these issues could actually be treated, or that they could affect the long-term success of cosmetic dentistry.
Rather than moving straight into veneers, Dr. Alex took the time to understand the full picture.
By identifying the underlying TMJ concerns first, the Pittsburgh Dentist team was able to create a treatment plan that addressed not only Colleen’s stunning smile goals, but also the function and comfort of her jaw.
Colleen’s care began with TMJ treatment that Pittsburgh Dentist patients trust for a more comprehensive approach.
Her first phase of treatment focused on DTR Therapy, which was used to improve her bite and reduce the muscle strain contributing to her jaw pain, headaches, and clenching. Over approximately three months, her jaw became more balanced and comfortable, creating a healthier foundation for cosmetic treatment.
With her TMJ symptoms significantly improved, Dr. Alex could confidently move into the second phase of treatment.
During this 3-month treatment period, Colleen then received eight custom upper porcelain veneers designed specifically for her smile, facial features and structure, and newly balanced bite.
Because her jaw function had been addressed first, her veneers weren’t just designed to look beautiful; they were designed to function beautifully, too, helping protect her investment (and comfort) for years to come.
Throughout the process, Colleen shared that the Pittsburgh Dentist team made every step feel comfortable, welcoming, and easy to understand.
By treating the underlying cause before focusing on cosmetics, Colleen experienced more than just a new smile. Her jaw pain, headaches, and clenching improved significantly, and she no longer needed to wear the nightguard she had relied on before treatment.
Just as importantly, she achieved the smile she had originally hoped for with eight beautifully crafted porcelain veneers that complemented both her appearance and her bite.
Today, Colleen says she feels better overall, can’t stop smiling, and has a level of confidence she didn’t have before. As she shared:
“Feeling much better with the TMJ getting fixed and then my smile getting fixed. I do have more confidence… I’m ready to go.”
For Dr. Alex and the Pittsburgh Dentist team, Colleen’s story represents exactly what our approach is all about: creating smiles that are not only beautiful, but healthy, comfortable, and designed to last.
Colleen’s journey is just one of many. Read more stories of patients finding greater comfort, confidence, and reasons to smile.
