It was a problem that presented itself over time — the slow wear of my teeth from the back to the front, top and bottom. It was most noticeable in photos — when I scrolled back to older photos, I noticed my smile was more full the further I scrolled. My regular dental check-ins had become drudgery, even more so than usual, having to hear again and again that I would need to have major work done on most of my teeth.

As a college athlete, and now a trainer, I was used to the strain and stress that comes with the constant breakdown and buildup of muscle and endurance and strength. But in doing so, I was clenching my jaw and grinding my teeth... and there is no rebuilding of tooth structure.

This became even more apparent at my first visit at MOD. There, right in front of me, was a 3D image of my full mouth. Every little detail that we could analyze and discuss in painstaking detail, including my bite pattern. We were able to model where I was over-applying pressure and the effect it was having.

It was unexpected to be in a setting where everyone is focused on solving your problem. I had grown accustomed to waiting rooms, and low expectations: Doctors hurriedly "popping in" before moving on to the next patient. MOD wasn't like that at all. It was serene. The entire team was honed in on my treatment. 

There were a couple highlights in the lead up that were pleasantly surprising: I was also able to "try-on" my new smile on my first visit. A literal 3D print of my new smile design was fabricated and affixed to my teeth temporarily. I could inspect every detail in the mirror, take selfies, and ask lots of questions. Every dentist I had consulted with had outlined a cumbersome 2-3 month process for my treatment. At MOD, I would be working with a dedicated team and because they design and fabricate everything in-house, it would only take a couple weeks.

The treatment wasn't easy, but I was made to be as comfortable as possible at each appointment. The peace of mind that came with having a dedicated team, of seeing the same faces by my side at each visit, helped. 

I was naturally quite nervous at my final appointment. I knew what to expect from the smile try-on, but this was different — this was permanent. After leaning me up in the chair, Dr. Renne suggested I take a look in the mirror...I walked up slowly and was stunned by the results. My smile was whole again: the texture and shape were exactly how I envisioned.

As soon as I left, I FaceTimed my mom. "I haven't seen you smile like that in years" was the first thing she said.

Because clenching and grinding occurs in small increments it often goes unnoticed until significant change has happened - usually the erosion of tooth structure and the flattening of one's smile. 

Bite simulation technology in the form of virtual articulators, jaw motion tracking and 3D imaging meant we were able to pinpoint the problem areas, simulate their effect and then detail our design and material selection to account for her history of grinding and clenching. 

At the same time, we were able to work closely with Caitlin, using modeling to perfect the final aesthetics of her smile, and to ensure the function of her bite worked closely in parallel with the aesthetics.

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MOD Dental Aesthetics has been granted full permission to use case details and patient imagery featured in this patient story in compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA).