Elliott's Smile: A Music Therapist's Lifeline

Hey friends, family, and Internet people! I need your help to Save My Smile! My name is Laura Elliott Buckner. You can call me Elliott, Laura - heck, I'll even answer to "hey! Rainbow glasses!" I am a board certified music therapist and sing everyday for a living. My job is my dream job. I couldn't imagine any other career. Unfortunately, my ability to continue my career is in danger. This is because of some extensive dental work I will need in the near future. Even though my hygienist is impressed with my oral hygiene.

When I was 6 years old, first grade, I got braces for the first time. I had them for first, second, and third grades. Then I had a break over the summer and had braces again for the duration of fourth, fifth, and sixth grades. Six years total. You read that right. SIX.

Fast forward to a little over a year ago, and I notice my top right middle tooth is VERY loose, and the other three front teeth are also loose. I go to the dentist the next day. After X-rays, my dentist tells me that my periodontal ligaments are very loose because of the extended time I had braces as a child. My teeth moved too much too fast. He said my teeth will eventually fall out because the ligaments and gums are too loose to hold them.

He splinted my top four teeth together with the same stuff they use for cavities. After this procedure my dentist told me to NOT floss (between those teeth). We had a laugh about that! What dentist tells you not to floss?! (He's a great dentist - it is important that I do NOT floss between those teeth).

Fast forward to a couple weeks ago, and he tells me I will need four root canals because all the teeth moving and being loose has caused my roots to begin to kind of attack themselves. Keep in mind, I have EXCELLENT oral hygiene all through this time. Before any type of insurance will approve removal/implants, I will need a root canal on each tooth.

Fast forward to today, July 21, 2025, and I receive a piece of mail from my insurance company. They will pay for absolutely $0.00 of the root canals because it is not a "covered service." Only basic cleaning, exam, and X-rays are covered.

I have marketplace insurance because, while I work full-time hours (that I absolutely adore and am incredibly grateful for), I am still waiting for benefit status and the fantastic insurance that comes with it. Unfortunately, with the state of our nation and government, I don't know when I will get those benefits. I know I will get them eventually, but I don't know when, and this can't wait.

I sing everyday for my career. I sing for my own well-being. If I don't have my four front teeth, I will not be able to sing or eat the foods I enjoy or communicate effectively.

My parents and late grandparents spent a lot of money on my braces and making my smile beautiful and making sure there was enough room in my mouth for all my teeth. Because of the work I went through those SIX years, I have maintained excellent oral hygiene. Please, if you are able in any way, help me SAVE MY SMILE. Give, share, post. Even $1. Anonymously or not, I am so appreciative. Thank you.