Keep Katrina Smiling

Hi there!

My name is Katrina, and I am writing to ask you for help.

This doesn't come easily for me, as I have prided myself on being independent for basically ever. As you may know from following my life on Instagram , I have had my share of dental woes over the years.

This is nothing new. My teeth started rotting when I was two, and ever since then, they have been pulling them out and/or repairing them. I have been in an endless cycle of first cavities as a kid, and now breakage as an adult. Every year, a chunk of tooth would break off and land on my tongue (it's the worst). It seems I have super fragile teeth. The fact that dental care isn't covered by the healthcare system frustrates me endlessly.

I have spent over $20,000 on fixing the broken teeth over the past 5 years, usually opting for the most inexpensive materials (plastic resin). This means that the teeth are not as strong as if I went with a more expensive material like porcelain. My teeth are in a place right now where they are falling apart. I have pushed off repairing them properly because it is such a big cost.

A couple of weeks ago, my front tooth became loose again, and I discovered yesterday that it is complete mush underneath. It is time to start fixing again. And doing it right this time.

I have worked with many dentists over the years. Conventional ones. Holistic ones. General ones. Specialist ones. It has been a struggle to find people I trust.

I have learned it will save me more money, in the long run, to pay for extra opinions before making big decisions. I consulted with 3 prosthodontists this past year (these people specialize in restoring teeth) and have found one I trust, and does reputable work. After trying cheap dental work in Bali, I learned the hard way that this does not save you money, as it needed to be re-repaired here in Canada.

I am 31 years old, so we want to preserve the teeth I have left. If I have them pulled out and get dentures (as my grandmother suggests, cue *shudder*), my jaw bone would start degrading without the anchors of the original teeth in place. Putting porcelain veneers over top of each tooth (and putting implants in where teeth are missing) is recommended to prevent future breakage and provide smooth margins against my gums (that are easy to clean).

Right now, I have a patchwork of resin and porcelain repairs that are breaking apart and are starting to cause gum recession because of the irritation (having patchwork teeth = much more cracks and edges for bacteria to live).

I take really good care of the teeth that I have, but it isn't enough. I need new veneers in a strong, uniform material.

The quote is $57,860 for the gum surgeries and dental restorations. Which is mind-boggling to me, so much so that I keep putting off starting the repairs. I have run out of time.

People are reaching out, asking me how they can help. I teach people all the time to ask for what they want. To receive. And I am confronting how vulnerable it really is. To need help. To ask for it. And to take it.

So I am here. Doing what I would tell any client to do. Asking for what I need. People might not give it to me (and I can handle that rejection), but I have to ask.

Your help will allow me to focus on resting and healing, and to get the work done in the shortest amount of time possible.

Many hands make light work.

There are 21,000 of you in this community.

If you each gave $3 dollars I would have these dental bills paid. The relief this would bring me is beyond words.

If only 10% of you were able to help (2100 of you), it would take $27.55 each to reach my goal.

I am honoured to have served this community over the past 5 years.

I have never asked for anything without offering something.

This feels scary. And I would want you to do the same thing.

So here I am. Needing you.

Thank you for giving what you feel called to.

Every little bit counts.

Honouring my neediness and the fact that people want to help me.

Getting over myself and this hyper independence that isn't good for anyone.

I need help.

I am open to receiving.

With endless gratitude and humility,

Katrina Marie