Hello,

My name is Riley and I have Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome is a group of inherited connective tissue disorders caused by genetic mutations that affect collagen production or structure - a protein that gives strength and flexibility to connective tissue. This condition is systemic, because it affects the entire body’s connective tissue, not just isolated areas like joints or skin. Connective tissue is found in nearly every organ and structure in the body, providing support, structure, and elasticity - so when it’s defective, multiple body systems can be impacted. Some EDS types lead to small teeth and thin enamel, making them more prone to chipping, decay, or breaking.

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome has led me to having very small brittle, extremely painful teeth. I am unfortunately down to only dentin and my teeth are wearing, cracking, and breaking in every day activities such as eating. It’s even a risk when my bottom and top teeth accidentally bump together. Joint hypermobility can affect the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and jaw alignment, leading to abnormal pressure on teeth and accelerated damage, which is an issue I face with this condition. Despite doing everything I can to protect and preserve my dental health, I am in need of eight crowns. Each crown is $1,400. These crowns are not cosmetic—they are essential to protecting what’s left of my teeth, reducing pain, and restoring basic functions like eating without fear or discomfort.

With my condition, dental crowns play a crucial role in protecting fragile teeth and improving oral function, thus improving my quality of life. Since EDS often weakens the structures that support and form teeth - due to faulty callogen - crowns help compensate for that fragility.

These crowns will:

- Reinforce my weakened tooth structure. A crown encases the tooth, providing a strong external shell that helps prevent further breakage.

- Crowns seal and shield these teeth from physical and bacterial stress, reducing the risk of fractures and cavities, which I am greatly susceptible to and deal with often.

- Crowns restore proper bite alignment and help distribute chewing forces more evenly, protecting other fragile teeth in the process.

- While crowns don’t fix gum or ligament issues, they can be part of a bridge or splint system to stabilize teeth that are at risk of shifting due to periodontal fragility.

- EDS-related enamel defects can lead to extremely sensitive, exposed dentin, and crowns can cover and protect these areas, greatly decreasing discomfort.

This situation is progressing quickly, and my dentist is urging me to address it before the damage becomes irreparable. These crowns will dramatically improve not just my dental health, but my daily comfort and overall quality of life.

I’m humbly asking for your help in making this treatment possible. Any contribution—no matter the amount—will make a meaningful difference. I know that asking for help means asking for trust. That’s why I’ll be updating this page with every step— quotes (I’ll hopefully be able to get a written one on May 27, when I get my first crown. I technically need 9 but am able to pay for this one.) receipts, and progress photos—so you can see exactly where your support goes. If you can’t donate, even sharing this helps me reach others who might. Thank you so much for your time, support and generosity.

-Riley