Support My Journey to a Healthy Smile

Born with fragile enamel, this fund pays urgent extractions, dentures, surgery

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Support My Journey to a Healthy Smile

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Help Me Restore My Smile & Health

Writing this is honestly one of the hardest things I’ve ever done.

I’ve always been someone who hates asking for help. I’m usually the person who tries to figure things out on my own no matter how long it takes. But after years of trying everything I possibly can, I’m finally admitting that I can’t do this alone.

I was born with very little enamel on my teeth. Because of that, my teeth have always been extremely fragile. When I got into my early 20s, they began breaking from things as simple as eating normal food. Over time, the damage continued to get worse.

For years, I’ve been trying to find a solution on my own. I’ve been to more than 30 different dentists trying to find the most affordable option or someone who would approve me for financing. Unfortunately, because my credit isn’t great, I haven’t been able to get approved for dental financing.

I’ve been working on repairing my credit as well, but that process takes time.

One of the main reasons I started creating content and doing TikTok Shop was to try to earn extra income so I could eventually afford to fix my teeth. Every dollar I make from it goes toward this goal.

So far, I’ve managed to save about $1,000, and I also put part of my tips from work toward it whenever I can. But the total cost for the procedures I need is far beyond what I’ve been able to save on my own.

Living with this has been incredibly difficult, not only physically but emotionally. I deal with constant pain from broken teeth, and over time it has completely destroyed my confidence. I often feel anxious talking to people or smiling because I know how quickly people judge when they see damaged teeth.

Recently, things became even more urgent.

At my most recent dental visit, the dentist found precancerous lesions on my gums that will need to be surgically removed. I was also told that the infection that has been sitting in my mouth for years may be affecting my overall health.

Hearing that honestly scared me.

At this point, my goal isn’t just cosmetic. I want to be healthy again. I want to get out of pain, protect my health, and finally feel comfortable smiling.

After receiving a full treatment estimate from the dentist, the total cost for everything that needs to be done is $8,915.

Estimated Treatment Costs

• Multiple tooth extractions – $3,900
• Complete upper denture – $1,200
• Complete lower denture – $1,200
• Gum surgery to remove precancerous lesions – $200
• Biological dressing and healing treatments – $2,340

Total estimated treatment cost: $8,915

This estimate does not include medications, follow-up appointments, or additional care that may be required during recovery. Because of that, I set my goal at $10,000 to help cover the full process.

Starting this fundraiser was not an easy decision for me. I know that many people are struggling right now, and the last thing I ever wanted to do was ask for help. But a friend encouraged me to try because sometimes people genuinely want to help when they can.

If you are able to donate, even a small amount, it would mean more than I can put into words.

If donating isn’t possible, sharing this page would help just as much.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. I truly appreciate it more than you know.

My biggest hope is simple — to get healthy, get out of pain, and finally be able to smile again.

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Organizer

Lauren Hess
Organizer
Big Sandy, TX
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