Help Fix Ben's Smile
Donation protected
What Happened:
My name is Ben Lee. I'm a 2nd year computer science student studying at the University of Colorado Boulder.
On Wednesday, September 5th, 2018—only a week into my first university semester, I crashed on my bicycle. As I was taking a turn, my front brake failed and I lost control of my bicycle. I was flung downward, and smashed my face into the pavement.
I suffered scrapes all over my face and body, along with two severely fractured teeth, and a concussion. My front incisor was fractured vertically to the root, and my lateral incisor was snapped at the base. Both teeth had to be completely removed.
Treatment:
I aim to get dental implants because they're strong, permanent, with the form and function of real teeth. So far, I've gotten dental bone grafts. It will take 4 months for the bone to regrow. During this time , I'll try to get a dental flipper (aesthetic retainer) to at least appear to have all my teeth. After 4 months, I will be ready to have dental implant surgery.
Note: The flipper's function, is only aesthetic—it won't help with eating and is not a replacement for missing teeth.
Each dental implant requires a crown and an abutment used for mounting the crown. After I get my crowns mounted, the procedure will be complete and I will be good as new!
Cost:
My health insurance plan is though my university, and unfortunately, it does not include dental. After researching several payment options, and services, my estimate is thus:
• Implant (per tooth) - $2600
• Crown (per tooth) - $2,000
• Abutment (per tooth) - $500
• Dental Flipper - $600
Total cost of implants for 2 teeth: $10,800
What Life Is Like Now:
Eating is tough and painful. My diet has been limited to soft foods or soup. I can only bite and chew with the left side of my mouth. If any food touches the areas where my teeth were removed, I experience pain, especially if the food is salty, spicy, or acidic.
However, the pain is nothing compared to the embarrassment of having missing teeth. As a student, I need to communicate with my peers and teachers regularly. The space hole my teeth causes me to talk with a lisp. Some people laugh at the way I talk now, and although I know I shouldn't let what others think bother me, it still bugs me.
Worst of all—I'm afraid to smile. A smile is so important because it communicates so much. It can brighten people's days, help you make new friends, and puts you in a good mood. Dale Carnegie said: “The expression one wears on one’s face is far more important than the clothes one wears on one’s back.” My smile used to trigger smiles in others. Now it causes reactions of shock or disgust and it breaks my heart.
Goal:
My goal is to raise $10,800 by the end of January so I can pay for dental implants and save my smile!
Thank you so much for your kindness.
My name is Ben Lee. I'm a 2nd year computer science student studying at the University of Colorado Boulder.
On Wednesday, September 5th, 2018—only a week into my first university semester, I crashed on my bicycle. As I was taking a turn, my front brake failed and I lost control of my bicycle. I was flung downward, and smashed my face into the pavement.
I suffered scrapes all over my face and body, along with two severely fractured teeth, and a concussion. My front incisor was fractured vertically to the root, and my lateral incisor was snapped at the base. Both teeth had to be completely removed.
Treatment:
I aim to get dental implants because they're strong, permanent, with the form and function of real teeth. So far, I've gotten dental bone grafts. It will take 4 months for the bone to regrow. During this time , I'll try to get a dental flipper (aesthetic retainer) to at least appear to have all my teeth. After 4 months, I will be ready to have dental implant surgery.
Note: The flipper's function, is only aesthetic—it won't help with eating and is not a replacement for missing teeth.
Each dental implant requires a crown and an abutment used for mounting the crown. After I get my crowns mounted, the procedure will be complete and I will be good as new!
Cost:
My health insurance plan is though my university, and unfortunately, it does not include dental. After researching several payment options, and services, my estimate is thus:
• Implant (per tooth) - $2600
• Crown (per tooth) - $2,000
• Abutment (per tooth) - $500
• Dental Flipper - $600
Total cost of implants for 2 teeth: $10,800
What Life Is Like Now:
Eating is tough and painful. My diet has been limited to soft foods or soup. I can only bite and chew with the left side of my mouth. If any food touches the areas where my teeth were removed, I experience pain, especially if the food is salty, spicy, or acidic.
However, the pain is nothing compared to the embarrassment of having missing teeth. As a student, I need to communicate with my peers and teachers regularly. The space hole my teeth causes me to talk with a lisp. Some people laugh at the way I talk now, and although I know I shouldn't let what others think bother me, it still bugs me.
Worst of all—I'm afraid to smile. A smile is so important because it communicates so much. It can brighten people's days, help you make new friends, and puts you in a good mood. Dale Carnegie said: “The expression one wears on one’s face is far more important than the clothes one wears on one’s back.” My smile used to trigger smiles in others. Now it causes reactions of shock or disgust and it breaks my heart.
Goal:
My goal is to raise $10,800 by the end of January so I can pay for dental implants and save my smile!
Thank you so much for your kindness.
Organizer
Ben Lee
Organizer
Boulder, CO