For years, Lorene felt held back by her smile. She avoided photos, especially close-ups, and often covered her mouth when laughing or speaking with others. The thought of dental treatment made her anxious.

So when her daughter’s wedding approached, Lorene knew she wanted to smile freely on that special day.

That’s when she decided to visit McIntosh Dental and meet Dr. Khosa, whose calm, caring nature immediately put her at ease. From the very first consultation, Lorraine felt she was in safe hands. Dr. Khosa took the time to listen, explain every step in detail and create a treatment plan designed just for her, one that would restore not just her teeth, but her confidence too.

Lorene’s Journey in Her Own Words

I felt embarrassed to smile, laugh or speak in social or public situations, in case people focused on my     teeth instead of what I was saying.  This diminished my confidence and naturally positive disposition.

I smiled with my mouth closed, and laughed with my hand covering my mouth, no exceptions.

I had attempted to fix this, but the Dentists I approached, refused to support the options I requested, and gave me only very expensive options which I had previously invested in and had failed. I simply couldn’t afford their limited options and wasn’t comfortable to trust them.

Also, my daughter was getting married in 12 months time and I wanted to be there as the proud smiling Mother of the Bride, that she deserved to have supporting her on that special day.

I had seen other Dentists, but I felt mislead and bullied, so I only went if I needed urgent care.

I moved to the area and I walked past the local dentists close to home, reading signage, then researched them online. I liked that the street signage outside McIntosh Dental offered various services and specialist treatments. I walked in and approached reception, explaining I was new to the area, and I had a broken filling which needed attention, possibly extraction.  Efficiently, an appointment was made for me, and I was assured the nominated Dentist (Dr Khosa) would advise and assist as required.

I was welcomed with professional friendly assurance right from the start at reception.

I was determined to express what I needed, and I wouldn’t tolerate bullying or trialing yet another expensive treatment that failed. Dr Khosa listened calmly, while all my emotions of my past experiences were explained, with fear, disappointment, anger and tears, were all offloaded.  He genuinely seemed to understand, and promised that my journey could change, and he would research and consult with other specialists, to come back and discuss all the possible options I had.  That was the first time a Dentist had ever told me that we would discuss all the options together, and nothing would be dictated to me, our agreed process would be an agreed partnership to achieve the best result for me, within all the realistic boundaries.

That was the first time I felt like the customer and my priorities were important, and this was finally a Dentist I could trust. I was always made to feel welcome and comfortable by the reception staff, and every other staff member I encountered along my journey.

Dr Khosa presented 4 options to me, all of which we discussed together and he calmly and with much patience explained and answered all my questions.  I was so grateful that he had put so much time and effort into creating this, and discussing everything in detail.  I knew that the treatment process and end result mattered to him, to restore my confidence and pride, while allowing me to feel positive and comfortable every step of the way.

I was a bit overwhelmed when I received the treatment plan, outlining all the appointments and progress payments.  I was hoping I wouldn’t have regrets once the treatment plan began. But, the process began, Dr Khosa ensured I was comfortable every step of the way.  He always explained what he was doing, what to expect, allowed me to have breaks if required. The moment I knew my life was changing for the better, was when he gave me the mirror to see the first 4 teeth that he had completed.  Wow, they didn’t look like they belonged in my mouth, they were so much nicer and healthier looking than any of my teeth had looked in years, I was so excited!! I took a photo of them myself when I got home, and sent it to my daughter, and she was as excited as I was!!

I have regained my pride and confidence, and my positive happy disposition has grown so much. I smile proudly in photos, and I laugh freely with no hands covering my face. I have confidently spoken in public, and done presentations to an audience.  So many people I know, have approached me and told me that my teeth look amazing and what have I done, and are they still my own teeth. They then start to tell me about their personal nightmares with dental issues, and how much they dread any teeth issues or costs.  All of which I can relate to, until now!

My daughter’s wedding was a beautiful day full of love and laughter.  All the photos express exactly that, and I can proudly say that all the photos I was in, whether formal or candid, I am confidently smiling and laughing, and looking proud and happy.  My dental restoration work definitely contributed to me feeling confidently proud and happy, to be Mother of the Bride on that wonderful day!

Choose a Professional Dentist based on how all staff make you feel, be honest about what you need and how you feel, follow your instincts about how they make you feel, if they listen calmly, if they want to work with you to achieve the best outcome, rather than just tell you what you must get done.  If you feel like their customer, and your needs matter, you’re in the right place, and you will feel so much better when the result matches the response you receive, right from the first consultation.

A New Smile, A New Chapter

Today, Lorene smiles with complete confidence, something she once thought she’d never do again.

Lorraine’s story is a beautiful reminder that it’s never too late to transform your smile and your confidence.

If you’ve been putting off dental treatment because of fear or uncertainty, we’d love to help you take the first step.

Book a consultation with one of our caring, experienced team members and discover what’s possible for your smile.

Call us on (09) 837 2598 or email info@mcintoshdental.co.nz