A Better Smile Can Revive At Any Age

All his life, Phil Soraino has had an overbite so large he could put the tip of his thumb there. At age 74, he decided to do something about it.

Soraino, a former Army paratrooper and ski instructor, visited Dr. Shila Yazdani, a dentist specializing in neuromuscular and cosmetic dentistry, to have his smile reconstructed.

"I could put the tip of my thumb in my overbite," said Soraino. "I was a speech pathology major so I knew this was an obstacle to proper speech and I wanted to correct it." In addition to the overbite, Soraino had other dental needs. His previous dental work was aging. A 34-year old bridge had been repeatedly battered from parachute landings and ski falls. Caps were beginning to age. When Dr. Yazdani analyzed his bite, she also determined that it been worn down from Soraino grinding his teeth.

"I was amazed by what she could find out with the sophisticated computer in her office. The computer showed me where my bite wanted to be instead of where it had moved over the years."

Soraino decided to treat himself to a new smile. "I'd treated my kids for years; this time I would treat myself. Everyone should do that." Soraino decided to have his entire mouth reconstructed.

With state-of-the art equipment and cutting-edge computer software, Dr. Yazdani was able to determine the correct position of his jaw where his teeth, muscles and joints would be properly functioning, healthy and comfortable. Once the bite was adjusted, Dr. Yazdani and her lab used crowns and veneers to improve his smile. Adjusting the bite first is a critical step because it ensures the longevity and integrity of the veneers. Soraino, who travels from Fairfield, Pa., to Washington, D.C. for the dental work says he makes the drive because he is impressed with Dr. Yazdani's expertise and service. "She's very sincere and authentic and she really knows what she's doing," he said. "She is one of only 3 percent of dentists who have been trained in the way that she has."

Soraino's upper teeth were restored within the first two months of treatment.

"It's so natural," said Soraino. "They look like my old teeth when I was 30 but even more straight. I wish I had done this earlier but I will enjoy them for the last decade of my life -- if this is the last decade of my life."

Dr. Yazdani will soon begin restoring Soraino's bottom teeth.

"When I smiled before, it wasn't a full smile," said Soraino. "I didn't want to expose my whole mouth. Now, I smile fully."

Dr. Shila Yazdani has had extensive continuing education and training as a specialist in neuromuscular and cosmetic dentistry. Her practice is in Washington, D.C.