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A woman from Dover who lost her teeth due to cancer treatment says her life has been turned around by a Clinical Dental Technician in Deal.

Charlene Solway, 37, had her teeth extracted in 2018 following treatment for cancer and had been provided with NHS dentures that were too loose and incompatible with her mouth.

This not only made basic things like eating difficult - or in some cases impossible - but it also impacted on her mental health and social life.

Most people are under the assumption that dentures are exclusive only to elderly people but that is not necessarily the case.

Injuries, gum disease, tooth decay and other illnesses such as bulimia or acid reflux can contribute to tooth loss in younger people and many people across the UK and beyond today live with dentures.

But having the right kind of dentures is so important and not something that should be taken lightly.

“For years I had been suffering in silence with badly fitting dentures but I genuinely believed that this was what dentures were like,” she told KentOnline.

“It affected my day-to-day life but most of all it knocked my confidence in a massive way. At one point I had even stopped wearing the bottom dentures and just wore the top ones.”

Charlene had all but given up hope until a friend of hers had recommended Clinical Denture Centre in Deal.

Despite some reluctance and needing to overcome her fear of dentists following years of neglect or shoddy treatment, she finally plucked up the courage to walk through doors of the clinic where she was greeted by Clinical Denture Technician Peter Price and his team.

Within minutes, she felt that she was in safe hands and all her fears were put at ease.

"Instantly Peter could see that the dentures I had been given simply didn't fit properly and this had led to Angular Cheilitis (red, swollen patches in the corners of the mouth usually caused by badly fitting or worn out dentures) ,” continued Charlene.

"During my first consultation and after a thorough examination, it was agreed that the iDenture technique would be the best solution for me and the first set of impressions were taken.”

It was the start of a journey that would change Charlene’s life forever.

She returned the following week where a second set of impressions were taken because it's key for Peter to have a good understanding of the way each patient uses the muscles around the dentures in the mouth.

Her third visit involved her first trial fitting and discussions with Peter over what would be the most suitable fitting and tooth type for her.

“I was really excited by this point. I wanted something quite natural looking, not the Hollywood smile. Peter along with Hannah the dental nurse were really helpful in guiding me towards what would suit my smile the best."

Then came the big day when she was finally to get her new set of dentures. It was a day full of emotion and happiness.

“I did feel a little nervous so I took a friend of mine along for moral support. I can honestly say that I was not prepared for the wave of emotion that swept over me when I looked in the mirror for the first time at my new smile.

“There were tears of happiness but also a huge sense of relief - relief that I no longer had to worry about my dentures falling out at any moment, relief that I would be able to eat properly again and relief that I could once again smile with confidence.”

Charlene has been back to Clinical Denture Centre since then for an adjustment and for Peter to check that she is on the right path to be functioning successfully with the denture, because new dentures are like having a new pair of shoes - they sometimes need a bit of settling in. There were no additional costs for the follow-up appointments.

Today, Charlene is enjoying a more fulfilled life and can look to the future with more confidence and positivity.

"Peter has given me back so much more than just my smile,” she added.

“I can eat all my favourite foods again and for the first time in years, I feel pretty again. I'm so glad I found the courage to speak out and visit the team at Clinical Denture Centre. I finally have a smile to be proud of again.”

Whatever the cause of the problem that has resulted in tooth loss, dentures offer a long-term solution and after an adjustment period, the patient can return to a normal life with a more attractive and confident smile.

"I am seeing more and more much younger patients coming to the surgery, many of whom have been suffering in silence with an ill fitting denture for some time”, commented Peter.

“Dentures are still such a taboo subject for the younger generation and it's time that changed. Charlene has been such a lovely patient to work with - she's so young and the circumstances behind her tooth loss is really quite unfortunate but also not uncommon.

“Cancer treatments, alcohol/drug abuse, bad dental hygiene, genetics - the list of tooth loss causes goes on. The reason why the patient has lost teeth isn't our greatest concern - seeing them leave with a confident smile is."

Clinical Denture Centre can be found at 16-17 Park Street in Deal (CT14 6AG).

For more information about Clinical Denture Centre, visit their official website by clicking here or call them on 01304 380400 or 07465 442422.