Progress Means More Than Teeth

Letter from Connie . . .

Hello Dr. Jacobs, You're an extraordinary man who probably doesn't realize how many people you touch. Thank you for inspiring me...and for taking my case too!

….while mired in the perpetual cycling of this disorder I’d often wonder about why this happened to me and how did I manage such blatant disregard for my smile, etceteras...

I have just read Dr. Jacobs’ blog. Beautiful. Heavy. Humbling. Thank you!

My smile has become collateral damage and as awful as it is debilitating to exist with a disorder such as agoraphobia, I would take it on again because I have come away with more than I started. Dr. Jacobs’ blog has given me solace in re-appreciating that life is a journey and it is time to buckle up and appreciate every aspect of this "stop and go" ride.

I had become a bit jaded regarding life, and how much longer could I get away with telling my son and daughter that people are good and the world’s great, when I wasn’t so sure. Why did I keep making excuses for misguided strangers as well as my very own family?.."they just don't understand" or "they have no experience with this issue." That perception is a lonely place to be.

Agoraphobics suffer in silence and will endure outrageous treatment from the world because, after all, simply reaching the destination was a battle. Avoidance is often mistaken for relief or control. Can you imagine compounding the burden with the fact that you must keep your mouth closed to avoid the obvious? In our culture, our smile conveys so many different messages, and when you can’t utilize your mouth…well, communication is next on the list of things to avoid. Brutal!

An already "fragile" person will internalize the negativity, and tah-dah…perpetual cycling! Communication is essential to getting a sensible handle over the crippling effects of agoraphobia. It took me years of avoidance/neglect, and the destruction of the smile I had been so proud to flash. Recognizing there is something wrong is critical for progress. Regardless of which side of the spectrum you think you are, many would benefit by demonstrating compassion for each another.

My feeling is that I hit the jackpot when I drove the hour and a half (one-way [can anyone say agoraphobia]) to see the Jacobs Smile Center. Honestly, I was a bit skeptical in the beginning. I was somewhat discombobulated because everyone there is so nice. Turns out, they’re even better than that! They’re people who have empathy. Not sympathy (not good), EMPATHY (good). This friends, is why I wouldn't change a thing. Good, caring people do exist and the world itself is inherently good too!

If you’re reading this, then you had to have read the original blog…awe inspiring altruism (good) -Connie

Agoraphobia is not a final "sentence". Connie's second appointment was constructive and successful. Below is a photo taken before we started today, showing the beginnings of a beautiful, confident smile. I was able to share with Connie that not only had she benefitted from the time we spent together dentally, but that my friend who also experienced agoraphobia had been enriched to know she helped Connie.




Everyone benefits when we take the time to share our human feelings and talents with each other. Who would have known that the silent sufferings of one person could serve to begin unlocking the chains that bind another. Actually, silence would have probably gone nowhere. For it is in the sharing that all are enriched - the patient, the dentist and his wife, the dental assistant, the agoraphobic friend. It's true: As you sow, so shall you reap!






Today, we repaired Connie's other three upper front teeth and all of the teeth on her right side. Connie should be smiling well these next few days! Progress with teeth . . . but oh, so much more!