Patient Stories Archives - Eggert Family Dentistry Blog

Go Back to School with a New Smile – Justin’s Unique Smile Transformation!

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

How did this start?

Back-to-school season is all about fresh starts, new classes, new routines, and adventures. For Justin this year, it also means a new reason to smile!

Meet Justin, one of Dr. Jeff Eggert’s young patients. In fact, he was only in middle school when he and Dr. Jeff met. Justin came into the practice as his family transitioned to our office. He was already undergoing orthodontic treatment with Dr. Brian DeVoe at the time. At Justin’s new patient exam, Dr. Jeff noticed a large defect on one of Justin’s teeth so he took an x-ray to investigate.

Unfortunately, Justin’s tooth was dissolving from the inside, a process called internal root resorption. With root resorption, the body’s own cells begin breaking down the inside of a tooth’s root. Dr. Jeff sent Justin to Dr. Jeff Ryan of Endodontics Associates Limited, an endodontist that Dr. Jeff and Dr. Elizabeth work with closely and who is conveniently located in our same building. Dr. Jeff Eggert, Dr. Jeff Ryan, and Dr. Brian DeVoe worked together to develop a plan designed to preserve the tooth and its root for as long as possible while also preserving the surrounding bone for a future implant if one eventually became necessary. In Justin’s case, the goal was not simply to address the immediate problem. Dr. Jeff and the specialists needed to think about Justin’s his long-term dental health and what would be best for him as he continued to grow.

What was recommended?

For a young patient like Justin, who was only 13 at the time, planning for the future is especially important. An implant isn’t a good option when a patient is still growing because the facial bones will continue to change so much, it will make the implant, which is locked into place after placement, look out of place in the adult face. Therefore, implant placement is contraindicated for males until they are well into their 20’s.

It was decided to complete a root canal and buildup the missing tooth structure with a post and composite filling material, finish the orthodontic treatment to perfect the bite for Justin’s other teeth, and slowly move Justin’s “sick” tooth out of the bone, a process called orthodontic extrusion.

Orthodontic extrusion would help preserve the bone and it was able to expose more root structure so Dr. Jeff could better seal up the buildup material to the root because he was hoping to help Justin keep this tooth until he was much older.

What did he want?

As a young child, Justin’s biggest concern was to be pain free and to have a tooth for his smile. He wanted to maintain a natural-looking smile to help him feel confident as he continued growing. Luckily, Justin’s tooth lasted this way for over 4 years. But, then one day he was eating a granola bar and noticed something just didn’t feel right. He had loosened the composite buildup material and post of his weak tooth. He also noticed that it was a little painful and his gums were always so irritated around that tooth. When Dr. Jeff took another x-ray, he saw signs of infection and knew this tooth wasn’t going to be able to last any longer for Justin.

What was involved then?

After working to preserve the tooth for several years, everyone needed to accept a new plan because Justin was only 17 years old when his tooth finally had to be extracted. It is never healthy to leave an infected tooth in the mouth. Unfortunately, Justin wasn’t old enough to have an implant placed. It was important to Justin that he still be able to smile with all teeth present as well as have something that would stay in his mouth. He didn’t like the idea of a retainer that could hold a tooth in place when in the mouth, but that would show a missing tooth when it was out of the mouth.

In trying to be as conservative as possible, Dr. Jeff, Justin, and his parents all agreed to design a bonded pontic (or “fake tooth”) that would bond on to another of Justin’s teeth, holding a replacement tooth where there now was one missing. Therefore, Justin could continue to have a natural-looking appearance, finish his growing, and move into adulthood.

After Justin had his tooth extracted, he did wear a retainer for about 8 weeks that also had a fake tooth. This was necessary to allow his gums and tooth extraction site to heal. The tissue healed up really well after his “sick” tooth was out his mouth. Once he was healed up, Dr. Jeff scanned his teeth and a dental lab designed his fake porcelain pontic tooth. Dr. Jeff bonded the tooth in place which made it easier for Justin to smile again!

What does he think?

When we asked Justin what he would tell someone considering a similar procedure, Justin didn’t hesitate: “Definitely do it. It fixes your smile and it’s worth it.” Justin’s journey is a wonderful example of how a team approach, careful planning, and patience can help young patients navigate complicated dental situations while keeping their LIFELONG smile in mind. There’s something special about starting a new school year feeling good about your smile. Everyone wants to feel confident, especially teenagers! Justin is heading back to school this year with a different “tooth” than the one he’s had for much of his life – and he couldn’t be happier about it! We’re proud to have been part of Justin’s journey and excited to see him start this school year with a confident new smile. Here’s to a great school year, Justin! Keep smiling! We truly hope that Justin and all of our young patients enjoy the 2026 back-to-school season!

Another New Beginning: An Update After Dental Trauma to an Even MORE Confident Smile – Sarah’s Story

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

How did this start?

Sarah began her journey with Eggert Family Dentistry more than 10 years ago as a high school senior, searching for a solution for a front tooth that had been injured years earlier. The trauma she experienced in her early teens resulted in the need for root canal treatment, but despite those efforts, the tooth had a poor long-term prognosis.

The teenage years are filled with milestones, friendships, and countless reasons to smile. But, if you’re self-conscious about your smile, those moments can feel much more challenging. Because of the trauma, Sarah’s long-term prognosis for her front teeth was unpredictable. Plus, there was still a chance that Sarah could grow or experience bony facial changes. Therefore, as you can see from our first blog with Sarah from 2016, some composite bonding was done to give a cosmetic improvement, but mostly to help “buy some time.”

What did she want?

Over the years, Sarah and Dr. Elizabeth worked together through several challenges to preserve her natural front tooth for as long as possible. Whenever it is healthy and predictable to do so, preserving a natural tooth is often the best option. Keeping the natural tooth helps maintain the surrounding bone, supports the natural bite, and preserves facial structure and alignment. While modern dentistry offers excellent replacement options such as dental implants and bridges, nothing can completely replace the unique qualities of a natural tooth. Over the years, Sarah started in her career and wanted to invest in herself. She knew her bite was not ideal to support an implant so in planning for the need to eventually replace her traumatized tooth, she started looking into orthodontics with Dr. DeVoe in 2020.

What was involved?

Sarah did many treatments with Dr. DeVoe, including orthognathic surgery with the oral surgery team, to improve her tooth and jaw positions. This took awhile and unfortunately, Sarah noticed her traumatized front tooth starting to darken again, while Dr. Elizabeth noticed that the tooth wasn’t looking healthy on the x-rays. Sarah’s tooth was experiencing root resorption – a condition where the body begins to break down the root structure of the tooth. So, although every effort was made to save Sarah’s tooth, Sarah knew that she wanted something different after her orthodontic treatment. She also was planning to get married and wanted a brighter, more pleasant smile for that.

After a thorough evaluation and careful collaboration between Dr. Elizabeth and Dr. DeVoe, the plan was to keep the resorbing tooth until orthodontics was complete and then move Sarah to a dental implant to replace the tooth. As Sarah was finishing her orthodontic treatment, she had the surgery done to place a dental implant with a temporary crown to be used during the healing phase. Sarah also underwent some gingival recontouring surgery to help gain more symmetry between her front two teeth.

Once Sarah’s dental implant had healed and her orthodontic treatment was complete, she returned to Dr. Elizabeth to begin the final phase of her smile transformation. With a healthy, stable foundation in place, the focus shifted to creating a smile that was not only beautiful, but also functional, balanced, and natural-looking.

Sarah’s customized treatment plan began with Opalescence GO® whitening to brighten her natural teeth and establish the ideal shade for her final restorations. Once whitening was complete, Dr. Elizabeth carefully designed three porcelain veneers for Sarah’s upper front teeth, as well as the porcelain implant restoration for her implant. Each veneer was meticulously planned to complement her facial features, match the implant restoration seamlessly, and create a harmonious smile that looked as though it had always been hers.

After years of preserving her natural tooth, coordinating orthodontic treatment, and thoughtfully planning every step of care, Sarah’s journey culminated in a healthy, confident smile designed to last for years to come.

What does she think?

We asked Sarah a few questions about how the process went for her. She told us “I knew it would be a long process, but I also knew it was something I wanted to do because of the long-term benefits. I felt it would be worth the investment in my smile and my future.” Sarah let us know that the process was much easier than she expected it would be. In fact, she said “The oral surgery was a breeze and the final restorations were surprisingly simple! It only took a few appointments, which was really nice, and the team was wonderful about helping me schedule everything before my wedding!”

Sarah told us that if she were talking to someone considering similar treatment, she’d tell them “I would absolutely recommend it. Do it sooner rather than later because the entire process can take some time – but it’s completely worth it. 100% worth it!”

Sarah’s story is a wonderful reminder that transforming a smile is often a journey rather than a single procedure. Through years of careful planning, collaboration between specialists, and a commitment to preserving her oral health whenever possible, Sarah achieved a smile that is healthy, functional, and beautifully natural.

At Eggert Family Dentistry, our goal is always Dentistry for a Lifetime of Smiles. We are grateful that Sarah trusted us through every stage of her journey and are honored to have helped restore not only her smile, but also the confidence that comes with it. She made a beautiful bride!

“I am so happy with the results. I would never look back. I’m so glad I followed all of Dr. Elizabeth’s recommendations. I feel more confident, and honestly, I feel like a new person.” – Sarah

How “High-Tech” at Eggert Family Dentistry Can Create Joy and Comfort – Dean’s Story

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

How did this start?

Dean has been a marvelous patient of Dr. Elizabeth Eggert at Eggert Family Dentistry for over 20 years. However, Dean always had a “sour taste” for going to the dentist. Sure, he has always been friendly to Dr. Elizabeth and very polite with his hygienists over the years, but years ago, Dean shared with us that he has always been very fearful of dental work. We suspect this stems from Dean’s severe gag-reflex. Of course, it is difficult for anyone to like being in a situation that doesn’t feel safe.

Dean tried to keep his dental needs to a minimum by coming regularly for his recare visits, but over time, he started noticing that his teeth were becoming increasingly fragile and thin on the edges. He told Dr. Elizabeth Eggert, “I would like to be able to eat without my teeth crumbling and I am worried with how thin they are getting that I won’t be able to stop that.” He also was dissatisfied with the color of his teeth and told Dr. Elizabeth that he had been wondering about what he could do for 10 to 15 years or longer. He put off asking for more information though because of his significant anxiety regarding dental impressions because they make him feel like he will choke.

What was recommended?

Dr. Elizabeth recommended that Dean complete our comprehensive “Records Process” to better understand the underlying causes of his concerns and to help determine the WHY as to what was causing Dean’s teeth to wear, thin, and chip so significantly. With all the information that was gathered, Dr. Elizabeth was able to analyze Dean’s status and develop a tour of his mouth to discuss during the consultation phase.

The Records Process is a comprehensive diagnostic approach that allows Dr. Elizabeth and Dr. Jeff to evaluate not only the teeth, but the entire oral system contributing to symptoms. The process includes diagnostic models, clinical photographs, 3D CBCT radiographs, digital X-rays, along with a detailed assessment of the jaw joints, bite, and surrounding muscles.

Because Dean experiences dental anxiety and had concerns about traditional impressions, we were able to utilize our iTero scanner—an advanced intraoral 3D digital imaging system that captures highly accurate digital impressions of the teeth, jaws, and bite to capture his diagnostic models. This technology eliminates the need for the gooey putty of traditional impressions and for Dean created a more comfortable and stress-free experience. At Eggert Family Dentistry we want to be sure we are staying abreast of the latest dental techniques and we have made a commitment to you to include the newest dental technologies in your treatment.

By collecting and analyzing this information, Dr. Elizabeth gained a complete understanding of Dean’s oral health, including the condition of his teeth and gums, as well as the function and balance of his jaw and muscles. This thorough evaluation provided the foundation for a personalized treatment plan designed to create predictable, comfortable, and long-lasting results.

What was involved?

Dr. Elizabeth presented her findings to Dean. She was concerned that Dean’s strong muscles were putting too much stress on his joints and teeth and contributing heavily to why his teeth were wearing. She recommended he start with Splint Therapy using a Tanner Appliance in order to get his function more in harmony.

Following six months of Splint Therapy, Dean experienced significant improvement in his jaw function and was ready to move forward with the next phase of treatment. Through Splint Therapy, Dean and Dr. Elizabeth learned that an important element to getting Dean a more stable bite was to give his teeth more room to function. Therefore, Dean needed to move his teeth and this was possible with Invisalign. Once again, Dean’s scans were done with the iTero intraoral scanner and Dean completed Invisalign in a little over a year.

One of the reasons Dean’s teeth were chipping and wearing thin was because they were too tight together to be able to function in a healthy manner. Invisalign helped get Dean’s teeth in a better position for his bite to function, but because of the narrow shape of his teeth, spaces opened up between the teeth. Dr. Elizabeth had warned Dean this would happen so therefore, they moved into Dean’s restorative phase. To best protect his teeth where he had lost enamel and to fill in his spacing, Dean needed restorations on his upper and lower anterior teeth. Instead of impressioning, Dr. Elizabeth was again able to use an intraoral scanner to capture the tooth preparations so the dental laboratory could fabricate Dean’s new veneers.

What does Dean think?

We asked Dean to share his perspective — what he thought before beginning treatment, how he feels now that it’s complete, and what he would say to others considering a similar procedure. Dean told us, “I wasn’t happy with my teeth cracking. I was cracking teeth in the back of my mouth and my front upper and lower teeth were chipping and eroding. I also wasn’t happy with the color. I was hesitant about doing anything though – I’m still not sure how I was able to say YES!, but I trusted Dr. Elizabeth and it all made sense to me.” As far as the process goes, Dean told us, “It was still freaky and I was very nervous to do it, but really, it wasn’t that bad. I was able to go through months of treatment and I came out on top!”

Dean told us, “I’m very happy with how everything turned out. The teeth look natural, the color is great, and they feel like much more solid teeth. I’m delighted with how they look. I’ve even been getting compliments!” Dean told us that if he had a friend wondering what to do about their crumbling teeth, he would tell them to talk with Dr. Elizabeth Eggert. If it’s needed, she’ll help develop a plan. “If they’re considering it and it’s necessary, they should do it!”

Dean’s concerns, goals, and apprehensions were both valid and are commonly encountered at Eggert Family Dentistry. Many patients share similar worries regarding the appearance, function, and long-term health of their teeth, but are afraid to ask more questions because of an overall anxiety about dental procedures. Luckily, dentistry has evolved significantly, with advancements in techniques, materials, and technology designed to improve patient comfort, while still giving Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert the information they need to provide a fabulous outcome. These innovations help create a more comfortable and predictable experience for patients while ensuring the highest standard of care. You don’t have to be afraid anymore to ask what improvements are available for you!

Dean – thank you for sharing your experiences with us and for trusting us with your smile transformation. Your journey to better health shows how advanced dentistry, personalized care, and a comfortable approach can make a world of difference. Your smile looks excellent, and we are thrilled that you are happy with your results! At Eggert Family Dentistry, our goal is “Dentistry for a Lifetime of Smiles” – we look forward to continuing to care for you and your family for many years to come!

Composite Bonding Through the Years: How Your Smile Can Be Transformed at Eggert Family Dentistry

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

If you have ever wished you could close spaces between your teeth, repair chipped enamel, reshape undersized teeth, or improve your smile without aggressive treatment, composite bonding may be the solution you have been searching for. Over the years, Eggert Family Dentistry in North Oaks, Minnesota has shared many inspiring patient stories highlighting how Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert use artistic composite bonding techniques to conservatively transform smiles. From teenagers with congenitally missing teeth to adults recovering from dental trauma, these stories demonstrate how customized bonding procedures can help you feel more confident, comfortable, and proud of your smile.

One of the recurring themes in these patient stories is helping young patients who have “space/size discrepancies” after orthodontics. In the blog article, “Say Cheese! – Composite Bonding and Veneers – Grace and Abigail’s Stories,” Dr. Elizabeth Eggert explains how conservative composite veneers can beautifully close spaces while still allowing for future growth and development. These minimally invasive restorations can often be completed in a single visit and help create a natural, balanced smile while preserving healthy tooth structure.

Another popular theme for composite bonding is the use to improve smiles where there are congenitally missing teeth. In the story of brothers Anders and Lars, composite bonding was used to reshape teeth and restore smile symmetry while they wait until adulthood for possible future implant treatment or porcelain restorations. The composite bonding gave these brothers the patients fixed, natural-looking solutions during their important teenage and young adult years. Dr. Jeff Eggert and Dr. Elizabeth Eggert want to emphasize that composite bonding allows you to improve esthetics and function while remaining conservative and flexible for future treatment options.

Composite bonding is not only useful for spacing and missing teeth – it can also dramatically improve smiles after dental trauma or enamel wear. In Sarah’s story, Dr. Elizabeth Eggert shares shared how bonding and cosmetic treatment planning helped restore confidence after years of discoloration and complications from a traumatic dental injury. Patients frequently report that they are surprised by how comfortable and easy the process feels and how natural their results look afterward.

As you look back through years of composite bonding success stories on our Eggert Family Dentistry website and blog site, one thing becomes very clear: every smile is unique, and your treatment should be personalized to fit your goals, your age, and your long-term oral health. Whether you are hoping to close spaces, repair chipped teeth, improve tooth proportions, or explore conservative cosmetic dentistry options, Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert will work closely with you to create a treatment plan designed specifically for your needs. The life-changing confidence that comes from loving your smile again is something the Eggert Family Dentistry team has proudly helped patients achieve for many years. Call us today at 651-482-8412 to get started with the “new you!”

A Better Bite, A Brighter Smile: Invisalign and Bonding – Sam’s Story

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

How did this start?

Members of Sam’s family have been part of Eggert Family Dentistry for over 20 years and Sam joined in after aging out of her pediatric dental clinic. Although she already completed treatment with traditional bracket braces, she continued to experience crowding and bite issues into her early 20’s. She also struggled with frequent headaches and ongoing problems with her retainers, which led her to begin exploring a new solution for a healthier bite and a more confident smile. She asked Dr. Elizabeth Eggert what her options were and it seemed that Invisalign (orthodontics done with clear aligners) and composite bonding could help her achieve the smile she desired as well as address her pain issues.

What did Sam want?

Sam wasn’t ready to invest in the process right away, but after discussing possible options at her recare appointments, she was ready to move forward and explore Invisalign treatment. Sam felt strongly about continuing her care with Dr. Elizabeth and trusted her throughout the process. It was also convenient to complete the Invisalign with Dr. Elizabeth as Sam also wanted bonding for her front teeth to help with symmetry and color. Confident in both her dentist and the Invisalign system, Sam chose to move forward with treatment at Eggert Family Dentistry.

What was recommended?

Sam first went through the Invisalign records process. This included photos, a 3D digital scan, and x-rays of the tooth roots and jaw bones. These records were submitted to Align Technology, Invisalign’s parent company, and a 3D ClinCheck treatment plan was created.

ClinCheck is a virtual 3D treatment planning system that maps out the step-by-step movement of the teeth throughout treatment. This technology allows Dr. Elizabeth to carefully review and refine your smile’s projected final outcome using Align Technology’s software before the custom clear aligners are manufactured.

What was involved?

Sam completed her Invisalign treatment in approximately 16 months. The goals of Invisalign for Sam were to make her gum tissue alignment more symmetric as well as alleviate her crowding, improve her bite, and decrease the muscle tension that was causing her headaches. Once her teeth were in a better position, Dr. Elizabeth planned for restorations for Sam for only 2 teeth with composite bonding. Before starting the final planning stage, Dr. Elizabeth performed an equilibration for Sam to perfect her biting contacts. Dr. Elizabeth then recommended composite veneers for her right side upper incisors (one lateral incisor and one central incisor). Composite veneers use plastic filling material that bonds to the natural tooth enamel to help improve any chipping, gaps, or discoloration. Composite bonding can be a nice alternative to porcelain veneers because it can be completed in a single appointment. The initial investment is less than porcelain veneers as well, although it generally won’t last or hold up as long.

What does Sam think?

At Eggert Family Dentistry, it’s important to us to understand how our patients feel before and after treatment. Here’s what Sam shared about her experience:

Before treatment:

“I thought it would be very scary, and I wasn’t sure I was ready to do it. Moving my teeth felt intimidating, especially not knowing how everything would turn out – whether it would be better or worse. I also wasn’t sure if it would be worth the investment.”

During the process:

“It was completely worth the investment. The process went very smoothly. I really appreciated how much attention Dr. Elizabeth Eggert gave to every detail. I’d rather have it take a little more time now than have to go through it all again later.”

After treatment:

“I used to get headaches from my bite and now they’re gone, which is a huge relief! I feel less stressed and much more confident in my smile. Talking, biting, and smiling all feel better – it’s all much more functional now.”

Her advice to others:

“It’s really worth it – especially working with Dr. Elizabeth Eggert at Eggert Family Dentistry – because the team is so thorough and thoughtful.It’s worth the time and commitment for a lifetime of feeling better about your smile, chewing, and speaking.I’m so glad I did this!”

Congratulations, Sam! You look fabulous and we truly enjoyed working with you to help bring you the smile – and relief – you deserve.

Thank you for trusting us with your care. It means so much to know you’re happy with your results and we look forward to caring for your smile for many years to come.

If you’re considering Invisalign treatment or want to learn more about composite bonding, we’d love to connect with you. We are committed to our goal of “Dentistry for a Lifetime of Smiles.”

My TMJ Journey to a Healthy and Beautiful Smile – Kathy’s Story

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

How did this start?

Kathy has been a patient of Dr. Elizabeth Eggert for well over 10 years. When she came as a new patient, she started by seeking guidance about how to proceed with treatment recommended previously by her former dentist. She shared that her past dental experiences had not always been positive and that she was looking for a provider she could trust, someone who would take the time to understand her concerns and help her move forward with confidence.

At the time, Kathy told Dr. Elizabeth that she often had significant jaw discomfort related to her “TMJ” or temporomandibular joint. Pain at the TMJ is often referred to as TMD or temporomandibular joint dysfunction. This condition often involves the joints themselves, but can also be related to muscles or nerves, as well as alignment, sleep, airway, or mental health issues. Common symptoms include pain in the face, neck, and jaw, as well as clicking, popping, or even locking of the jaw. In Kathy’s case, she reported increasing jaw pain following prior dental work and had developed a habit of chewing primarily on one side to avoid discomfort.

TMD can be influenced by several factors, including stress, bruxism, joint injury, or underlying conditions such as Arthritis. Kathy’s dental history was complex, involving multiple restorations, including crowns, bridges, and root canal treatments, all of which required careful evaluation as part of her comprehensive care plan.

What was recommended?

Initially, Kathy wasn’t looking for a comprehensive plan, and she was able to manage her TMD, so Dr. Elizabeth did the treatment Kathy needed, including replacing a bridge due to decay. But, over the years, Kathy experienced a number of medical systemic issues, and her TMD got harder for her to manage on her own. Dr. Elizabeth then talked to Kathy about undergoing the Records Process to better understand the underlying causes of her discomfort and guide her to appropriate treatment. It took Kathy nearly six years – and several additional crowns and fillings before she felt ready to move forward with this recommendation, but eventually she was ready.

The Records Process is a detailed diagnostic approach that allows Dr. Elizabeth or Dr. Jeff to evaluate not just the teeth, but the entire system. In Kathy’s case, it really helped both Kathy and Dr. Elizabeth understand that Kathy’s bite was playing a large role in her TMD.

The first recommendation for Kathy was for her to undergo splint therapy with an Anterior Deprogrammer splint. This type of appliance is designed to help relax the jaw muscles, reduce strain on the joints, and to help determine the position where Dr. Elizabeth could help create a more stable, comfortable bite for Kathy. It would be an important step in managing her TMD.

What was involved?

Following five months of splint therapy, Kathy experienced significant improvement in her comfort and jaw function. With the information Dr. Elizabeth got from splint therapy, she was able to help Kathy understand that the current positions of her teeth were contributing to her TMD. It would take a lot of dentistry or some dentistry and orthodontics to position Kathy’s teeth into a more stable bite. Kathy elected to change her teeth and forgo orthodontics so a plan was developed to redesign her whole dentition.

A laboratory wax-up was completed to serve as a precise “blueprint” for Kathy’s future restorations. This step ensured that both Kathy’s functional goals and aesthetic expectations were carefully aligned.

Over the course of two appointments, nearly all her teeth were meticulously prepared for the placement of custom porcelain crowns and veneers. These restorations were designed to improve her bite and overall function, but Kathy was also satisfied that they enhanced the appearance of her smile as well. Kathy didn’t complete all of her treatment at once, and so she initially continued to have some issues with her bite instability and TMD, but as she finished the work on all her teeth, she noticed a vast improvement for her stability and pain.

What does Kathy think?

Patient feedback is an essential part of how we evaluate and continually improve the care we provide. We asked Kathy to share her perspective – what she thought before beginning treatment, how she feels now that it’s complete, and what she would say to others considering a similar procedure.

Kathy told us that before treatment, she was probably a little skeptical, which is why it took her a while to get started. But, now that her treatment is complete, she said, “It’s fixed problems I should have addressed a long time ago. I probably should have done it sooner. It’s helped relax my jaw, and of course, the teeth look wonderful!”

Her experience reflects the kind of functional and esthetic improvements often seen when underlying bite issues and temporomandibular joint dysfunction are properly diagnosed and treated.

When asked what she would say to someone considering this type of treatment, Kathy added,

“It’s worth it, especially if you’ve had ongoing problems like I did. Just be prepared, it’s a process. You have to have patience and put your trust in Dr. Elizabeth.“

Congratulations, Kathy! Thank you for placing your trust in our team throughout this journey. At Eggert Family Dentistry, we are committed to helping our patients achieve a lifetime of healthy, confident smiles and yours is a shining example of what’s possible with thoughtful, comprehensive care.

It has been a privilege to guide you through each step of this process, from addressing your temporomandibular joint dysfunction to restoring both your function and esthetics. We look forward to continuing to care for you and your family for many years to come!

Rebuilding My Smile from the Ground Up – Lynn’s Story

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

How did this start?

Lynn started as a patient of the practice with Dr. Jensen in 2000 and transitioned her dental care to Dr. Elizabeth in 2005, when she took over his practice. During this time, she had five teeth restored with porcelain crowns and continued to require additional restorations over the following years. In 2018, due to the ongoing restorative needs and the complexity of her case, Dr. Elizabeth recommended that Lynn undergo the “Records Process” to allow for a comprehensive evaluation and to develop a detailed treatment plan for her care. Lynn also was having many changes and challenges with her medical history, including serious balance, movement, and mobility movement changes.

Dr. Elizabeth guided Lynn through the Records Process to evaluate how her bite was currently functioning. This process included diagnostic models, clinical photographs, and radiographs of Lynn’s teeth, along with a comprehensive muscle and joint evaluation. These records allowed Dr. Elizabeth to assess and present the current condition of Lynn’s teeth, gums, jaw joints, and the function of her jaw muscles.

Based on the findings, it was recommended that Lynn begin splint therapy using an anterior deprogrammer. This step was necessary to help relax the jaw muscles and determine a stable, repeatable bite position. Part of the reason Lynn kept cracking and chipping her teeth was because she didn’t have a stable bite position. Restoring Lynn’s teeth without first establishing a consistent bite could have compromised the longevity of any work to be done. Once a stable bite position was identified through the deprogramming process, adjustments to her bite were planned with restorations to achieve the best long-term stability.

What was recommended?

As mentioned, Lynn started her splint therapy with an anterior deprogrammer, which should have helped her muscles relax into a more repeatable bite. However, one of the most important things to understand about splint therapy is that it does NOT always improve the condition (at least right away), but no matter if the condition stays the same, gets better, or gets worse, we learn something from this diagnostic process.

Lynn had a fairly difficult time adjusting to the anterior deprogrammer and found that her sleep was affected. She also had many other red flags for poor sleep quality, including the medical changes she was experiencing. Lynn elected to have a formal sleep test done and she was diagnosed with moderate sleep apnea, as well as having many arousal events each night. Lynn and Dr. Elizabeth changed Lynn’s splint therapy to the sleep-based Seattle Protocol and they learned that Lynn’s sleep, pain, and bite improved when her lower jaw was in a forward position. This helped Lynn and Dr. Elizabeth learn that Lynn’s teeth and tongue craved more room to function better. Lynn elected to undergo Invisalign treatment with Dr. Elizabeth. The goals for her treatment were to expand the room in her oral cavity and then restore her teeth to match this improved location for her bite.

Invisalign is a clear aligner orthodontic system and is used to gradually move teeth into their ideal positions. Invisalign uses a series of custom-made, removable aligners that apply gentle, controlled forces to shift the teeth over time. In Lynn’s case, Invisalign was used to properly align her teeth and create the correct spacing and positioning needed before completing her final restorative work. Establishing proper tooth alignment helped ensure a more stable bite and allowed for more predictable, long-lasting restorative results.

What did she want?

Lynn wanted her teeth to look better, but she also wanted things to feel better. She wanted improved sleep, she wanted her teeth to last. She didn’t want to have to always be thinking about them – whether they would break or crack on her. Lynn expressed that she did not want “glowing white” teeth, but she did want her smile to appear noticeably whiter and more natural. Her goal was to achieve teeth that looked healthy, felt both functional, and beautiful. She wanted her new teeth done as quickly as possible, but she understood the benefits of the orthodontic treatment, which did take more time to undergo.

What was involved?

In just over a year, Lynn completed her Invisalign treatment. She was even able to continue her care during her winters in sunny Florida! Invisalign was very successful in expanding for more room for Lynn, but we knew that without restorations throughout her mouth, it would still be difficult to manage her bite long-term. Invisalign helped with improving her muscle stability, but her bite still was not always able to find a repeatable position due to the shapes of her original teeth.

A laboratory wax-up was done to create a blueprint of Lynn’s future restorations. Then, over the course of two days, nearly all her teeth were carefully prepared in preparation for the placement of porcelain crowns and veneers. These restorations would improve Lynn’s bite, function, and overall smile.

What does Lynn think?

Lynn told us that before undergoing this process with Dr. Elizabeth she was unsure what she even wanted or could ask for. “It was all unknowns.” Lynn was excited to have everything done though, especially because of the prospect of how it could improve her breathing and her health and because her husband had undergone some cosmetic tooth work himself.

After all that was involved, Lynn told us that she is very pleased with everything, even though she ran into medical complications and COVID along the way, in the end she notes, “It was effortless. It was surprisingly easy.”

She told us that if she was talking to someone thinking about undergoing a full mouth dental reconstruction, she would tell them “It’s worth it! It’s a long process, but it’s worth it and you’ll feel so much better in the end!”

Congratulations, Lynn! Thank you for putting your trust in us. At Eggert Family Dentistry, we truly believe in helping our patients achieve a lifetime of smiles and yours is a shining example. We were delighted to guide you through this journey and look forward to caring for you and your family for many years to come.

My Healthy Smile with Myobrace – Nathaniel’s Story

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

How did this start?

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month! This month, we’re proud to highlight our Patient of the Month – Nathaniel! Nathaniel is now 8 years old and has been part of our dental family for several years. During his initial visit, at age 5, mom wanted to know if anything could be done about the crowding Nathaniel had with his lower permanent teeth, which were starting to erupt. Dr. Jeff Eggert thought it would be a good idea to see what Nathaniel looked like at his next 6-month check-up appointment to see how he would grow. Unfortunately, Nathaniel had minimal growth in this period and there would be no room for his next set of permanent lower teeth to come in. Early detection and intervention is key to working with patients like Nathaniel so Dr. Jeff sent Nathaniel to Dr. Brian DeVoe of DeVoe Orthodontics for an evaluation.

What was recommended?

Dr. DeVoe wasn’t sure that he could successfully do anything orthodontically for Nathaniel yet since his permanent molars weren’t erupted. He talked with the family about the option to extract some primary (baby) teeth so the permanent teeth would have space to erupt.

Nathaniel’s mom is very progressive and she wondered if that was the only option. She really wanted to help with Nathaniel’s growth and development. Dr. Jeff then asked Dr. Elizabeth Eggert for help as she has had success bringing children like Nathaniel through Myobrace Therapy.

At Eggert Family Dentistry, we pride ourselves on bringing “Dentistry for a Lifetime of Smiles” to all our patients. This means that we spend extra time with our smallest patients looking for any clues that growth and development is not occurring ideally at every one of their visits.

For Nathaniel, he had some indications of an underdeveloped airway, which will often lead to a small oral space (small mouth) and crowding. Nathaniel specifically was showing under developed upper and lower jaws, tilted head and shoulders, long/thick eyelashes, a deep bite, excessive gingival display, mouth breathing, a tongue tie, straining with swallowing, snoring, tossing and turning during sleep, sweating at night, waking up a funny position, chronic allergies, chronic runny nose, and the tendency to interrupt. There are so many “red-flags” for interruptions to growth and so many of them aren’t familiar to the general population. We work hard to educate all of the parents in our practice so they can help make the best decisions for their kids.

What was involved?

Myobrace Therapy is great for early intervention and for some people, it can even help decrease time in orthodontics or eliminate the need for orthodontics all together! Myobrace is built on the idea that muscle function is critical in jaw development. It is designed to support proper jaw development, encourage healthy oral habits, create space for developing teeth, and promote better airway support and function. There are many appliances available to train the muscles and therefore develop the oral cavity. The treatment requires commitment at home, follow-up visits with Dr. Elizabeth Eggert, and takes time during growth.

For Nathaniel, his jaw was so small that we started with the “Infant Trainer” appliance. The appliances are prefabricated, soft, flexible, and with special design features for training the tongue and lip for ideal positioning. Myobrace can also be used to help children correct habits like mouth breathing, thumb sucking, and tongue thrusting. Myobrace works the patient through a series of similar, yet more rigid appliances that encourage growth and development.

Nathiel wore his Myobrace every night and a few hours each day. He worked on tongue, cheek, and lip muscle exercises each night with his father. He came to visit with Dr. Elizabeth about every 3-4 months and through the course of 12 months, changing to the next appliance when appropriate, we saw significant growth in Nathaniel’s mouth – he even had enough room for his teeth to grow in – without extractions!

What does he think?

Nathaniel found it very easy to wear the appliances and he was very committed and compliant. This makes for the most successful Myobrace outcome!

What does his mom think?

Nathaniel’s mother admitted to us that she was a little skeptical before starting Myobrace Therapy and she wasn’t sure it would work. “I didn’t have much knowledge about the theory behind it, so there was definitely some uncertainty.” She wanted Nathaniel to avoid extractions at his young age and she wanted to keep his visits to the dentist easy and successful so that motivated her to commit to the treatment.

After completing the process, she says she would absolutely recommend it. “The whole experience was a learning process for us – understanding what was going on and how it works. I now realize that my uncertainty was just a lack of knowledge. I understand that it works with the muscles, and we had to do our part with the exercises.”

When we asked what she would say to friends or family with similar conditions she said, “I would say try it and do your best to follow the instructions. It works with natural growth, which is a big plus. It’s especially good for young children.”

Interceptive treatment like Myobrace Therapy can make a tremendous difference in a child’s life. Nathaniel did an outstanding job and had an amazing outcome! Thank you for putting your trust in us. We look forward to working with Nathaniel and his family for many years to come!

At Eggert Family Dentistry, we’re passionate about helping our patients achieve healthy, confident smiles. We would love the opportunity to answer your questions and discuss whether Myobrace Therapy is right for anyone in your life.

Finding the Right Fit – Eugene’s Story

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

How did this start?

Family is at the heart of everything we do at Eggert Family Dentistry. When Eugene came to us for his comprehensive treatment, he joined his daughter and granddaughter, who have trusted our practice for more than a decade. Caring for three generations in one family is a true honor and we are amazed at how often this happens for us.

Eugene wanted his teeth to fit together and to fix or change his overbite. He also was concerned because he noticed that his lower teeth were chipping and fracturing and when his last dentist attempted to repair the teeth, they fractured again right away. Eugene met with Dr. Elizabeth for a comprehensive exam and she noticed how his bite put a lot of stress on his teeth. She also was concerned about the bridge on Eugene’s upper front teeth. The bridge was replacing two teeth, but unfortunately was getting a lot of decay and Dr. Elizabeth wasn’t sure if there would be enough tooth structure to attempt another bridge.

To further complicate the treatment and Eugene’s options, his daughter told us that Eugene sometimes has a difficult time remembering discussions so she wanted to be present as much as possible. This situation is common and something we are dealing with more and more as many patients are getting into their 80’s and 90’s, but it definitely can slow progress.

What did Eugene want?

Initially, Eugene really wanted to attempt to save as many of his teeth as possible. He was very concerned about a tooth on his lower left that had fractured many times and he was happy to now be going to the same office as his daughter. Eugene also wasn’t sure that he would be able to tolerate any type of denture option since he was used to having his teeth all solid in his mouth. He also was concerned about the possibility of not having front teeth for awhile since his upper tooth bridge could fracture from the decay so he was motivated to do something!

Eugene wanted to make independent decisions since he believed he was still the best one to make decisions about him. Eugene is in his 80’s and while he wanted what was best for him, there were questions from the family about how much dentistry “would be really worth it?”

What was recommended?

Eugene needed to start with better gum tissue health since he was starting to get early periodontal disease. After his initial cleanings and better work on his part at home, his gum tissue started looking much more healthy.

Because Eugene’s bite was the main reason for his many fracturing teeth, Dr. Elizabeth told him that she needed more information to help generate treatment options. In a case where there is the potential for multiple teeth to be lost, Dr. Elizabeth recommends her patients undergo The Records Process. This helps her see things from all angles and to really get a sense of how we can stabilize the bite while undergoing treatment. If the bite isn’t stable, the muscles, joints, and teeth often continue in a pattern of destruction.

Eugene’s first step was to obtain stability. Stability in his bite would help him eliminate muscle spasms and pain and it would help us determine a good position of where to rebuild teeth. To help obtain stability for his muscles, splint therapy with an Anterior Deprogrammer was recommended. The Anterior Deprogrammer works to keep the back teeth apart so the muscles and joints can relax and become better coordinated.

As Eugene underwent this treatment, we also spent time determining the extent of the decay with his upper bridge and unfortunately, it was determined that 2 teeth would need to be extracted as they were no longer healthy enough to withstand treatment. Eugene had a temporary bridge made for awhile, but then agreed to have the teeth extracted and try a temporary partial denture “just to see how that is.” Dr. Elizabeth thought this would be a good option so he could try out removeable options. Not all people can tolerate dentures of any sort and this would help us know about Eugene.

Eugene also had treatment options like implants or a new bridge to replace his upper front teeth, but Dr. Elizabeth wasn’t sure that Eugene’s bite could be made stable enough for these options without jaw surgery. Eugene didn’t want to think about jaw surgery, but he really wanted an option that would stay in his mouth. In the end, he agreed to the temporary partial denture and Dr. Elizabeth was happy he was willing to try something new. It also helped Eugene to undergo the splint therapy with the Anterior Deprogrammer because then he had practice with something that went in and out of his mouth. Dr. Elizabeth really worked to help both Eugene and his daughter understand all his options and showed them many videos of different treatment options. In the end, they decided to try the denture options.

What was involved?

Some trial and error was needed for Eugene and we addressed his upper arch first before his lower arch. A temporary partial denture was fabricated for his upper teeth and was ready to go into his mouth on the day of his extraction appointment. After that, Dr. Elizabeth tried working through a partial denture for Eugene’s lower arch that would help improve his overbite. Unfortunately, when it came down to it, Eugene was just not able to tolerate that new position.

Therefore, another temporary partial denture was fabricated for his lower arch. Since we were unable to change Eugene’s original bite positions, there was no room to fix his lower front teeth. He had those teeth extracted as well and the temporary partial denture was ready to insert right away. Eugene did fairly well with his partial dentures, but needed quite a few adjustment appointments as he (and his tissues) got used to wearing the new devices.

Eugene’s temporary partial denture for his upper arch has been holding up well. Unfortunately, Eugene’s bony anatomy and his ability to generate forces caused his lower tooth temporary partial denture to break. Dr. Elizabeth had mentioned from the start that Eugene might have to invest in the strongest denture material so he wasn’t surprised. Luckily, he was able to make the decision to move to the strongest partial denture option – a cast metal partial denture – after trusting that a partial denture would work for him.

What does Eugene think?

“Before the procedure, I knew something had to be done because my teeth were breaking, but until I saw Dr. Elizabeth’s presentation, I didn’t realize how bad things really were. At first, the process was confusing because there were so many options and I didn’t fully understand what was happening, but she worked hard to help us understand and as time went on, I began to appreciate both the process and Dr. Elizabeth so much! I am glad I put my trust in her.”

Eugene also told us that he believes he truly believes the partial dentures were the right option for him. “They look nice and I’m so happy to be able to smile again.” It took awhile for Eugene to understand the benefits, but the investment was significantly less than other options like implants or bridges so he was happy to save some money.

Eugene told us that if he were talking to someone considering working with Dr. Elizabeth to complete a lot of dental work, he’d say, “You probably won’t like it at first, but as time goes on, you’ll really understand because of the process Dr. Elizabeth uses – and you’ll really appreciate her too in the end!”

Thanks for your honest feedback Eugene – it’s been a pleasure restoring you back to a healthier smile! We look forward to working with you and your family for many more years to come!

All I Want for Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth! – Alisha’s Story

By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert

How did this start?

It is the time of year when we gather for the holidays, take pictures with our families, and send Christmas cards to everyone! Having a beautiful smile certainly reminds us of the song from our childhood and resonates now as much as it did when we were the 6-year-olds with missing front teeth.

Meet Alisha, one of Dr. Elizabeth Eggert’s long-time patients. In fact, Alisha was only a teenager when she and Dr. Elizabeth met. Alisha came into the practice with a history of trauma to her two front teeth. She was lucky in that she still had her teeth present, but the trauma caused the need for root canal treatments and overtime, the teeth darkened, cracked, and chipped. When Alisha was old enough and with a steady job, she wanted to invest in herself and change the appearance of her two front teeth.

What was recommended?

Alisha expressed an interest in Invisalign because she thought it might help her tooth esthetics. However, Alisha originally had a complicated bite and it was recommended that she undergo orthodontics with Dr. DeVoe, an orthodontic specialist. There was more to improving Alisha’s smile than esthetics alone. Improving her tooth bite was an important aspect for long-term stability. Dr. Elizabeth explained to Alisha about how orthodontics could enhance both tooth function and esthetics, but also help her change her mouth breathing habit. Dr. Elizabeth also explained to Alisha that completing restorations for her two front teeth after orthodontics would be enough to change the color and protect her teeth from more cracking and chipping. With this information, Alisha decided to move forward.

What did she want?

As a young professional, Alisha wanted to look better, but was also concerned about keeping the treatment affordable for her. Seeing as the treatment would involve her two front teeth, she was also nervous about the outcome. It took more than a couple years for her to feel confident about moving forward, but once she did, the progress moved along quickly. Dr. Elizabeth worked closely with Dr. DeVoe so the final tooth movements would set Alisha up for an amazing outcome.

What was involved?

To help Alisha’s case move more quickly, Dr. DeVoe recommended traditional brackets and wires for her orthodontic treatment. Because of this, he was able to correct her more complicated “cross-bite” and create symmetry in her gum-tissue levels. This symmetry is especially important when gum tissues show during smiling like it does for Alisha. After the orthodontics was complete, Alisha worked with Dr. Elizabeth to prepare her two front teeth for all porcelain crowns, complete one filling on a discolored tooth with decay, and cement the crowns into place. Alisha chose to keep the color of her teeth more natural as she wasn’t interested in the potential maintenance involved with bleaching procedures.

What does she think?

Alisha was very open about the fact that she was nervous about the outcome for her treatment since it would impact her smile so much. But, having been with Dr. Elizabeth for many years she knew it would go well. “I am very pleased with how it all came out. It didn’t take as long or hurt like I thought it would.” Many patients are just like Alisha, very nervous to start the process that can so vastly impact their lives. Not only does dentistry like this enhance esthetics, it does a lot to improve confidence. When we asked Alisha what she would tell someone considering treatment she said, “If you can afford it, do it! My teeth and my smile are going to last a long time. It’s not just esthetic – it’s practical, it’s tooth security!”

Dr. Elizabeth and Dr. Jeff work very hard to keep their promise of “Dentistry for a Lifetime of Smiles” for their patients and Alisha is another great example of that! We truly hope that Alisha and all of our patients are enjoying the holiday season. If you are looking for a way to make changes and create your new beautiful smile, call Eggert Family Dentistry in North Oaks, Minnesota today, 651-482-8412.