Patient Testimonial: Cathy Barton

Cathy came to EON Clinics in 2016 and received the All-on-4 treatment on both her upper and lower jaws.

“I have a lot more confidence. I look for reasons to smile at people…”

– Cathy B, 64
Orland Park, IL

When did you decide to pursue dental implants?

I was having problems with my dentist. I was missing teeth. I would cover my mouth when I smiled. I didn’t like laughing and opening my mouth because I felt so self conscious of how my teeth looked.

Then, there was the other complicating factor of: boy, it really hurt to eat with gaps in my teeth. Eventually, I decided that I had to make an investment in myself. I had to get dental implants, and it was the best thing I have ever done.

 

What made you choose implants over dentures or other tooth replacement?

I wanted a permanent, lifetime fix for my problems. I knew that implants would give me the desired cosmetic effect, and I also knew, after research, that this would just be the best possible fix overall.

I wouldn’t have any problems with dentures and shrinking gums and whatever comes with that. I really wanted to engage in a one time permanent solution, and I felt implants were it.

How did you feel about your appearance before and after receiving implants?

I would cover my mouth. I wouldn’t smile. I wasn’t as meticulous about my makeup as I used to be. Really it was just like, no matter what I do, I’m not going to look good. I was in a real rut [with] my self confidence, as well, having such poor dentition.

Now, I walk into my classroom, I teach nursing, and I set the tone of the class with my warm, beaming smile. You are approachable to students at that point. Kids need to feel like they can walk up to you, and there is nothing more inviting than giving them a piece of yourself, a smile.

“Sometimes people stop me and tell me how beautiful my smile is, and you can’t put a price tag on that.”

– Cathy B, 64
Orland Park, IL

How did you discover EON Clinics?

I heard about EON Clinics on the radio. I called ClearChoice, and nobody got back to me. Nobody talked to me. I didn’t hear anything, and then, as I recall, I contacted EON Clinics, and I was [spoken] to right away, and that’s what a patient needs. They fit me right in for my appointment, and, before I left that day, my impressions were done. I got immediate attention. That made up my mind as well. I’m important to them.

 

Overall, what has your experience with EON been like?

I’d give it ten stars if I could. I walked into EON, and I [was] at home. The professionals are my family. I [felt] comfortable that they were going to take absolutely cutting edge care of me.

 

What is the greatest overall improvement in your life since getting implants?

In all honesty, I have a lot more confidence. I’m a happier person. I look for reasons to smile at people because I want to show my teeth off. This has impacted very positively my confidence, my overall self confidence.

It has improved my professional life because my students feel the confidence. They need to know that the person who is teaching them knows what they are doing and is confident about it, so they feel that confidence, and they feel the warmth from my smile.

I just love my teeth! I don’t know how else to say it. I’m totally in love with them. I smile in the mirror. I choose lipstick to accent how white they are. Sometimes people stop me and tell me how beautiful my smile is, and you can’t put a price tag on that. There’s just such inherent, beautiful value in that.

What advice would you give to someone starting their implant journey?

I was afraid of the pain, and I want people to know that EON Clinics [has] it down to a true science. My pain was managed so aggressively that it was a non-issue. I think that, as a nurse, I was concerned about infection. No problems with that, either, the team [on top of] getting prophylactic antibiotics taught me how to care for my mouth.

I think the best advice I could give someone truly, and, I don’t mean to sound trite, would be to go for it. Just do it! When you are done and when you have the procedure completed, it is just the best thing ever, EVER!