Before

“In one day, in one surgery, in a few hours, all my painful, broken, decayed teeth were gone and I woke up with a full mouth of fixed teeth that look, feel, and function like real teeth.”

After

My mouth was a mess of missing, broken, decayed shards of what once were teeth. And I had an underbite. And I’m a gagger. And I suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) to the point of going into a full-blown panic attack just thinking about the dentist. So, I’m every dentist’s nightmare! Although most dental offices advertise as being “phobia friendly” what they really mean is that they can prevent and manage pain. They usually don’t have the first clue about what a debilitating phobia really is. I found this out during my quest for a dental team that could not only fix my broken smile but also work around my psychological issues in the process. Chrysalis listened to me, took my condition seriously, and did everything humanly possible to make my experience comfortable as they gave me back my smile.

Initially, I thought I had only two choices: A removable denture (gag!) or traditional dental implants. A removable denture was out of the question because I’m a gagger. A trigger-happy gag reflex and dentures do not mix! There was no point of getting a denture I could not wear. Traditional dental implants were also out of the question because I simply could not afford the outrageous cost. Then I learned about something in-between: an implant-supported denture. At first blush this sounded like a very good option — better than a removable denture and a lot cheaper than implants. But in order to place just two little implants in each jaw would require:

A bone graft. A surgeon would have to remove some bone from my hip and put it in my jaw. Then I would have to wait several months hoping that the two would fuse together nicely. There was no guarantee. This sounded invasive and painful, not to mention time-consuming.
A sinus lift. Apparently I had too little bone and too much sinus. So my sinuses would have to be surgically “lifted” otherwise the implants would puncture through the sinus cavity – not good! This surgery sounded even more invasive and more painful than the bone graft.
If I wanted my underbite fixed, I would have to endure yet another surgery. An oral surgeon would have to break my jaw, cut out and/or extend some bone, reset my jaw, wire it shut, and send me home with a pair of pliers in case I needed to vomit…. so I wouldn’t choke on it. Ugh!

All these surgeries, pain, time, money… and at the end of it all I would still end up with a denture! A “snap-on/snap-off” denture, but a denture nonetheless. No thanks!

Then I went to Chrysalis. The only thing that impressed me more than the beautiful and very clean office, was how genuinely friendly, non-judgmental, and incredibly knowledgeable and helpful the entire dental team was. From the moment I walked in, and every step of the way since, I have been given the VIP treatment. I was very self-conscious of the condition of my mouth and embarrassed about my extreme phobia (a grown person terrified of the dentist!), but every person at Chrysalis has always treated me with the utmost dignity and respect. Not once have I felt judged or looked down upon. They care about me as a whole person – not just my mouth. They have gone way above and beyond to accommodate me, and have bent over backwards to work around my “issues” because they wanted me to smile again almost as much as I did!

After the initial consultation appointment in which I found out that I would not need a bone graft, sinus lift, or my jaw broken, a couple of pre-op preparation appointments were necessary: impressions, bite registration and try-in. Then I was ready for my new teeth! Dental implant surgery sounded so scary to me. The thought of someone drilling into my jawbone sounded beyond awful, and I expected the recovery process to be excruciatingly painful… at least as painful as living with the recurring infections of bad teeth had been. Boy, was I wrong!

The morning of my surgery began with Chrysalis sending a limo to pick me up at my home (part of that VIP treatment I mentioned earlier). Shortly after arriving at the office and everyone greeting me very warmly with big hugs as always, I was escorted to the surgery room. My blood pressure was taken and IV sedation started, and what felt like a 15 minute nap later, I was sitting in a wheelchair being wheeled out to the limo that was waiting to take us home. I felt no pain, had no bleeding (so my mouth wasn’t full of gauze, thank goodness!), and I didn’t feel that awful medicated hangover feeling one often gets from anesthesia. Nor did the sedation nauseate me – that was a big concern of mine. I just felt very comfortably sleepy. I had arrived at Chrysalis around 10:00 am and was resting very comfortably at home in my bed by 5:00 pm with a brand new smile, holding an ice pack to my face as per post-op instructions.

After a good nights sleep, I woke up the day after surgery feeling really good! Still no pain, no swelling, no bleeding, no bruising. It wasn’t until the following day that I woke up at 3:00 am with some pain and swelling…. and one lonely bruise on my chin. Not once did I need to take any of the prescription pain medication. Regular over-the-counter Advil and ice packs for a couple of days took care of things quite nicely. I had suffered so much, for so long, with the excruciating physical and emotional pain of bad teeth. I was expecting recovery from dental implant surgery to be at least as painful, if not more. But it wasn’t. Not even close.

Oh, and did I mention they fixed my underbite cosmetically? For the first time in my life I finally have a proper bite! I absolutely love love love my new smile! My teeth are beautiful, they look so real, and what a difference a nice, clean, white, smile makes! I look ten years younger and I feel good about myself again! When I look in the mirror now, I see “me” again. I can look at people in the eye and speak with confidence, I can smile big, I can laugh with my mouth open, I can chew properly and enjoy my food again! And I can wear lipstick again – something I had stopped doing a long time ago because I did not want to attract any attention to my mouth, not in that condition! The wrinkles that had formed around my mouth, due to the bottom half of my face collapsing (that toothless sunken-in look) from missing teeth and bone loss, instantly disappeared after my surgery! It’s as if I had a bonus mini face lift in the process! Now, if they could just do something about the wrinkles around my eyes…………………….

I really wish I had gone to Chrysalis sooner. In one day, in one surgery, in a few hours, all my painful, broken, decayed teeth were gone and I woke up with a full mouth of fixed teeth that look, feel, and function like real teeth. With the Chrysalis technique, there is no reason why anyone has to live with the embarrassment and discomforts of a removable denture or endure the invasive, time-consuming, and painful surgeries necessary with other dental implant techniques.

So, if like me, you don’t want a removable denture and are looking for a more affordable, less-invasive, faster option than traditional dental implants, give Chrysalis a call. I promise you, you’ll be glad you did. They not only gave me my smile back, they gave me my life back. All the doors that having bad and missing teeth closed for me are now wide open again thanks to the caring, experienced, professionals at Chrysalis.

~ Franca, Toronto Ontario

– Franca G, Toronto, Ontario

“The procedure was totally non intrusive and the results are amazing”

Salute to Chrysalis!

I was 20 years of age when I had my first ” face changing ” traumatic experience. The dental work I was having done on my front 4 upper teeth, went wrong, and given the status of my remaining uppers, I was suddenly forced to have a full upper plate to correct the situation. There was no other solution at the time. Twenty years old, with false teeth! What was even more interesting is that I was the Colgate Kid in a series of TV Commercials with Art Linkletter. A rather short-lived opportunity.

As the years progressed, I inherited a bottom partial due to the wear of the upper plate on my natural teeth, and of course endured years of discomfort, replacements and feeling like I had a complete hardware store operating out of my mouth!!

A number of years ago, I did look into the possibility of having implants, but the only procedure was one or two teeth at a time and it would take years to complete a rebuild. Then I heard of Chrysalis!!

Last October, I had my second “face changing” experience! The results are truly amazing as I finally feel like I have my mouth back. The procedure was totally non intrusive and the results are amazing. The hardware is all gone and the functionality is way beyond my expectations. The staff and team at Chrysalis are total professionals. They are attentive, responsive, fun, and remarkably understanding of what their patients are going through.

Thanx Chrysalis, I think I will get my head shots done again and see if I can pick up on my TV Commercial opportunities…….its never to late to start again.

Best to all the Team.
Kevin Shea

– Kevin Shea, Toronto, Canada

“On my initial visit I was treated with respect and kindness which made me feel that I was special.”

I was a prisoner of my existing dentures. They never stayed in place and as a result I eventually stopped going out to lunch etc. with friends. There is nothing more embarrassing than trying to eat, talk and laugh with your dentures getting in the way. I even had to stop swimming in case my teeth would fall out!

The first thing that drew me to Chrysalis was the name and the inferred result being that I would be free as a Butterfly from ill fitting dentures.

On my initial visit I was treated with respect and kindness which made me feel that I was special. Everything was explained to me in great detail which gave me the confidence to go ahead with the procedure.

On the day of the operation once again I was treated with kindness and laughter. I was made to feel completely at ease. The operation itself was painless and recovery was quick.

The next morning, I fully realized that I had indeed become that Butterfly. I had a full set of teeth that were permanent. Once the healing process was complete, I could eat anything with absolute confidence.

Chrysalis contacted me practically every day for the first week after my operation and kept in touch with me until my post-op appointment. I would not hesitate to recommend Chrysalis to anyone. They gave me not only my teeth but my self confidence and self esteem back. It is truly an emotional experience.

All the staff at Chrysalis treat each patient with kindness and care. They are a great bunch of professionals who provide excellent service and who do great work.

Sincerely,

Heather Docherty
Toronto, Canada

– Heather Docherty, Toronto, Ontario

Before

“Had I only known, I would have done this much sooner.”

After

After many years of disappointment with traditional dental treatments, I discovered the Chrysalis approach in my morning newspaper (an ad).

I researched the company and staff and was pleased to find positive endorsements and testimonials. It was clear that you have perfected a fundamental improvement on classical dental procedures. I contacted Chrysalis for an appointment and within a few days was sitting in an examination room discussing my specific needs.

The assessment process was both enlightening and refreshing. My choices were made clear to me in plain language. Within a very short period, I had made the basic decisions based on my unique needs and goals. For the first time in nearly 50 years, I had exciting and reasonable expectations for significant improvements in my dental well being.

I was to undergo a significant number of extractions and I expected it to be difficult. I was wrong. My surgery was scheduled and went off smoothly. In a few hours, I found myself in the back of a limo heading home with a complete set of teeth on implants. Virtually no pain and only minor discomfort – easily managed with common off the shelf medications. By dinner time the same day, I was able to eat a meal and feeling quite comfortable. My new teeth look wonderful and, after a short period of adjustment, feel comfortable and natural.
For someone like me, with high expectations for excellence, this was a surprisingly positive experience. To move from the dread of older dental processes to this new approach with these people was far above anything I thought possible.

Service excellence is a deeply held belief at Chrysalis and shows up in every contact and process. The staff clearly enjoy their work and are a delight to deal with.

Had I only known, I would have done this much sooner.

– Burt Napier, Toronto, Ontario

Before

After

– David H, Toronto, Ontario

Before

After

– Ruth , Toronto, Ontario

Before

After

– Dan N, Toronto, Ontario

“I can taste and eat anything”

About three years ago I had an upper denture made. I found it extremely difficult to live with. The covered pallet, unable to eat without it getting loose, and the constant use of adhesives. The worst part was taking it out every night and the pain of putting it in each morning. Then I read the ad from Chrysalis about “Permanent Teeth” in a day. I went in for a consultation and within 2 months had implants.
I have now had permanent teeth for over a year and I must say that they are the next best thing to the real thing. I can taste and eat anything, but the best part is that they never come loose , they never come out, and I can now brush my teeth like a real person.

Peter V

– Peter V., Toronto, Ontario

Dental Tourism – “I especially regret the lost time and the very uncomfortable and inconvenient period.”

A few years ago I sought out Dr. Steven Bongard, as I had heard good things about him, and asked him to examine me for possible implants, upper & lower. I was using an upper denture. He was confident that I could succeed in having and keeping a permanently implanted mouth. However, as a retiree with a fixed income I was concerned about the high cost. After researching the field and much thought, I decided to go abroad to have it done, I told Dr. Bongard of my regrets. He wished me well, and asked that I keep in touch.

I flew to Mexico where I underwent the procedures lasting nearly a month, and incurring hotel and food expenses. Then I was told that after a few weeks or a month, I needed to return for the next procedure. Now the unexpected expenses and the inconvenience made me decide to see Dr. Bongard about the possibility of bring the work to a successful conclusion. He accepted me as his patient and we found that one, then another implant failed, and had to be replaced. I appreciate the fact that he undertook to repair the possibly faulty work done abroad. I especially regret the lost time and the very uncomfortable and inconvenient period.

– M. Zimmerman, Toronto, Canada

“Let me begin by saying that I was terrified to visit a dentist.”

This fear led to a lifetime of procrastination to look after my teeth. Well sure enough the time finally came where I didn’t have much of a choice. I couldn’t eat properly and I did a great job of hiding a smile. I was in panic mode and the treatment plans offered by others appeared to be long, painful and expensive let alone wearing removable dentures for a considerable period of time. I was not prepared to take this long journey. I did some research and found the Chrysalis Center.

From my initial phone call I was given all the information I requested including cost with absolutely no obligation. I decided to book a consultation and met with Michelle the treatment coordinator and Dr Goldfarb. After reviewing some x-rays they provided me with their recommendation of the “all on four” procedure both upper and lower. I wasn’t surprised considering the state of my teeth and gums. I was explained the procedure with them fully knowing how terrified I was. I told them that I would get back to them in 1 week or so, wanting the time to review the possible options of a 2 to 3 year marathon of dental procedures. I didn’t wait the week. I called back the following morning and decided to finally do something about my dental problem.

My next visit was with so many professionals I have forgotten who were all in attendance. I do know that Dr Gersana Segal would lead the team and take control of my procedure. What an experience to listen to Dr. Segal and be in absolute comfort with the procedure as she explained it to me with confidence. I had a ton of questions and all were answered. At this point my anticipation to look in a mirror with a beautiful smile overcame any fear I had whatsoever.

On the day of the surgery I once again saw the entire team and Falco the resident nurse prepared me for surgery. I kid you not when I tell you that the next thing I remember was looking at my watch 5 ½ hours later with the surgery completed and my new teeth partially installed. The following 2 hours were just fitting the bottom teeth. And guess what? I also took a break to take in some lunch. After everything was done I got off the chair was escorted to a waiting limo and driven home. No pain, very little swelling and on my part no bruising at all. I slept like a baby at night from the very first day after the surgery. Yes there was some minor discomfort for the first 2 days or so but nothing to be concerned about and easily dealt with by taking an over the counter pain killer.

The biggest shock to me wasn’t the procedure at all. It was the first time I placed food in my mouth. Yes it felt strange and I knew it was going to take some time to learn how to use my new permanent teeth. Here I am writing this review 3 weeks after the surgery. I went in last week for my post op. I’m eating very well and chewing better by the day. I must say I can’t believe how simple this procedure was for me. When I look in a mirror and smile I don’t know why I didn’t do this earlier. Worth every penny.

– Fred De Francesco, Mississauga, Ontario