FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — Cheers, smiles and tears filled the Fresno Oral Maxillofacial Surgery & Dental Implant Center on Thursday morning after a special announcement that will change one woman’s life.
After reviewing 500 applications, Iris, a mother and in-home caregiver, was selected as the recipient of the annual Second Chance program.
“I am very grateful to everyone. I appreciate this opportunity,” said Iris.
It was a moment Iris didn’t expect but fully embraced, sharing some struggles.
“From 18 on, I started losing teeth and I went through a lot of dental procedures where they did crowns and fillings and taking teeth from me and no option to get them back.”
By the end of this year, she will have a healthy, bright and full smile, with a $50,000 full smile restoration.
“For those who do not know, the program replaces missing or failing teeth with dental implants and then a custom-made prosthetic, places on top of the implants,” said Oral Surgeon Brian Huh.
Oral Surgeon Brian Huh says there is an incredible need among patients and says it’s rewarding to give back.
“Us doing this at least provides one person that really needs it and deserves it and being part of the community is part of our motto,” said Huh.
This year, Dr. Adam Shinkawa is participating in the process and says a healthy smile is life-changing.
“Being able to change someone’s smile not only changes their appearance but also gives them more confidence in the inside too,” said Adam Shinkawa.
The entire process for Iris’s transformative smile will take several months but it’s a journey she is more than ready for.
“I feel like maybe all these years of struggling and just trying to be positive and trying to keep moving forward, that the universe brought it back to me,” said Iris.
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