October 2, 2004

Dear Dr. Gurley:

The other day my wife was looking at some newly taken photographs and held one out for a moments glance to say to me, "Look at what I've been missing all these years." As someone who has never felt comfortable on the receiving end of a compliement I found myself filled with a sense of complete satisfaction. She was referring to my smile, something that had eluded many happy moments and photographs for most of my life.

My tetracycline stained teeth was something I had been self-conscience of since I was a teenager. This unfortunately made expressions of joy and laughter awkward and uncomforatble. When my two young children began asking me why I never laughed I was finally determined to do something about it. A person's inhibition to laugh or smile is most unfortunate and should be remedied if possible. However, I had no idea the degree to which a remedy was available. I now feel foolish for not pursuing it sooner. My smile is as healhty and natural as I could have ever imagined. My own mother has not figured out the change. Not because the change is so subtle but because it is absolutely natural in appearance. She just thinks I've been happier lately. I, myself, have forgotten what I looked like prior.

I do not consider myself a superficial person. I tend to look beyond the surface to find meaning and value. I am not one you would expect to spend money on anything cosmetic. But I must say, it was one of the best uses of money I have ever made. You are not merely a dentist but an artist and I am one of your biggest fans. I never could have fully understood the profound difference a cosmetic correction could make when done so perfectly. I am more myself than I have been for a long time. I love my smile and freely offer it as often as I can. Twenty years of inhigition are gone and I thank you for that. And even though they are years from comprehension, my children thank you too.

Sincerely,

Eric Krut