Kelli Clement came to our Ames, IA restorative dental office after her previous veneers had broken down. Her care involved full-mouth reconstruction and TMJ treatment with Dr. Amie Rockow-Nelson, whom many patients know as Doc Rock.
What stands out most about Kelli’s story is how she describes herself today. Her smile is something she enjoys seeing, not something she feels she needs to examine for flaws.
Looking Beyond Worn Veneers
When existing veneers break down, a dental evaluation can help determine what the underlying teeth need and how future restorations may work with the patient’s bite. Full mouth reconstruction considers multiple aspects of dental health and function rather than focusing on one tooth at a time.
For Kelli, full mouth reconstruction and TMJ treatment were both part of the process. Our approach considers the health of the teeth alongside how the bite functions, with treatment decisions guided by each patient’s needs.
Planning Care With Digital Technology
Our team used an iTero scanner during Kelli’s treatment. This allowed us to create detailed digital images of the teeth, providing information to support dental evaluation and restorative planning.
Dr. Rockow-Nelson also considers how teeth, jaw joints, and chewing muscles function together when TMJ concerns are part of a patient’s care. Each treatment plan depends on the person’s dental needs and examination findings. That broader view helps us explain why one patient’s plan may look different from another’s.
Feeling Supported Through Treatment
Dental appointments can be difficult when you already feel nervous about treatment. Kelli told us that feeling supported by the people around her made a difference during the process.
“Dr. Amie and her staff made this process as easy as possible,” she shared. She also described the team members who helped her as “kind, compassionate, and affirming.”
Those words matter to our team. We want patients to feel comfortable asking questions and sharing concerns while we explain their care and the next steps.
Seeing Herself in Her Smile
Kelli’s favorite part of her result is the way she feels when she sees herself in photographs. “I love my smile; I feel more confident with this smile,” she said.
Her description captures something personal: “I don’t see flaws in my teeth; I see my full self.” For Kelli, the outcome is about recognizing herself and enjoying her smile with greater confidence. Her experience is her own, and results vary based on each patient’s dental condition and treatment needs.
Contact Our Office Today
If you have older dental work that needs attention or have questions about full-mouth reconstruction and TMJ care, call Ames Center for Cosmetic and Family Dentistry at (515) 956-3700 to request a consultation. We can discuss your concerns and help you understand your options.