Can't Smile Without You.....

People often say to me, "You've got a great smile," and I say "Thanks" but I'd be a lot more flattered if my teeth had not become hellish engines of torture, occasionally chewing food but mostly providing full employment for my dentist.

I used to say my dentist had nicknamed me "summer home" because I had bought him one.

When I show up at his doorstep, I'm no longer shocked by the bad news. Some people fear root canals. Ha!! Root canals actually fix your teeth. For me, a tooth that can be repaired is very good news.

Cavities? Those are for rookies. I've had crowns, implants, implants to replace failed implants, not to mention extractions, and Invisiline (that's sort of like braces with extra pain).

Blame a love of sweets (never saw a gummi bear I didn't like) and my
genetically weak enamel, but whatever it is, it ain't
pretty and its expensive. I spend the money cause
you can't be on TV with a jacked up "grill."

But the reality is a decent looking smile is crucial for life, no matter what your job is. Think about it. Would you kiss someone with really bad-looking teeth? More importantly, would you hire them?

Lynn Locklear is a local dentist who knows the answers to these questions is probably 'no'. She cares enough to do some pro bono work for patients who can't afford her expertise. But like most things, the need far outstrips her ability to help.

I did a story on Lynn's efforts to bring smiles to some faces a few months ago. Today I checked back with her for an update. What she said may surprise you. Or maybe not...