Jose and his best friend Christopher
When Jose Stopped Smiling
“Smiley.”
That was the nickname Jose’s best friend’s father gave him back in high school, because he was always smiling.
But over time, that changed.
About ten years ago, Jose’s front teeth needed dental work. Some required root canals, and crowns were recommended.
“… at the time, the teeth themselves were okay so I didn’t get the crowns – I didn’t think too much about it. Then one of them started to turn dark and others started to chip because root canal teeth become frail.”
At first, it didn’t feel urgent. But gradually, his smile began to look different — and his confidence faded with it.
Jose always intended to fix his teeth, but life was busy. He had two young daughters involved in sports and activities, and work demanded his attention. As a dental hygienist, being around dentistry every day made it easy to believe he could take care of it anytime.
“I would always wake up and say today – this is the day when I book an initial appointment. But it never manifested.”
Days turned into years. And while he wasn’t happy with his smile, addressing it always felt less urgent than everything else. But it affected him.
“Let’s just say, I wasn’t a happy, confident individual.”
Jose became more aware of how he spoke and more hesitant to smile freely in conversations. He no longer felt like himself.
The Turning Point
For nearly eight years, Jose knew he needed to make a change.
Ironically, working in dentistry made it easier to delay. When you’re behind a mask most of the day, your own smile isn’t front and centre.
But in late 2024, something shifted.
Jose began considering a run for City Council. The idea of stepping into a more public role gave him pause. As a councillor, he would be building relationships, having important conversations, and representing both his community and the dental profession.
And that meant being visible.
He realized that if he was going to advocate publicly — for his profession and for others — he needed to feel fully confident himself.
Jose’s turning point wasn’t about chasing cosmetic improvement. It was about alignment with himself — about feeling comfortable speaking, smiling, and connecting without hesitation.
That clarity became the catalyst. It was finally time to get his smile back.
Choosing the Practice
After nearly three decades working in dentistry across many practices, Jose had seen the difference between average and exceptional work.
“Like with any type of cosmetic work, my main concern was ‘is it gonna look good?’ I wanted a smile that fit my face.”
Despite having many professional relationships in dentistry, Jose chose Dr. Brown. Having worked with him for over 11 years, he had seen the care Dr. Brown provided to patients and trusted his artistic and scientific approach to cosmetic dentistry.
“I’ve seen bad work and I’ve seen good work. Dr. Brown’s specialty is with cosmetics and implants, and aesthetics is one of his strong points. His work is among the best that I’ve seen, so it was an easy decision for me to make.”
The Treatment Journey
Even with years of experience in dentistry, being the patient felt different. As treatment began, Jose remembers thinking, “Wow — this is really happening.”
There was no significant discomfort — just the normal numbness that comes with local anesthesia.
Jose’s treatment included retreating two previous root canals, placing crowns on those teeth, and adding two veneers to the adjacent teeth to create symmetry in his smile. What stood out most, however, wasn’t the technical work. It was the team’s approach. He felt treated as a person first, not just a case.
The team worked together seamlessly, and that sense of trust allowed Jose to relax. From decision to treatment, the process was positive and reassuring — straightforward, comfortable, and exactly as discussed.
Jose’s smile before treatment
Jose’s smile after treatment
The Reveal and Life After
When Jose first saw his new smile, his mouth was still numb—so the full impact wasn’t yet discernible. He could see the change, but couldn’t quite feel it.
That came later.
Once the numbness wore off and he could grasp the change, something shifted.
The transformation itself wasn’t dramatic in a flashy “Hollywood” way—it was natural. Subtle. Authentic. The kind of change that makes people say “You look really good” instead of ask “What did you do?”
But the biggest shift experienced by Jose wasn’t aesthetic—it was emotional. He found himself smiling again without thinking about it. Laughing freely. And showing up the way he used to.
Friends began commenting not just on his smile, but on his energy. The confidence that had faded over the years had returned.
Reflection & Advice to Others
Looking back, Jose wishes he hadn’t waited so long.
“Don’t wait until your smile holds you back.”
If he had to do it again, he says he would do it sooner.
For anyone unsure about treatment, his advice is practical: educate yourself. Look at the work being done. Read real reviews. Choose a provider who respects both your investment and what you hope to achieve — and who sees you as an individual, not just a procedure.
Jose and his friend Christopher today
If you’ve been putting off dental care because life feels too busy, you’re not alone. Many people wait years before realizing how much a confident smile can affect how they feel.
Our dental team is here when you’re ready — to help you smile with confidence and feel like yourself again.