Summary:
In this episode of the SmileLine Podcast, host Chris Schnieders interviews Melinda, a patient who transitioned from an uncomfortable upper denture and lower partial to a full SmileLine prosthetic. She shares how the procedure significantly improved her comfort, confidence, and quality of life. From pre-surgery nerves to steak dinners post-recovery, Melinda offers honest reflections on the process and encourages others with failing teeth to explore fixed solutions through a consultation.
Transcript:
Chris Schnieders: Welcome to the SmileLine Podcast! The purpose of this podcast is to give real information from doctors and patients about our SmileLine prosthetic and the sequence of appointments. For more information, check out our website or give our office a call. Hope you enjoy today’s episode.
Chris Schnieders: Hey guys, welcome back to the SmileLine Podcast! I am here with Melinda. Melinda, how are you doing today?
Melinda: Good!
Chris Schnieders: Awesome, awesome. Melinda has been a patient of ours for a long time. She actually started as an upper denture, lower partial, and now she’s in an upper and lower SmileLine prosthetic. We’re here today to talk about her experience. So, Melinda, a little backstory — where are you from?
Melinda: Jeff City.
Chris Schnieders: Jeff City — have you lived there your whole life?
Melinda: Yes.
Chris Schnieders: Do you enjoy living there?
Melinda: It’s okay. I’d rather be out in this area — more of a small-town vibe.
Chris Schnieders: Same here. I started out in Jeff, lived behind Daisy Delight — remember that place?
Melinda: They’re closed now!
Chris Schnieders: Oh man! Well, back to your story — we had seen you a long time ago when you still had your upper and lower natural teeth, right?
Melinda: Yes.
Chris Schnieders: Then you transitioned to an upper denture?
Melinda: Unfortunately, yes.
Chris Schnieders: Tell me about that denture experience.
Melinda: It was not good. They hurt, and I had to take them out after wearing them for a while.
Chris Schnieders: Yeah, I saw on your intake form you marked 10 out of 10 pain when chewing with your denture. Was that from sores, or was it a poor fit?
Melinda: Both — my mouth would get sore, and they didn’t fit right.
Chris Schnieders: Then you went to an upper denture and lower partial, and eventually came in for a SmileLine consultation. How was that experience?
Melinda: It was awesome — the best thing I ever did.
Chris Schnieders: Thank you, that means a lot. And now you’ve been in your final prosthetic for about a year and a half, right?
Melinda: Yes.
Chris Schnieders: Let’s rewind. How nervous were you before surgery?
Melinda: I was nervous, but it was well worth it. It was a long day, but I had no pain during the surgery and did just fine.
Chris Schnieders: That’s what we always tell patients — it’s a long day, but if you come in mentally prepared, you walk out with brand new teeth.
How was your swelling and pain afterward?
Melinda: Not much swelling at all, and really no pain.
Chris Schnieders: Do you remember how many temps we went through to finalize your smile?
Melinda: Two.
Chris Schnieders: That’s about average. Some people go through three or more, but we’re getting better and better at getting it right the first or second time.
How about your diet during the healing process?
Melinda: I started with soft foods and gradually added harder stuff. Once they stopped hurting, I went straight for the steak!
Chris Schnieders: Nice! Big steak day, huh?
Melinda: Yes, it was great!
Chris Schnieders: Now looking back — how does life compare now to when you were in an upper denture and lower partial?
Melinda: There’s a total difference. It’s more comfortable, and I smile all the time now. Before, I never wanted to show my teeth.
Chris Schnieders: I could tell! When I saw you Monday and asked if you’d like to come on the podcast, you were like, “Yeah!” But then, “Wait, what are we doing exactly?”
Melinda: That’s right! I was wondering what I was getting myself into.
Chris Schnieders: I appreciate you coming on. What advice would you give to someone who’s just starting to have trouble with their natural teeth?
Melinda: Get a consultation. They showed me before and after photos, and that helped a lot. I loved it.
Chris Schnieders: That’s great to hear. A lot of people go through the same path — some go straight to the fixed prosthetic, others try a denture first.
The ones who’ve tried removable options really know how bad it can get — sore spots, gagging, food getting trapped, not tasting your food, and pain.
Melinda: I remember going out to eat with my brother. He said I looked like I was in pain. I told him it was my dentures. On the way home, I took them out, and there was blood on the napkin. That’s how bad they were.
Chris Schnieders: Oh wow — rubbing your gums raw. That’s terrible.
Melinda: I’ve even talked to my future daughter-in-law. She’s thinking about coming down. She’s getting married in October and wants to try to save her teeth.
Chris Schnieders: That’s awesome! Weddings are a big motivator. We hear that a lot. Thank you for spreading the word — we truly appreciate that.
Melinda: I showed her my before and after photos. She couldn’t believe it!
Chris Schnieders: Yes — I saw those too. Your transformation is incredible. You have a beautiful smile now. I smiled just looking at it.
Melinda: Thank you. I waited so long to get this done. It’s the best thing I’ve ever done.
Chris Schnieders: Looking back, do you wish you had gone straight to the fixed prosthetic?
Melinda: It was good for me to try the denture and partial first, but once I saw they didn’t work for me, I was ready for the upgrade.
Chris Schnieders: That’s a common path. Sometimes trying it first helps you realize what’s not working — then you know you’re ready to commit to something better.
Any final advice for listeners?
Melinda: You need to come down and let them work on you — they’ll make you look just like this!
Chris Schnieders: Thank you, Melinda. I really appreciate you coming on the podcast today.
For anyone listening, if you have questions, feel free to give us a call. Our contact info is below, and we’ll see you on the next episode.