Smile File -Spring 2007

An Unforgettable Story

Des Plaines cosmetic dentistry I would like to testify as to how Dr. Meyer has helped me live a happier, healthier, life through the treatment I received from him and his wonderful staff. I was ordained a priest in 1999. What should have been a joyful time quickly turned into a trial and then a nightmare. Shortly after ordination, when I was just getting started at my new parish, I began experiencing the popping, clicking, and discomfort of what I would later find out was TMJ disorder. For many months, I lived in fear of this new intense, ever present companion of mine, pain. Sometimes it felt like all the equipment of my jaws and temple were taken out and removed with rusty, jagged, ill-fitting parts. I had constant ear-aches, headaches and facial pain. I began to develop insomnia, because sleep was the only time I felt relief, and so I would get nervous and psych myself out of sleep.

After a brief, minor let-up the pain came back with a vengeance in July 2000. By this time I was near desperation. My life was a living hell, as the pain became so bad I could not even think straight. Finally, in August 2000, I met Dr. Meyer. This is when everything started to change. He was an answer to prayer!

I was impressed by the human compassion and friendliness of everyone there. Then, I was hooked up to a lot of gadgets as a computer took readings of my jaw movements. I was fitted for a new appliance, one designed to help my jaw muscles relax into a position they were meant to be in. Finally, I was loosened up on a TENS unit and then Dr. Meyer took liquid acrylic and let it conform to my now-relaxed mouth. Little did I know that the plastic appliance he was constructing for me would save my life. I went back in a few weeks to receive the now-completed appliance, popped it into place in my mouth, and by the next day, I was already starting to feel better. A week later, I was like a new person. Everyone around me noticed the difference, about how happy I was. Long story short, I wore this for many years. I still had some minor relapses, but they always got better when I got the appliance re-adjusted. Most importantly, I felt like I had my life back, free from the monster of pain that had plagued me throughout the first year of my priesthood. I was able to do all the work of priesthood and ministry with new joy and enthusiasm.

In December 2004, I finally took the plunge and opted for the more permanent solution of having my mouth re-done through an extensive process of braces and traction. Now at long last in February 2007, the process is complete. I have had the braces removed and need only to wear a retainer and night guard to keep me from slipping back into the old problems again. I can't believe this long journey is now over! Dr. Meyer is still, to my knowledge, a relatively rare exception in the dental field. The type of dentistry he practiced on me helped me in a way that nothing else did. If it weren't for Dr. Meyer and his techniques, I shudder to think what shape my life might be in today. It amazes me that a concept so simple as relaxed facial muscles should still be such a neglected and unknown art today in the dental field.

Over the years, Dr. Meyer has come to impress and amaze me. He is so knowledgeable and confident, and exercises his dental skills with artistry and an utterly scientific expertise. He is also a joyful man with a hearty laugh always ready to burst out, and a true kindly regard for his patients. Today, I consider him to be, not only the doctor who helped me regain my life back, but also a friend. I am forever grateful to Dr. Meyer and his staff, and I thank God for them every day!

Fr. Charles Klamut
February 2007

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Dr. Thomas L. Meyer - Providing services in cosmetic dentistry, tmj treatment and neuromuscular dentistry to the areas of Chicago and Des Plaines, Illinois.