By Elizabeth Countess, President of Practice Marketing Specialists, Inc. of Charlotte NC: “I’ve been fortunate in my career to have worked with some of the finest dentists in their fields, from dental specialists to generalists to university instructors. When my migraines first began ten years ago, I never associated them with my bite. But when I realized I was waking up every morning clenching, it finally occurred to me that I should have it looked into. I saw a TMJ ‘specialist’ in New York. He gave me some relief but, quite frankly, didn’t have the training nor the equipment to really get to the root of my problem. I knew Dr. Barbat did. I flew from Charlotte to Detroit, went to her office and in one visit learned that all my problems were caused by lower crowns that were too short. All that pain and suffering had taken place even when my bite ‘checked out’ as normal with my local dentist. She developed a treatment plan to replace the crowns and I even asked for four veneers on upper front teeth for a ‘perked up’ smile to even out my smile line. Every lower tooth was crowned – they were all prepped in one visit and the final porcelain crowns were placed in another! And the porcelain veneers as well! No migraines. No headaches. Beautiful smile! Yes, Detroit is a long way to go for dental work. But getting work done right – for good – is worth the trip. The cost was a fortune, I tell people. When they ask where I’m going on vacation this year, I tell them ‘in my mouth!’ And I have NO regrets! I believe you spend your money on what is truly of value to your life. Living a healthy, comfortable life without pain and being able to smile a big, happy smile is something that makes me happy EVERY day! There is no trip or material item as important to me as that. And, Dr. Barbat is my hero. That little package of a Dentist is the best thing that ever happened to Michigan! I am begging her to move to North Carolina!
