The Gift of a Smile

Affordable Dentures & Implants
Bullhead City, AZ

“Without Dr. Brannon, I couldn’t do this,” explains John, U.S. Marine Corps Veteran. “It’s not something I can afford, and my mouth would continue to get worse.”

Dr. Sibera Brannon, Practice Owner of Affordable Dentures & Implants - Bullhead City, AZ, provided John with the gift of life-changing, free dental care for Veterans Day.

Affordable Dentures & Implants
Monroe City, NC

90-year-old Korean War Veteran Olin Price had been wearing the same dentures for nearly 30 years. His daughter, Gidget Thompson, shares, “His teeth were sawed down years ago and the dentures placed on top. He has been needing his infected teeth extracted for a long time.”

After being referred to Affordable Dentures & Implants in Monroe, Olin received a special surprise from Dr. Ali Nili – the gift of free, SNAPSecure dentures to honor Olin on Veterans Day.

“We are speechless,” says Gidget. “My dad did not have the means or insurance to be able to have all of this dental work completed. This is something that he needs and something that is going to change his life."

“When I met Olin, his 30-year-old dentures had been sitting on top of multiple decayed and infected teeth,” explains Dr. Nili. “The dentures were ill-fitting and caused great discomfort for Olin. He is a 90-year-old Veteran on a highly limited budget, and he was just hoping to get our lowest priced denture.”

Dr. Nili adds, “I decided to not only cover the extractions of his teeth and new dentures but to place implants to secure his lower denture. These implants will allow Olin to live more comfortably than he has in years and transform his ability to eat. I wanted to do this as a special gift to express our gratitude to him for his honorable service and sacrifice.”

“This is going to help my dad’s overall health,” shares Gidget. “It means the world to our family to see my dad happy. This is a huge blessing.”

Affordable Dentures & Implants
Commerce, GA

Athens native Melvin Huff will be more than happy to share his smile with anyone and everyone, thanks to some Veterans Day kindness from Affordable Dentures and Implants in Commerce. 

Huff, 66, spent 22 years in the U.S. Army, retiring in 1997 after assignments at Fort Benning, Germany, Fort Campbell on the Kentucky-Tennessee border, Fort Knox, the Pentagon and Fort Stewart. Several years ago, he began having trouble with his teeth and didn’t have coverage to address the issue. 

“I started having problems five or six years ago, but I didn’t pay attention to it,” said Huff. “I found out that I was a grinder and ground my teeth down to the small enamel and (my teeth) started breaking off.” 

Affordable Dentures & Implants
Tyler, TX

Military Veteran Willie James received the gift of a new smile just in time for Veterans Day from Dr. George Tanksley and team at Affordable Dentures & Implants in Tyler, Texas

Affordable Dentures & Implants
San Antonio, TX

"They made me feel like family," shares U.S. Coast Guard Veteran Raymond Leverich when talking about the team at Affordable Dentures & Implants in San Antonio, TX, which provided free replacement dentures for Raymond for Veterans Day.

He adds, "It means a lot that they did this for me. My dentures feel better, like they have always been there. Can't wait to go out and eat steak for Veterans Day!"

Affordable Dentures & Implants
Chesterfield, MI

U.S. Air Force Veteran Daniel Stockton is all smiles with Dr. Delbert Davis

U.S. Air Force Veteran Daniel Stockton was wearing his lucky “Vietnam Veteran” hat to his recent appointment at Affordable Dentures & Implants in Chesterfield, Michigan. He visited the practice to learn about options for fixing his cracked denture and addressing infected teeth that had been causing him pain.

The practice team surprised Daniel by sharing they wanted to take care of his teeth as a gift for Veterans Day. 

“I about fell out of my chair,” shares Daniel, as he describes being told that his new dentures would be a special gift from the practice. “They called my daughter, Dana, and told her.”

“We feel very blessed,” explains Dana. “We were all in tears.”

Affordable Dentures & Implants
Hot Springs, AR

Military Veteran Stephen Tigue served 8 years in the U.S. Army, including the Gulf War in Iraq. He shared, “I’ve been all around the world.”

For Veterans Day, the team at AD&I in Hot Springs delivered new dentures to Stephen.

“This is completely life changing,” shared Stephen just before Veterans Day. “I really don’t enjoy talking to people because of the chipped teeth on my old dentures. I love the idea of being able to smile again and not having to hide my teeth anymore.”

Affordable Dentures & Implants
Port St. Lucie, FL

For 91-year-old Salvatore Grotta, this year’s Veterans Day was extra special. The U.S. Army Veteran received the gift of much needed, free dental care from fellow Veteran Dr. Devin Burns, who has a combined 24 1/2 years of service in the U.S. Army and U.S. Navy, including special forces and deployments to Bosnia and Iraq.

“This means so much to us because he was at the point where he just couldn't eat right,” explained Salvatore’s wife, Angelina. “We would visit dentists and they would tell us how much it was going to cost to fix his teeth and get him new dentures and we just couldn’t do it. We don’t have the insurance to cover it."

"This means so much to see him happy again and will be wonderful for him to be able to eat again."

Affordable Dentures & Implants
Sun City, AZ

U.S. Navy Veteran Mark Gilmore says it’s been a very long time since he last smiled. “I haven’t smiled in a while because I only have about 8 teeth left and most are cracked and broken,” shared Mark. That changed on Veterans Day.

Dr. Sibera Brannon and the team at AD&I Sun City provided the gift of a smile to Mark and U.S. Marine Corps Veteran Michael Infanzon.

Michael said, "I am super appreciative and extremely humbled to receive this care because this is not something I could do on my own.” Michael helps give back to fellow Veterans as a lobbyist. He explained that having a new smile through the dental care provided by Dr. Brannon will not only help him but help other Veterans in the future.

“It’s hard to speak to others because of the condition of my teeth,” shared Michael. “Not being able to smile limits my ability to get things done. This will help me and the community as a whole as I continue to work on behalf of Veterans issues.”

Affordable Dentures & Implants
Lake Worth, TX

“This meant a lot to me,” shared U.S. Navy Veteran Erin Rader-Feeley, who received a new set of dentures from the AD&I team in Lake Worth. “I have a rare medical condition and had my teeth pulled because of it. The VA gave me dentures that broke multiple times on me.”

Erin added, "My new set of dentures definitely feel good, and it is amazing how I am now able to eat again. I'm already getting so many compliments from people about my teeth."

Affordable Dentures & Implants
San Angelo, Texas

U.S. Army Veteran Bruce Allred, of San Angelo, Texas, went into the service to become a mechanic and ended up becoming a U.S. Army Ranger. He served on an aircraft carrier in Cam Ranh Bay, Vietnam, helping to evacuate troops near the end of the Vietnam War. “We saved a lot of lives during those trips but there are a bunch of names on that big black wall who I know,” shares Bruce, as he references the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.

Affordable Dentures & Implants
Orlando, FL

U.S. Air Force and Marine Veteran Ron Younger was all smiles on Veterans Day after receiving the gift of free Premium dentures from Dr. Ramzy Lotfi (far left) and the AD&I Orlando, FL team!

Affordable Dentures & Implants
Binghamton, NY

U.S. Army Veteran Jeremy Tuttle, of Port Orange, New York, has lived the last 10 years of his life without teeth. “I have no teeth to show and it’s difficult to eat,” explains Jeremy, who, like all Military Veterans, in order to qualify for full VA dental benefits, must be 100 percent disabled, have been a prisoner of war or have developed a dental condition during their service. Jeremy does not meet these requirements.

DDS Dentures + Implant Solutions
Denton, TX

The team at DDS Dentures + Implant Solutions in Denton, Texas delivered the gift of dentures (and so much more!) to U.S. Army Veteran James Johnson as a special display of gratitude for his service. James, who served in the Army from 1953 to 1973, shares, "I was spit on when I returned from Vietnam, and this makes me really happy to have this done for me."

He adds, "I was so glad to receive my dentures because I didn't have the money for this."

Affordable Dentures + Implants
East Houston, TX

U.S. Air Force Veteran Laura Taylor served 20 years as a Flight Nurse, including deployment to the Middle East during Operation Desert Storm. She’s helped save a lot of lives and make a difference for others. Now it’s time for someone else to make a difference for Laura, and that’s what Dr. Byron Novosad was on a mission to do on Veterans Day.

Affordable Dentures & Implants
Cartersville, GA

WWII Veteran Whitfield Gray served with General Patton on the beaches of Normandy. The AD&I Cartersville team reports, "He was adorable when he came into the office telling us all about his new companion puppy. He shared that he got his new puppy because he was lonely. Mr. Gray went on to say that he went to bed one night and he belives his puppy 'got his teeth and he can't find a trace of them, not even one tooth.'"

Whitfield told the team that this [receiving his new dentures on Veterans Day] was his "lucky day and he might even go play the lotto."

Affordable Dentures & Implants
Burlington, NC

“I haven’t been able to smile or chew food for a very long time,” explains Nelson, who served in the U.S. Army from 1987 to 1991. “I preach every other week at my church, and it makes me very self-conscious because I have no teeth. It’s embarrassing.”

U.S. Navy Veteran Dr. Kathy Jones, Practice Owner of Affordable Dentures & Implants - Burlington, NC, provided Nelson with a special gift for Veterans Day.

Affordable Dentures & Implants
Newport News, VA

Dr. Jamiah Dawson, U.S. Navy Officer and Practice Owner of Affordable Dentures & Implants in Newport News, VA, provided the gift of a smile this year to U.S. Army Veteran Chrischette Placencia and Samuetta Foster, the daughter of a U.S. Marine Corps Veteran, who recently passed away. 

“I think it's wonderful that she chooses to give back to fellow Veterans," shares Chrischette. "It's overwhelming. I'm very thankful."

Samuetta adds, "This means the world to me. People don't understand how not being able to smile impacts your insecurity."

Affordable Dentures & Implants
Amarillo, TX

U.S. Army Veteran Steven Stills was in an accident more than 10 years ago and lost half of his bottom teeth. “After that, my teeth just started to fall out,” explains Steven. “I had to get dentures at that time, and they just never fit well.”

Steven visited Dr. Venkata Pasupuleti at Affordable Dentures & Implants in Amarillo, with the plan to see what options could be available to help him with his ill-fitting dentures received at a different dental practice. Dr. Pasupuleti decided to surprise Steven with the gift of free dental care to honor him on Veterans Day.

“When I met Steven and saw the struggles he had with his dentures, I knew we could and should help him,” explains Dr. Pasupuleti. “It is an honor for us to honor him for Veterans Day with the special gift of a new smile.”

“I am just amazed,” explains Steven. “I am super grateful for what they are doing for me.”

Steven shares that once all of his dental care is completed, he most looks forward to, “eating steak and a bacon cheeseburger again”. He adds, “Having issues with your teeth plays on your emotions and confidence. I’m so grateful for this.”

Affordable Dentures & Implants
Owensboro, KY

U.S. Marine Corps Veteran Kenneth Denton lost everything, including his dentures, when his home was damaged in a fire. His miniature dachshund, a gift for his wife, saved their life. He shares, “My little dog woke us up and we were able to get out.”

As a way to honor Kenneth for his service, Dr. Brandon Taylor, a U.S. Navy Veteran and doctor at Affordable Dentures & Implants in Owensboro, KY, provided Kenneth with a special surprise -- the gift of free dental care to replace his dentures for Veterans Day.

“I was shocked,” explains Kenneth. “He took real good care of me, and I appreciate what he did for me.”

Affordable Dentures & Implants
Vallejo, CA

Dr. Kamana Joshi (pictured above) with U.S. Army Veteran Daniel Griffin, wearing his new dentures

79-year-old U.S. Army Veteran Daniel Griffin struggled to eat due to tooth loss.

“I haven’t seen my father eat anything besides soup and ice cream for a lot of years,” shares Jeffrey McAllister, Daniel’s son.

To help Daniel be able to eat again, Dr. Kamana Joshi from Affordable Dentures & Implants in Vallejo had a special surprise for him – the gift of free dentures for Veterans Day.

“Our team is honored to be able to honor Daniel for Veterans Day,” shares Dr. Joshi. “We know what it means for patients to be able to enjoy a better quality of life and to eat their favorite foods again, so we wanted to help Daniel as a special way of saying thank you for his service.”

Jeffrey adds, “It is very generous what they did for my father. We are so grateful.”

Affordable Dentures & Implants
Spartanburg, SC

Like all Military Veterans, in order to quality for full VA dental benefits, U.S. Army Veteran John Gray, of Greenville, S.C., must be 100 percent disabled, have been a prisoner of war or have developed a condition during service. John, who has no dental insurance, does not meet these requirements, and has been in need of dental care.

The AD&I Spartanburg, SC team provided John with the dental care he needed on Veterans Day.

“I think this is great what they are doing for me,” shared John. “This is an opportunity to get my smile straight and it’s never been that way. This is a real gift.”

Affordable Dentures & Implants
Pineville, LA

U.S. Air Force Veteran Gilbert Haynes, of Alexandria, Louisiana, gives back to his local community as a guest speaker and volunteer for outreach programs to help recovering drug and alcohol addicts.

“Gilbert spends much of his free time from work helping others,” explained Dr. Valerie Washington. “We are grateful for his service to our country, and we wanted him to be on the receiving end of giving back because he truly deserves it. I see the life-changing difference dental care and a new smile can have on patients, and my team and I were privileged to help and honor Gilbert on Veterans Day.”

“I’m very appreciative,” explained 70-year-old Gilbert. “This shows the doctor really cares and it makes you realize that people really do care about you.”

Affordable Dentures & Implants
Fayetteville, NC

“When I was working at Walter Reed Medical Hospital, I witnessed the compassionate care provided to our Nation’s heroes,” explained Dr. Murray Reefer, who served in the Army for more than 23 years, the last 7 years as a paratrooper dentist at Fort Bragg, N.C. “Ever since then, I’ve tried to emulate that level of care and compassion for all of my patients especially my fellow Veterans. I love the opportunity to help someone recover from a dental malady and help them restore their confidence and smile.”

On Veterans Day, Dr. Reefer helped restore the smiles and confidence of two Veterans: Nate Gould and Harold Radley.

“Being in the Military, they don’t replace anything, they just pull your teeth,” shared Nate Gould, who served 31 years in the U.S. Army. “I can’t eat food that I normally would eat because I can’t chew,” explained Nate. “I’m looking forward to getting my new teeth so that I can finally eat again.”

Nate said prior to his appointment with Dr. Reefer, “I don’t care if someone goes to the moon, that doesn’t compare to this. I’m more excited about this than anything else. This is like being on top of the world!”

Affordable Dentures & Implants
Owensboro, KY

"A big thank you," shared U.S. Air Force Veteran Tom Sowders as he talked about the free dental care he received from the team at AD&I Owensboro, KY. "I am happy and this feels good. I can't wait to eat cookies again."

Fellow Veteran Tommy Moseley added he is most excited about, "eating virtually anything I want!"

Affordable Dentures & Implants
Kinston, NC

When VFW Post 2771 Commander Eric Cantu in Lenoir County (North Carolina) was asked if he knew of a Veteran in need of dental care, he immediately thought of U.S. Navy Veteran Jack Hibbs. “I’m losing my teeth and I live with a lot of pain from toothaches,” explains Jack. Eric has been looking after Jack and helping him for the past 20 years.

Affordable Dentures & Implants
Newport News, VA

U.S. Navy Veteran Steven Dosa is looking forward to smiling again without covering up his mouth. “I’m missing my two front teeth and I don’t have teeth in the back,” explains Steven. “Anytime my teeth hurt, I just get them pulled, and the ones I have left, just hurt so much.”

Affordable Dentures & Implants
Sylvania, OH

“It has taken over 50 years for guys who served during Vietnam to start to get recognized,” shares U.S. Army Veteran Thomas Baker of Monroe, Michigan. Thomas, who served in the Army from 1968 to 1971, enlisted at the age of 17 because, as he states, “I thought it was my patriotic duty.”

Joining Thomas on Veterans Day was U.S. Army Veteran Richard Binder of Toledo, who served from 1951 to 1957 during the Korean War. “When I came home from Korea, I came home by myself, and Korean Veterans were not recognized,” Richard shares. “People just didn’t talk about it.”

Affordable Dentures & Implants
Durham, NC

In 2019, U.S. Army Veteran James Mitchell was diagnosed with cancer. “My teeth started to deteriorate after that,” explains James. “My gums are tender, and I have broken off teeth at my gumline,” he shares.

“It’s hard to believe Dr. Driskill is doing this for me for free,” says James. “I can’t afford it, and nobody has ever given me nothing.”

Affordable Dentures & Implants
Columbia, SC

Dr. Mike Smith and his team with U.S. Navy Veteran Angel Arieta who received the "gift of a smile" on Veterans Day.

Affordable Dentures & Implants
Pineville, LA

When U.S. Army Veteran Jesse McManus learned that he was receiving a special gift – the gift of free dental care – for Veterans Day, his reaction was: “Is this real?”

“I am so surprised,” says Jesse, who served in the Army from 1951 to 1955. “I sure wasn’t expecting this, and this will surely make for a special Veterans Day.”

“I’m so thankful for Dr. Washington,” says Jesse. “She is a wonderful person and everyone who works at her office is wonderful. I’m just so grateful.”