Hi Tyra,
I watched one of your shows on dental reconstruction and I saw myself in each one of the women that was on your show having dental problems.I also felt the pain and embarrasement of suffering from that same problem.I have had a hard time trying to hide the fact that it doesn't bother me but truth is it affects me and my selfesteem every single day,my family takes pictures,laugh and joke around even hold conversations with eachother but it's even hard for me to conversate with my family,my friends, my boyfriend and my three children because when I think back to how beautiful my teeth and smile used to be and to see them now,brings tears to my eyes and makes me feel less then desireable because no one wants to kiss someone who's teeth looks like their rotten.Tyra I don't show my teeth period when I smile and that's not even a real smile.I smile only when my mouth is covered completely,after all who wants to see ugly teeth right? My nightmare began when my teeth started chipping,braking off and rottening after I became pregnant with my last two children Keiara 4 yrs old and Shoniece two yrs old.Both My pregnancies were very,very,very difficult pregnancies,I couldn't eat anything or drink anything because everything I ate made me sick or either I had to be hospitalized due to dehydration,fainting,highblood pressure,anemia,low iron and constant nose bleeds which also ocurred with my son Shonderrius 9yrs old but I didn't loose my teeth at all, only during and after my last two babies,now I don't know what to do,my teeth are getting worse eachday and it is harder and harder for me to eat and drink wheither my food and drink is hot or cold it still hurts bad!I have tried to see dentists to help me but the first one I saw accused me of doing drugs because of how my teeth looked causing me to leave his office in tears and the other dentist Dr.Howell,he started the cleaning process but it hurt so bad with all the needles in my gums and jaws that I became so afraid that I didn't even go back for him to finish the treatments,now I've basicly given up on having it done because I'm so terrified that I will feel all of the pain at one time that I've been suffering through since 2002 up till now and it's hard enough handling the pain of eating and drinking but to have to handle the pain from needles and surgery I don't think I can do it,I cringe just thinking about it.Tyra what can I do to fix my teeth and to get back my smile and my selfesteem? Tyra Please help me to smile again.

Hi Tyra! My name is Vanessa. I like many other people here, do not like to smile with my teeth showing in pictures. All my friends always tell me that i have a pretty smile and should smile for pictures but I always do a closed mouthed picture. The reason for this is when I was in fifth grade, my baby two front teeth hadn't fallen out yet. When I went to the dentist, they took X-rays, and discovered I had six teeth in all. My baby teeth, and two more on top of that. I got operated to get the bottom four off. Instead of the teeth coming down, they went in. A year or two later, I went back (my family couldn't really afford seeing a dentist regularly), and the dentist had decided to take off the teeth, and give me implants. The dentist then took me to another dentist so they could take off my teeth. When I was at the other dentist, they decided that my teeth were salvable, and then decided that i should wear braces. This was when I was in eighth grade. In October of 1999, my grandfather passed away, and he was the one who would take me to the dentist to have my monthly checkup, and also at this time, money got tight again. Now, almost 10 years later, I still haven't seen the dentist, and my front teeth look horrible. It would be great if it would be possible to have some help. Thanks for reading this!—Vanessa

Hello Tyra,
how are you? I just wanted you to know how much I admire you. I'm 20 yrs. old and currently engaged to a beautiful spirited man. But i'm very insecure about my smile. Its gotten to the point that i'm refusing to take photo's in which im not smiling of our up-coming wedding. It hurts me every time i see me in a picture because i feel ugly. To be hinest i really dont understand why he choose me of all people. it would mean the world to if i could just feel pretty for once in my life and for the man i so unconditionally love. Could you please help me look my best for him on our special day please? Thank you for all you've done and dont stop girl!

Hello Tyra,
how are you? I just wanted you to know how much I admire you. I'm 20 yrs. old and currently engaged to a beautiful spirited man. But i'm very insecure about my smile. Its gotten to the point that i'm refusing to take photo's in which im not smiling of our up-coming wedding. It hurts me every time i see me in a picture because i feel ugly. To be hinest i really dont understand why he choose me of all people. it would mean the world to if i could just feel pretty for once in my life and for the man i so unconditionally love. Could you please help me look my best for him on our special day please? Thank you for all you've done and dont stop girl!

Hello Tyra,
how are you? I just wanted you to know how much I admire you. I'm 20 yrs. old and currently engaged to a beautiful spirited man. But i'm very insecure about my smile. Its gotten to the point that i'm refusing to take photo's in which im not smiling of our up-coming wedding. It hurts me every time i see me in a picture because i feel ugly. To be hinest i really dont understand why he choose me of all people. it would mean the world to if i could just feel pretty for once in my life and for the man i so unconditionally love. Could you please help me look my best for him on our special day please? Thank you for all you've done and dont stop girl!

Hi Tyra how have you been. Well as for me I'm stiil not smiling proudly. Tyra its like this it's not that i don't have a job it's just that I don't have benefits that could help me pay for my upper top andmy back lower bottoms. Tyra I pray that every nite & morning that i could get help with my teeth. The lord will make a way someday. Anyway Tyra if there is anyway you let me if you can help me i would really apprreciate it from the bottom of my heart.Well until next time I am Despertly Still seeking my smile back.

dear, tyra first i wanna say is i love your show i watch everytime that i can but theres one thing i don't have the money to fix my teeth and they started getting bad when i was 16 but my family did'nt have the money to fix them then so over the years my teeth have fallen apart now im 21 and have7 teeth that reall bad to the gum and and i was wondering if there is away u could help me in any way. yours truely: debra

Well Tyra im writing this and hope and praying that you help my mom she does everything for us me and my sister and now my little brother. we would like it if you can please help her because she hasn't smiled for year's and we can't even get her to smile her teeth are so bad. our mom she will do things for everyone else and won't help herself and we want to help her.she is 41 year's old and i can't even remember when she smiled because she hasn't. we don't have any insurance because my mom is disabled her back and her left arm she can't even use it. We would like it if you could please help her because we want our mom back.we would like family pictures taken but we can't because she won't because of her teeth,please help her soon we want her to have this done and we want it to be from us with your help. we watch your show everyday because we Love you.please Tyra help our Mom get her life back she also has been though so much lately she beaten up by some guy and he raped her and now she has a baby that is 2 month. all we want is her to be happy, and we can do it by helping her get her teeth fixed and soon. Thank you Tyra Please help our Lovely mom.

dear, tyra first i wanna is i love your show i watch evrytime that i can but theres one thing i don't have the money to fix my teeth and they started getting bad when i was 16 but my family did'nt have the money to fix them then so over the years my teeth have fallen apart now im 21 and have7 teeth that reall bad to the gum and and i was wondering if there is away u could help me in any way. yours truely: debra

Dear tyra i'm 13 and i'm strugginling with a problem that i have had since i was born my TEETH. i have a gap in the front and i know you help people with real problems but my familey can't afford braces or any other type of solution that will help me sooooooooooooooooooooo please help me get them straight i know i'm pretty but it's still that problem that holds me back please help me PLEASE PLEAS PLEASE HELP ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hi!! tyra let me just start by telling you that i really loooove you show!! Tyra believe it or not i just sat here and read all of this storys and is so sad because I know exacly how every one is feeling. I m a 30 year old woman I have 3 beutyfull kids and a husband of 12 years(yeah we were kind of young) but anyways when i was 15 i was in a car accident and unfortunally i lost my front teeth after that i been from dentist to dentist trying my best to help my situation but after so many tries i can nomore i'm terrified about dentist just the tought of one makes me nervous but is the i had to many bad experience and i was scamed so many times. Please tyra I know you a very busy woman and thats why I will understand if i never recieve a reply from you but if you do read this email please healp me tyra I just graduated from school and i can't even use my skills for nothing becouse i'm to embaress of my smile as a medical assistant i coulnd offer my patients what they really want it a pretty smile. just please give me an advised I really need help!! is pretty sad when you kids had never seying smile before.
please tyra help me!!!!

Hey Tyra, I'm Jasmine from Brooklyn,N.Y. I watch your talk show when I can but never miss an episode of AMERICA'S NEXT TOP MODEL!!!! I even catch the rerunds & I LOVE IT,LOVE IT, LOVE IT. Tyra you are a sister friend in my head. I have been meaning to write to you for the longest time now, but just never knew what to say,and since you said you read them yourself, here goes nothing. I'll be 30 the end of this year,Dec 16 to be exact. I have not been myself since I lost my teeth in the front of my mouth. I lost one nearly 7 yrs ago when I was pregnant. My son took everything from me when I was pregnant with him, my calcium,nutrients even my appetite. You ever heard the saying having a baby is like having one foot in the grave and one out. That was literally my whole 9 mnths. I am completely and utterly terrified of going to the dentist. Mostly because I had so much work done on my mouth throughout my childhood years. Painful surgery's, braces, bridges. Now I've gone only when I cannot take the pain anymore, and I have to be put to sleep. I want my life back Tyra. I use to be the life of the party, willing to take chances, outgoing, continuously working, the laugh out loud, contagious funny laugh that everyone recognizes. I would always get compliments on my smile. My self-esteem wasn't always the highest but I made it over a lot of humps, I like and love myself Tyra. I would like to go up to my son's school and not have to worry about opening my mouth too wide and having his school mates tell me I'm missing a tooth right there, or asking me what happened to my tooth? Or what his teachers think of me and anyone else for that matter. Everyone is asking for your help Tyra but I'm will to work for mine. Hardly anything in life is free Tyra. I went to school for Fashion Marketing, Management, and Merchandising but I am not using my skills to obtain the job,(career) I want because of my teeth, and I feel no one is going to hire me with my teeth looking the way that they do. I NEED YOUR HELP TYRA PLEASE, !!!!!!!!!!!!!! I need someone to hold my hand Tyra and force me into the dentist chair. I have a lump in my chest and stomach just thinking about it. I am a very prideful person Tyra and I cried a few times just trying to type you this. Please accept this letter with sincerity and warmness.

LOVE,PEACE,AND BLESSINGS
Jasmine Stewart

Tyra,
First off i would like to to say i love you and your shows. I wish i was as beautiful as you and your smile is priceless. I just wish I can say the same about mine. tyra i believe that i am pretty and i have self-esteem and i know your all about feeling good about yourself and loving who you are i just wish i can love all of me. I really hate my smile and i belive i can have so much confidence with a decent smile to say the least.I am a senior in highschool and my senior pictures are coming up and i would hope to smile in them! Tyra can you help me?
thank you big fan,
Lacy Ellis

Hi Tyra its me again The woman with a cover smile. Tyra it's getting real hard for me. You knowlike I said my life is finally back on track tyra i just need my teeth back! You feel me I don't want to look likei am somebodythat i usta be. And you know what that is so tyra please help a girl out I don't have no top teeth or bottom back teeth.I know you can help me you have done so many wonder things for people i know you wouldn't let a girl downm. I don't know how often you read all the messages that people post.but i sure hope that some of us gets your attention. God Bless you Tyra.

Hi Tyra
I'm writing to you in hopes that maybe you can help me. I'm a 23 year old stay at home mom. I have no insurance or money but desperatly need dental help. I had braces as a kid but now you can hardly tell I recently started having pain in my jaw and headaches. I saw a dentist a few months ago that my mother paid for but unfortunatly the work they did was temporary and the work I need is too expensive I dont know what to do I fear I wait to long the same thing that happened to my grandmother will happen to me. She had all the same orthodontic work done that I did and she had to get dentures by the time she was my age. I realize I've needed to take better care of my teeth a little too late and now I ask you for help. Please tyra help me fix my teeth like you did joanie I really appreciate it. Love you Trya stay beautiful

Dear Tyra,
I have watched your show and have been very touched by how you really do try to help people with their self-esteem. I have also noticed that so many people are desperate for help with dental care. Including myself. My parents were poor, then I married a very successful, wealthy, and very abusive man. Anything that related to taking care of me was a problem for him. I actuallly got such a bad absess in my mouth that my doctor made me have a mammogram because the infection settled in my lymph nodes. I was very ill. I had always been known for my laughter and huge smile....which my husband set out to extinguish. I left my husband and have been celibate for 8 years while working to support two children alone. Some people find me extremely attractive, until I open my mouth. I can't imagine a decent man wanting a 44 year old woman with two kids who is missing teeth. I wouldn't want a man on those terms either. So, I may very well be alone for the rest of my life. I've already got an 8 year head start. I would really like to be able to laugh again....and maybe find love. But even if that never happens, I would like to find a way to help other women. Especially those from a domestic violence background. People just assume that if you don't have good teeth that you are icky. And believe me, that is not always the case. I don't think any woman should ever be afraid. Especially afraid to smile.
I know that you are overwhelmed by requests for help, which is what has really touched me. How can I help make a difference? If not for myself....for someone else...

Hi Tyra it's again paula the woman who has to cover her mouth everytime i smile. Tyra I am in recovery I been clean for five years. My life is beautiful now I just wish i had that beautiful smile to go with it. Tyra can you please help me get my sexy smile back it would mean the world to me. I finally got my life back on track the only thing missing is my top teeth & my back bottom teeth. Tyra I can't afford to get them done but I would sure put in whatever I can tohelp out. Please Tyra help me .

Tyra,
Hello, I watch your show every morning. I am 52 years old. Growing up, my parents did not take us to the dentist. The first time I went to the dentist, I was 19 years old. By then I had so many teeth that needed to be pulled due to cavities. My first experience was 5 teeth pulled and 7 filled all in one day. For a week I could not eat hardly anything. Then there were also issues with my gums bleeding and being puffy all the time. Over the years I have went to many dentists. Back in 2001 I was diagnosed with an autoimune disease and one of the symptoms were mouth ulcers. I went through extensive testing and even had an oral surgeon do a biopsy to make sure it wasn't something else. We have a dental college within driving distance and I have always wanted to get my smile corrected, but have been divorced for years and needed to take care of my child's teeth, because I did not want her to go through what I have. My dentist and dental college agree that no matter how much I brush or floss, my gums will not clear up unless I get my teeth straightend and teeth put back in. Now, I have missing teeth and gaps in between my teeth, due to missing teeth from the back. I can not afford to do this procedure. I have watched Dr. Dorfman on extreme make over do such wonderful procedures to people who I know have worse teeth than me. I would be satisfied even if I could get help with the braces. I have been told I could wear Invisiline braces and with my mouth ulcer problem, that would be the way to go. Maybe Invisiline would do someone a favor and give them braces or work with them somehow. I am on disability, but I would love to have that smile I have never had in my life! Thank you so much for considering me for your show. Theresa

Dear Tyra,

My name is Tanika and I’m writing this letter to say that for many years I have always thought of myself as unattractive. Sometimes I feel that everyone talks about me. I have low self-esteem some days I even wonder do people really like me. But this have not always been a problem, it started in high school before I got braces. When the dentist looked at them she told me that I would have to have oral surgery which I did. They pulled four teeth two top and two bottoms. Now I have this huge gap on the left side of my mouth with a wire from my braces across it. Now that I am in college my family can not afford for my monthly visits to get them tighten so I do not know what to do. And I will be go to a new school next semester but I would like to have a beautiful smile for once in my life so that I could make a good impression. I also would love to join their modeling troop but I am afraid that they would turn me away because I consider myself as the ugly duckling in all my circle of friends. So Tyra I am begging you to Please, Please, Pa-lease help me.

Yours truly,
Tanika C.

Hi Tyra,

I watched a show segment on the women who had their smiles changed or who received a smile makeover. I would like to know how I can become a candidate to receive a smile makeover and possibly pair-up with a dentist willing to give free dental care.

I am 51 years old and when I was 28 wore braces for 2 years. After the braces were removed I began losing most of my teeth due to bone loss. I now have spaces between the 18 teeth remaining in my mouth. I am deeply saddened by this. The upper right two incisor teeth are protruding with the second incisor loose and now I am feeling some discomfort. It is my wish to get a total smile makeover, something I have been wanting for a very long time. I do not have medical/dental insurance, nor have the ability to pay for dental implants and again sadden that I may live the rest of my life with an undesirable smile. I am taking pain medication (Excedrin) because of the almost dangling incisor. I am ashamed. I cannot even afford to go to a dentist. Do you know of any programs that can help with the cost of a smile makeover to help out a financially disadvantage person?

I'M going to start this of by saying... TYRA BANKS show is the best can't wait September "NYC" here Tyra come. Tyra, Girl you keep me busy, you hit all the right topics. I'm love when you get down to beauty secrets. My skin feels great after my Rose Milk bath. THANK U...THANK U...THANK U.
I really can relate to all these people with teeth problems. My mouth is so bad, I have no smile. I'M 21 years old and it hurts to say but I have 8 maybe 10 whole teeth in my mouth, my teeth are very soft. I never knew so many people suffer with tooth ache. I do. I can relate to anyone that has ever cried themselves to sleep with a tooth ache. I'm young but I been in and out of hard times. Basically I been on my own since I was about 15 years old I learn what it feel like to be on the street alone, living from place to place. I met this guy he was a lot older then I was and he just sweep my of the street and off my feet , I thought it was love he was very abusive, he would beat me, He almost knocked every teeth out my mouth, black eyes and all, I just stayed. I never really look into myself on why, looking back on it, I’m proud to say I've overcome that, just wish I could left sooner with so more teeth in my mouth. Having no teeth really has a great affect on me finding employment, no employer want a teeth less employee.
I had my own place going on five months now. It’s was not easy, I made a promise not to show my 9 month old baby girl, the long path of pain, abusive, and all the suffering I’ve overcame. I struggle everyday trying to forget a lot of hurt something’s I just cant get out of my mind I reminded of that horror I was force into. When I was 19 I was hospitalize for a gun shot wound to my upper chest, I was renting a room in the south Bronx, "Bullets have no name" One came flying right through the apartment door, where I just so happen to be standing. Some people are some people are just plain dumb. My Doctor said I was very lucky the bullet was a centimeter from my heart, where he said I wouldn't have made it. Just typing that brings tears to my eyes; I can’t seem to get over this pain I’m reminded of it every time I'm near a door. I can’t explain the feeling that comes over me. Sometime I even freeze up. That was the end of that abusive sometime I wonder it god made it happen so I could wake up and realizes LIFE. I was not living, that was not love. I know what love is now I love my baby girl. THAT’S LOVE AND WE ARE LIVING.
Tyra, you say you read all comments, I’m praying for some feed back. I know you get millions of comments so it you get to mine and you cant offer help in anyway- remember I waiting……..See you on my T.V screen.
Love you always
Lovly21.

P.S. I envy your relationship with you mother, you have to have her on some more. You guys are my role models. My daughter just might be the next Tyra Banks.

hi, tyra
I love your show I watch your show every chance I get as well as tivo so I can catch up later but I love what you do for everyone and I have a very severe case of tooth decay which I believe came from the depo shot but the dr's says its not from that so I really dont what caused it I don't smile much because I'm so embarrased and my medical insurance only performs 2 cavity's a year so it would take me almost 36 years to get every tooth fixed in my was considering getting implants but cant afford it I will be toothless within the next 1-2 years If you could help me or know of any information where I can get help would be very grateful.

Thank you,

LaChrisha

I'll keep this short, I've written a few times before and today was the first time I read others, I feel selfish I wanted my teeth done because of the way i look i wanted to be able to smile again, everyone always says i look mean because i'm not smiling and it breaks my heart. my mother was killed by a drunk driver this year so i haven't had much of a reason anymore she was all i had, she was raped by her step-father and decided to keep me so without her I'm lost. Yet i have read others who are single mothers and are in the army fighting for us and i feel selfish, I am greatful for what i do have. Maybe one day if I get my life back I'll be stable enough to fix my smile.
Love where your career has taken you.
**With Love**
Crystal***

hi tyra! my name is carrie and im a 22 year old single mom working two jobs in ohio and taking care of the world...well that is what it seems like. i love to do things for other people, making others smile really helps my days out only problem is that i HATE to smile myself. i have a gab between every tooth and never wanted my teeth to get whitened or anything because i wanted the least amount of attention possible.
needless to say i have been brushing my teeth like im supposed to as for flossing i never have wanted to because the spaces in between my teeth are just HUGE.
im looking for some help to boost my self-esteem. i want to smile at my daughter and not have her ask me why my teeth arent shiny like hers and why they arent together...im at a loss - please help.
sincerely,
*if i could smile*

hi trya my name is melinda and im 45 yrs old i have brushed my teeth and flossed but that didnt help my teeth ar so bad that i had a bactria fungous on my tounge i have got it cleared up for now but i need these teeth took out i am on a fixed income and don't have any dental insurance to help me,and i keep a really bad breath so i don't smile very much cause i'm so ashamed of it.i saw the show where that lady got her bad theeth taken out and thought how i wished that could have been me.and she was a very pretty lady so i enveyed her.

Hi Tyra, first of all i would just like to say that i love you and both of your shows:)... and i know that you probably don't read all of these.. and even if you did, there's no way that you could answer all of these people's pleas. But i saw once(a couple of seasons ago) on top model when you had all the girl's teeth fixed, and joanie's story was the one that touched me the most and reminded me of myself. i've been to the dentist and all and had them tell me what i need to do in order to get the smile i've always wanted.. but its just me and my mom and our debt.. so there's no money at all to get what i need.. my grandparents would help me but my papaw has lukemia and also do not have money at the time.. the dentists told me that i would probably just be best off getting vaneers, but like i said i have no money. by the way i am 17 years old. i am currently looking for a job, but every day i wake up, it's hard for me to have the confidence i need. i know, like i said, that you may never read this.. but if you do i hope you feel me and where i'm coming from.:) i know you are a generous person tyra. you are so beautiful on the outside as well as on the inside!, which is hard to say about anyone.. so if you could i would greatly appreciate it if you could respond or something to me..:)) alright thanx TYRA!!

Good Evening Tyra, It's been over a month that I have contimplate on doing this but today is the day. I am writting to tell you my story to see if in God's hands I would ever get the chance to have a beautiful smile. I am a 25 year old wife and mother of two. I can't say I have the WORSE smile in the world but I can say my teeth keep me from smiling on a day to day bases. Lets start with my description my top front teeth are what kids would call buck teeth. I was an assistant teacher in my senior year in high school and all the kids would always ask me what was wrong with my teeth. Kids are so innocent they would say so many things that deep down inside made me feel horrible about myself. My grandmother's dieing wish is to see me with a beautiful smile so she agreed to pay for my dental work. I went and saw a local ortho and before I knew it I had braces on. Awesome so I thought about a year and a half later my gums started to become infected, I had many (and still do) cavities and came to find out since the ortho did not do a proper dental review on me prior to putting braces that he had made everything 100 times worse. Well I had the braces pulled off and for a short time my teeth were straight. But again my gums are always bleeding, swelled up, etc. Since my grandmother spent what she had on putting the braces on me I have been unable to afford all the dental work I need to correct everything. My botton teeth are at the point that they have black marks all on the bottom of them and it is disgusting. I hate to smile. . My son just turned one so I decided to look for a job and I was unable to go into an interview feeling confident. I must say though that my resume speaks for itself and I did get a job. FYI I am a paralegal which means I deal with people alot. On a day to day basis I catch myself covering my mouth to laugh or just keeping myself from laughing. The law firm environment is very professional and my teeth keep me from having the confidence I need. Please Tyra I ask that you help me. My dental work is not alot but I can't afford it. Deep cleanings, cavities, probably root canals, braces its all just to much for me right now. I pray for the day that I can walk with my head up high knowing and feeling that I am a strong beautiful mother and wife. It has gotten to the point where I even feel bad to kiss my husband or even smile around him because I wonder what he thinks about it all. I am only 25 and already going through all this I can just imagine if I let this go any longer how I will feel at 40 =( TYRA PLEASE HELP ME.

Hi Tyra, My name is Amina.I am a 28 year old working mother, and wife. My husband Ken, and I know there may never be a chance that you will ever read this. But if you never try then you never know.Right? Both of us come from single parent homes. I was the youngest of three. And my husband was the oldest of eleven. So needless to say there was never any money for food let alone having dental work done. We have tried to put money back so we could both smile one day.But raising our daughter is more important.I want Faith to be proud of her parents. Having her was the best part of my life.But it was also the death of any kind of smile. I know every comment says this.But I would really love to her from your show. You just don't know what this would mean to our family. It would really give us something to smile about. Thanks for taking the time to read my plea.

Amina

Hi Tyra it's me Paula again. Well on the message I posted I see that I made alot of mistakes. First of all I have 5 years clean not 5 months. I been in recovery all this time.I have a sponser and I do work the steps. Tyra as I said the last time I am a sista who really needs cyour help . I have stated already that I don't have top or back bottom teeth. So a woman like myself have a very hard time smiling without covering ip my mouth. Tyra my life is finnally back on track . The only thing that keeps my self-esteem low is not being able to smilecwith confidence . Tyra my dream as well as my world would be complete if only i can get my colgate smile back. I have be doing everything right to get my life right . I have my kids back in my life I have my apartment, as well as my job. I just can't afford the teeth and that what keeps me sad.Tyra please help me. Signed Still wanting Teeth

Hey Tyra, I'm Anna. I am 21 years old and have a major teeth problem. The problem is I had 2 baby teeth that finally fell out a year or so ago and 1 baby tooth left. The thing is there are no adult teeth to replace the others. And the adult teeth that I do have are 10 different kinds of messed up. I know I am a pretty person.... Until I open my mouth. I would give anything to have the smile to match my personality. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE help me feel the same on the outside as I do on the inside. I know there is no such thing as a "free lunch", so give me almost any proposition to give me the gift of the beautiful smile I literally dream of. Thanks Banks!!!!!
Anna Rene'

Hi Tyra its me again Paula. Well Tyra as you can read that i am sista in desperate need of some top teeth as well as back bottom . My Life has been great since i been clean & sober.the only thing that missing from this picture is my smil. Tyra I don't have one. I cover my mouth when i do smile thats not good. I don't want to live the rest of my life with no teeth.I have done everything right to get my life back on track.I even completed a woman program.I am doing things right finally I have5 moths clean. Thats alot forme I'm proud of myself I have my kids back in my life . The only problem I have Tyra is that I can't afford to buy my teeth.PleaseTyra can you help a sista out i would to be able to smile with confidence signed Despertly Wanting Teeth.

Dear Tyra, My name is megan i am and 12 years old going on 13 in two months i have horrible teeth. I know what your thinking , "Brush,Floss not really but one of my front teeth busted and i got a root canel i was in the dentist office for 3 1/2 hours any way i got a temporary tooth in but i cant do any thing to that tooth until i get a permanent tooth and the dentest said in a few years. but the problem is that it's bothers me to smile around people at work and at school, yes i said work ... its alot of pressure for me not to smile if i want to smile i usually just grin ar cover my mouth if im laughing! i no im a bit over reacting but Tyra what should i do??
Thanks -- from megan

Dear Tyra, My name is megan i am and 12 years old going on 13 in two months i have horrible teeth. I know what your thinking , "Brush,Floss not really but one of my front teeth busted and i got a root canel i was in the dentist office for 3 1/2 hours any way i got a temporary tooth in but i cant do any thing to that tooth until i get a permanent tooth and the dentest said in a few years. but the problem is that it's bothers me to smile around people at work and at school, yes i said work ... its alot of pressure for me not to smile if i want to smile i usually just grin ar cover my mouth if im laughing! i no im a bit over reacting but Tyra what should i do??
Thanks -- from megan

Hi Tyra am a woman who really needs your help right now . I am 42yrs old I have 2 kids I am in recovery I have been clean & siber for 5yrs I have changed my life completely. I went through alot to get to where I am now. I have my Kids back in my life, Also I have managed yto hold on to my job. I live in Redwood City,Ca I love my life today I owe it all to my higherpower without him and my footwork and the willness to make my life right i would stiil be outthere doung nothing. Anyway Tyra during my addition I lost my to teeth as well as my bottom back teeth my self-esteem is down because I love to smile but i dont feel good doing that I have to cover my mouth with my hand when I smile . Thats so embarrassing to me sometimes I feel that when a man sees that I dont have teeth in my mouth they loose interest in me. Sometimes when I am taking care of my real business I don't feel comfident with myself. Please Tyra help me get my smile back thats all I think about everyday is how am I gone ever get my beautiful smile back. I dont like feeling depressed all the time knowing that I dont have teeth to smile back at the world eith.Signed Desperly wantong Teeth.

I'm Dannielle and I could use so help. I'm getting Married June 6, 2008. There is something I want for my Fiances and I. Our teeth are messed up bad. We want to be able to smile on our wedding day. We don't smile in public. People think that where mad all the time because of that. Both of our teeth have been messed up since we where little, there was no one there making us bruch our teeth. Now we are paying for, we have tooth aches all the time. Randy is the only one working and we cant afford it. I stay home with our two kids. I need some kind of help!
Later,
Dannielle

Hi Tyra;First of all I love your show as well as you; I am 42yrs old I have 5yrs clean & sober I have made a 360 degree turn in my life.I have completed a womans program also i have managed to get a job which I have been able to hold on too.I am very happy with the progress i have made in these pass years.The only thing thats keeping my self-Esteem down is during my addition I lost all my top teeth & all my bottom back teeth I am happy inside but I am ashamed to show it because i have to cover my mouth all the time when I smile alot of times iI feel like I am unatractive and men don't a ashamed to br with me because i have no teeth . Tyra please help me get my beautiful smile back iI know I have one, Its hard for me to afford teeth at this time I only have money for my bills & thats what makes me depressed alot of times will I ever have teeth or will I ever have that colgate smile. I love you tyra can you please help me.Signed Despertly Wanting Teeth.

hi tyre, i just turned 14 and my teeth have been stained and really bad since i was 6, i'm getting older and am starting high school next year and people already make fun of me alot about my teeth and it really bothers me and sometimes i cry.. my mom tells me that its not a big deal but to me it is ! i never smile and i hide my teeth in pictures. i get imbarrest when people tell me to smile because i can't and i hate it. all my friends have perfect teeth and i don't. PLEASEEE tyra can you help me

DEAR TYRA,
I AM WRITING ON BEHALF OF MY HUSBAND JAMES WHO HAS MS AND WE LIVE ON A FIXED INCOME. HE HAS BEEN THROUGH SO MUCH IN HIS LIFE AND I WAS JUST WONDERING IF YOU COULD HELP MAKE HIS DREAM COME TRUE OF HELPING HIM GET SOME NEW TEETH. HE HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO AFFORD TO DO THIS ON HIS OWN. HE HAS HAD MULTIPLE STROKES AND I AM AFFRAID FOR THE WORST FOR HIM, THIS IS THE ONLY THING THAT I WILL EVER ASK OF YOU. SO IF YOU COULD PLEASE HELP.
THANK YOU,
BRENDA

Hi Tyra,
Am26 years from a small cetral African country called Rwanda.i watch your show everyday and i fynd u the most inspirational person in my life since my mum`s death.
I was born in poor family and my struggle to university is a miracle like most africans. having the financial constraints in my family meant dental correction was out of question for me. i have never been proud of my smile due to the size of my lips(they`re too big)and my teeth are too spaced!

everyday i watch you change other people`s lives and wish i was the one! i have never been to the Us and dont think will ever afford a ticket to come to meet u! Please please Tyra,help me smile with the rest of the world by correcting my teeth and lips, Africa loves and watches your show!
rizah

Hi Tyra, just want to start of saying that i love your show. And i think that you are a great role model for girls of all ages. I am 19 years old and i have not been able to have proper dental care becuase i can not afford it. All my money goes to college and i just can't afford to pay hundreds of dollars that it would cost for dental work. My education must come first so i have no money to go to the dintist. My smile is horrible and Tyra if there is any thing you can do to help me fix my horrible smile please let me know. Thanks

hi tyra i realy need a solution coz i van't make ma teeth whiter, i tried all da ways to make it go whiter but it doesn't work out, realy i need ur help um so far away of the states , but i watch ur show and it's realy amazing so plz um waitin' 4 ur answer on how to make them whiter, thn in advance

Hello Tyra, My name is Jennie. I'm 42 years old and I am losing my teeth. I was receiving dental work more than six years ago. I had to stop using money on myself to take care of two children and a very sick mother. People would tell me that my smile made them smile. Well Tyra, I don't smile anymore, I'm too ashamed. People always ask me what's wrong with you, where's the beautiful smile you use to have. I have stopped eatting certain foods, sometime I don't eat because I think, this might be the piece of food that may break yet another tooth. I fear that. If you and your show can help me find some kind of dental care for someone who can not afford to pay hundreds of dollars, not because I don't want too, but because I can't. I live from pay check to pay check with caring for a home, and a disabled mother. Please I'm desprite to keep the teeth I have and I really want to smile again.

Tyra,
I'm 15 years old and turning 16 in November. Ever since I was little I was made fun of because of my "tiny teeth" It hurts every time when I open my mouth because I know that all anyone can see is how ugly and small my teeth are. My parents have always told me "It's no big deal." But it is to me. I watch these girls on tv with lavish birthday parties, fancy cars, beautiful houses, and all the money in the world. I feel selfish just asking for ten dollars to go and see a movie. I want people to see me for who I am and not judge me by my appearance. I wish I could smile and be happy, I want to open my mouth and for once not have someone stare and look away in disgust. The name of it is Microdontia, and it will always be a curse to me. Please Tyra give me a reason to smile.

My name is Trish and im 27 years old. I have always had weak teeth and just recently just had one pulled due to decay. Also my front tooth is chipping away a little more every day. I've become so self concious about it I've stopped smiling all together. Please help. Yours truely,
Depressed DIVA!

hi tyra,
well i love ur show first of all and i wanna thank you for helping us all be empowered and try to be empowered from ur words. well im 17 going on 18 pretty soon in november. My self-consciousness started kicking in when i was about 15. I started to really care about my teeth. My family would even make fun of the way i looked. im a chubby girl and ive been this way most of my life. My own parents judge me all the time. One thing they never stop tackling on are my teeth. One of my font teeth sticks out alot more than the other. I tried to get braces not so long ago. i had them on for a few days! what happened was that i had them when i live in new jersey. I found out i was moving to florida so we wouldnt have insurance or the money to take care of them down there.we went to go get them removed but the expenses were too high and we couldnt afford it. So instead of taking them off professional, i had to remove them myself. I cried for days cause i knew i would never get them fixed, EVER! Now we literally are going broke and i dont think im ever gonna get braces. I always pick on every little thing on my body.I dont talk to anyone because if i talk my teeth are gonna be the first thing they look at.I HATE MY TEETH! i need help and ofcourse there are many other girls with problems worse than mine but i just need some feedback from you...it would mean alot.

xoxo Melissa =)

Hi Tyra my name is Melody i am 11 years old and i am a BIG what am i saying HUGE fan of yours!! I LOVE YOU TYRA AND I HOPE YOU READ THIS CUZ' ITS TRUE!

hey tyra,
i am not use to smiling because i have a overbite and my to canine teeth i upward, so they are like vanpire teeth. i can't get braces until the teeth come down. and the teeth seem like they are taking their very sweet little time. also i need a plate put in my mouth because every time i swallow my touge pushes forward. so my touge is basically making my overbite. and i can't get the plate cause i need my teeth to come down first. so please help me tyra what should i do.
love, ashlee hall

Hii Tyra, My name is Mary and i am gonna be 13 in october. I am emberrest to smile, well because i have a very large gap in my 2 front teeth and i feel wierd around boys cuz i feel like they judge me on my smile, do you know how to make my smile appeare more normal n beautifuler??

PLEASE HELP ME!!

XoXo Mary

Dear Tyra,
I'm writing on behalf of my very close and dear cousin. For many years her teeth have been going down hill. But a few years ago all of her top 4 front teeth have fallen out. She is so ashamed of her smile. Every time she starts saving money up to get them fixed, something goes wrong with her car or whatever. She's not the same person she used to be. PLEASE HELP HER.
Love,
Kelly

Hi Tyra, my name is Ashley, and i am 14 years old...i do have a hugee problem and that is my teeth. I just recently got out of middle school and i am about to go into my freshman year and i have a goal that i want to be that one girl who comes back to school looking totally different, like a new person. I am worried that people are gonna judge me about my teeth, i hate to smile in pictures or school pictures that show my teeth,and i only show them to people that im truly close with. I feel that when i laugh around people i have just met, that they're only looking at my teeth and how crooked they are. I guess i just dont have enough room in my mouth for all of my teeth. It does get very embarrising, and i have never been to the dentist, i know that sounds weird and pretty unhealthy though. I despretly want to have a beautiful smile, and not be shy to laugh in a picture. My teeth really bring down my confidence in my self, when i look in the mirror i feel pretty, bit when i smile it makes me feel so bad, and it changes my whole image. I need help in learning different things to do to change that. Please help.

Much Love,
Ashley

Hi Tyra, my name is Ashley, and i am 14 years old...i do have a hugee problem and that is my teeth. I just recently got out of middle school and i am about to go into my freshman year and i have a goal that i want to be that one girl who comes back to school looking totally different, like a new person. I am worried that people are gonna judge me about my teeth, i hate to smile in pictures or school pictures that show my teeth,and i only show them to people that im truly close with. I feel that when i laugh around people i have just met, that they're only looking at my teeth and how crooked they are. I guess i just dont have enough room in my mouth for all of my teeth. It does get very embarrising, and i have never been to the dentist, i know that sounds weird and pretty unhealthy though. I despretly want to have a beautiful smile, and not be shy to laugh in a picture. My teeth really bring down my confidence in my self, when i look in the mirror i feel pretty, bit when i smile it makes me feel so bad, and it changes my whole image. I need help in learning different things to do to change that. Please help.

Much Love,
Ashley

HI TYRA,
MY NAME IS CHRISTINE KIM AND I JUST GRADUATED FROM HIGH SCHOOL. I JUST RECENTLY TURNED 18 AND THIS IS THE TIME FOR ME TO START NEW AND FRESH IN MY LIFE AND I HAVE A SELF-ESTEEM ISSUE I COULD NEVER GET RID OF. I AM HESISTANT ABOUT EVEN WRITING THIS E-MAIL BECAUSE I HAVE NEVER BEEN ABLE TO TELL THIS TO ANYONE, NOT EVEN MY BEST FRIENDS. I AM EMBARRASED ABOUT MY TEETH. I HATE TO TAKE PICTURES BECAUSE I COULD NEVER SMILE FREELY. I ALWAYS HAVE TO HAVE THAT THOUGHT IN MY HEAD TO CLOSE YOUR MOUTH AND SMILE, EVEN WHEN WITH MY FRIENDS I HAVE THE HABIT OF COVERING MY MOUTH WHEN LAUGHING SO THAT NO ONE HAD SEE MY TEETH. I WAS BORN WITH CROOKED AND EXTRA TEETH IN MY MOUTH AND THAT MADE MY MOUTH BASICALLY REALLY HARD TO FIX. THROUGHOUT HIGH SCHOOL I WAS A CHEERLEADER AND A VARSITY CAPTAIN AND I FELT LIKE I WASN'T ABLE TO SHINE TO MY BEST CAPABILITIES AND SHOW MY PEERS TO BE SPIRITED BECAUSE I WAS SELF CONSCIOUS. THERE WAS A LOT OF TIMES WHEN I WOULD BE PUT IN THE BACK OF A FORMATION BECAUSE I WOULDN'T HAVE GREAT FACIALS. I KNEW I COULD DANCE AND PERFORM BUT BECAUSE OF THE ISSUES WITHIN MY SELF IT BACK FIRED AGAINST ME. I ALWAYS FELT BENEATH MY FRIENDS WHO WERE ABLE TO BE SO CONFIDENT AND SMILE. MY FRIENDS DO NOT KNOW ABOUT THIS ISSUE I HAVE WITH MYSELF. MY DAD AND I HAVE BEEN TO THE DENTIST ONCE IN 18 YEARS AND WHEN WE TRIED TO FIX IT THEY TOLD US THE COST OF THE PROBLEM TO BE FIXED AND WITHOUT BEING ABLE TO AFFORD THAT MONEY WE HAD TO LEAVE. I'M STARTING COLLEGE PRETTY SOON AND I WANT TO BE ABLE TO START FRESH AND FEEL SAFE AND COMFORTABLE IN WHO I AM BECAUSE IF I DON'T FEEL GOOD ABOUT WHO I AM I DON'T THINK I CAN START NEW OR MEET ANYONE ELSE. PLEASE TYRA HELP ME. I WOULD LIKE TO RECEIVE AN EMAIL BACK. I KNOW THERE ARE A LOT OF PEOPLE OUT THERE WITH PROBLEMS JUST LIKE ME AND I WOULD LIKE TO SHARE MINE WITH YOU PERSONALLY. THANK YOU.

HI TYRA,
MY NAME IS CHRISTINE KIM AND I JUST GRADUATED FROM HIGH SCHOOL. I JUST RECENTLY TURNED 18 AND THIS IS THE TIME FOR ME TO START NEW AND FRESH IN MY LIFE AND I HAVE A SELF-ESTEEM ISSUE I COULD NEVER GET RID OF. I AM HESISTANT ABOUT EVEN WRITING THIS E-MAIL BECAUSE I HAVE NEVER BEEN ABLE TO TELL THIS TO ANYONE, NOT EVEN MY BEST FRIENDS. I AM EMBARRASED ABOUT MY TEETH. I HATE TO TAKE PICTURES BECAUSE I COULD NEVER SMILE FREELY. I ALWAYS HAVE TO HAVE THAT THOUGHT IN MY HEAD TO CLOSE YOUR MOUTH AND SMILE, EVEN WHEN WITH MY FRIENDS I HAVE THE HABIT OF COVERING MY MOUTH WHEN LAUGHING SO THAT NO ONE HAD SEE MY TEETH. I WAS BORN WITH CROOKED AND EXTRA TEETH IN MY MOUTH AND THAT MADE MY MOUTH BASICALLY REALLY HARD TO FIX. THROUGHOUT HIGH SCHOOL I WAS A CHEERLEADER AND A VARSITY CAPTAIN AND I FELT LIKE I WASN'T ABLE TO SHINE TO MY BEST CAPABILITIES AND SHOW MY PEERS TO BE SPIRITED BECAUSE I WAS SELF CONSCIOUS. THERE WAS A LOT OF TIMES WHEN I WOULD BE PUT IN THE BACK OF A FORMATION BECAUSE I WOULDN'T HAVE GREAT FACIALS. I KNEW I COULD DANCE AND PERFORM BUT BECAUSE OF THE ISSUES WITHIN MY SELF IT BACK FIRED AGAINST ME. I ALWAYS FELT BENEATH MY FRIENDS WHO WERE ABLE TO BE SO CONFIDENT AND SMILE. MY FRIENDS DO NOT KNOW ABOUT THIS ISSUE I HAVE WITH MYSELF. MY DAD AND I HAVE BEEN TO THE DENTIST ONCE IN 18 YEARS AND WHEN WE TRIED TO FIX IT THEY TOLD US THE COST OF THE PROBLEM TO BE FIXED AND WITHOUT BEING ABLE TO AFFORD THAT MONEY WE HAD TO LEAVE. I'M STARTING COLLEGE PRETTY SOON AND I WANT TO BE ABLE TO START FRESH AND FEEL SAFE AND COMFORTABLE IN WHO I AM BECAUSE IF I DON'T FEEL GOOD ABOUT WHO I AM I DON'T THINK I CAN START NEW OR MEET ANYONE ELSE. PLEASE TYRA HELP ME. I WOULD LIKE TO RECEIVE AN EMAIL BACK. I KNOW THERE ARE A LOT OF PEOPLE OUT THERE WITH PROBLEMS JUST LIKE ME AND I WOULD LIKE TO SHARE MINE WITH YOU PERSONALLY. THANK YOU.

hey tyra

most of the time i feel beautiful ,but when i open my mouth i feel like i'm the ugliest person in the world because i have the worst teeth in the world .My boyfriend say it doesn't bother him but i don't beleive him . I seriously don't know what to do about it, yes i do work and everything but it's just to expensive to get what i want done . I just wanna be able to smile and don't feel like the world looking at my teeth .
by the way i love your show me and my boyfriend watch everyday at noon.
yours truely vonell

Tyra

I am a thirty seven year old power house. I have been told all my life that I was beautiful. That didn't cause me nothing but problems. At age sixteen I was abducted and raped by a drug dealer that I constantly said no to. I knew him because of my mother's drug abuse. He stalked me for years. I never told her at first because I knew nothing wouldn't be done. She only thinks of herself and what she can gain. I finally broke down to say something only to listen to her promise to keep her mouth shut for five hundred dollars worth of heroin.

Because of the rape I put on a two hundred pound disquise, hoping never to be beautiful again.

Ten years ago I found out I had a brain tumor. Even with surgery and radiation the pain was constant. MY daughter Kenya thought I was gorgeous. She would always get angry when I dressed down not to draw attention. Because of my illness I had gastric bypass surgery and lost over two hundred pounds. The only problem is due the constant nausea and vomiting my teeth are rotting out of my mouth. I don't date or rarely go out. To talk to someone is almost impossible because of the shame.

I want out of jail. The prison I live in is because to look at me you would instantly know I have some big issues. I've decided to return to college and become a therapist that work with the entire family during recovery. I don't really need school for that because I lived it first hand. This will no happen unless I can smile. It has been five years since my future and endless possibilties could ever make me grin. The next time I look at my reflection I want to once again see the beautiful creation God has made. Please open the gate and watch me change the world.

hi tyra, congrats on your career. Its takes alot of hard work and pride in what you do to succeed and i admire that. First off I cant start off with a lie and say i watch your show all the time,but i have caught it a few times when my g/f was watching and i think your show is great. I have looked everywhere and talked to as many people as i can and i cant get any kind of help. I have 2 kids,the first one i got custody of cuz his mom didnt care.He's turning 4 next week. We're living off a small income and at the same time my g/f is trying to finish college. I can barely afford food for us anymore. When i went to go to the dentist he took a few xrays and said he never saw anything like it b4. Almost all of my teeth are broken down to my gums. I cant eat anything except really soft food without it hurting so bad. Every morning i wake up i spit out a mouthful of blood. No matter how many times i use mouthwash my breath always stinks. Its been so hard for me and my family the past few yrs. We dont even have AC in the house,its been broke since we moved here and i dont have the money to fix it.I had to put foil on the windows to reflect the heat from coming in. I've been wanting to work more to get more money but it hurts me every time i see people's faces when they look at me. Everyone is so judgemental about the way people look these days and its not right. I've been so depressed I'm starting to ignore my family and i feel like i'm losing them. Please tyra i need your help.I love my family very much and i dont want to lose them. Even if you dont help,please give me suggestions on where to go or who to call

tyra My name is Kiyanna. This is my frist time writing to any show host about my teeth im embrass about it,because when i was 12 i hit a pole and my teeth been mess up ever since and now i am 15 years oid goning to high school with messup teeth and i dont what to be tease any more please help me go to high school with nice teeth please help me have the best year of high school. your number one fan kiyanna

Having a pretty smile has never been an option for me............. I've had a lisp since I learned how to talk & from sucking my thumb for years i have a gap. I've always been picked on about both things. I've been called anythin you could possibly think of. I've become okay with my gap i can just keep my mouth closed but my lisp is obvious and its still something thats kills me. what can i do? Is there any method to get rid of a lisp that anyone knows of?

Tyra, it's me Melissa again, I 4got 2 mention my 2nd dream, anyways, my 2nd dream is 2 be on ANTM...and 2 win it...if I was on ANTM, and didn't win it, I'd still be happy, grateful, & thankful, that I got 2 be on the show and meet u!!

Love, Melissa

Tyra, hi, how r u??...OMG, I am such a HUGE fan of yours, from ANTM 2 The Tyra Banks Show....2 w/e else u do. U r such a beautiful, yet inspirational person!!.....It is my dream 2 someday meet u....and hopefully it will come true!!...By the way, I no some things bout' u, I no your birthday is December 4th(1973)...and that your horoscope sign is Sagittarius, just like me, my birthday is December 17th(1988)....GO SAGITTARIUS PEOPLE!!....lol....I was shocked 2 find out on your show, that u r 33 yr.s old, I thought u were in your 20's.

It would make me feel soooo great if u e-mailed me back a letter from u!!

Love, Melissa

Dear Tyra,
I saw this show air when I was on an overnight in Ohio. It made me cry and I wanted to thank you for addresses this topic. My husband has really bad teeth. (Partly due to heredity and the other part to soda drinking.) He rarely drinks soda now but I'd say he used to drink about 8 cans a day. His teeth are now rotting out. He went to the dentist today and it'll cost upwards of $40,000 to have his mouth fixed. We live paycheck to paycheck. They said if he doesn't have them fixed in the next 6 months that they will all have to be replaced. He is only 26 years old and is in constant pain. He can barely eat and when he brushes pieces of his teeth fall out. He is also embarrassed by his teeth and won't smile. We both know that his teeth have cost him better paying jobs. He asks me if I'm disgusted by them and I love him no matter what but when I kiss him, his jagged teeth cut my tongue. I love my husband so much and would do anything to help him. He has always put the boys and me first when it's come to his health. Please if you have any suggestions, I'm open to just about anything. What do you think about getting dental work done in Mexico? Please help us!
Much Love, Kristi

hi my name is Lorraine, im from Portland ,Oregon. 23yrs old, have a eight year daughter harmony,i havent really wrote a talk show before but i wanted to share my story and hopeful u could help me in advice, or a simple boost of motivation. when i was 12 i was laying on a skate board on my stomach, my brother was mad at me for some reason i barely remember and step on the back of the skate board and i flipped up and face down into the cement were my two front teeth were damaged, ive been kinda scared for it because even up until now im embarrassed to smile or show my teeth, i just wish i was to go to a family function or out to be able to take pictures smiling, it hurts me, to were it makes me feel un-pretty, i just want to be able to smile with pride tyra please help me!!

Tyra,
My name is Rebecca and I am going to be 18 in December. I really dont know how to put this because I dont really like asking for help but I saw the previous comments that people have posted and I thought that maybe you could help me. I have grown up with crooked(sp)? front teeth, I live in low income housing in Belleville Ontario. My parents cannot afford braces for me, my mom works part time and my dad is disabled. I am 6th of 7 children and only one of us could have braces covered. It would be greatly appreciated if there is any way you could help:) Thank you for your time have a great day. Please email me back. Much Love xo Becca

July 10, 2007
Dear Tyra:
First and foremost, I will like to thank you for being an inspiration to me and a lot of other young women out there. Your show is amazing; you are so real and down to earth despite any situation that may arises. The show that interests me the most will be the show on “America’s Worst Smile”. Do I fit into that topic yes I do. I am 26 and I still have my baby teeth, what I mean by that is my teeth never grew to its actual size. All my years of growing up I promise you Tyra I got teased about my teeth, when I smile my teeth are so short that they are not noticeable. People will joke and say, do you know you still got your baby teeth? Not only did my feelings get hurt but I started to be insecure with myself , Tyra I have a pretty face and a beautiful personality but my smile makes me feel like an outcast. I do not take pictures it’s sad because I have a 2 year old son and I never took a picture with him because of my smile. God knows I don’t want him to be grown and never have a picture of his mommy. Every time I see your show about makeovers, I always say Lord I wish that was me. I want to one day look in the mirror and see a picture perfect smile. I work in the public so when I see other people teeth that are perfect in my mind I replace their smile with my face, and then I get remained that it’s only a dream. I think you have the most perfect teeth that a person can ask for, it’s also other people smiles I admire like Kelly Rowland, Eve, Beyonce, Janet Jackson, Megan Goode, and Alicia Keys just to name a few. I once told myself I want write into no show about this issue, but after seeing your show I said heck with it. So I am praying that my letter don’t go unanswered for help, Tyra can you please help fix my smile.

July 10, 2007
Dear Tyra:
First and foremost, I will like to thank you for being an inspiration to me and a lot of other young women out there. Your show is amazing; you are so real and down to earth despite any situation that may arises. The show that interests me the most will be the show on “America’s Worst Smile”. Do I fit into that topic yes I do. I am 26 and I still have my baby teeth, what I mean by that is my teeth never grew to its actual size. All my years of growing up I promise you Tyra I got teased about my teeth, when I smile my teeth are so short that they are not noticeable. People will joke and say, do you know you still got your baby teeth? Not only did my feelings get hurt but I started to be insecure with myself , Tyra I have a pretty face and a beautiful personality but my smile makes me feel like an outcast. I do not take pictures it’s sad because I have a 2 year old son and I never took a picture with him because of my smile. God knows I don’t want him to be grown and never have a picture of his mommy. Every time I see your show about makeovers, I always say Lord I wish that was me. I want to one day look in the mirror and see a picture perfect smile. I work in the public so when I see other people teeth that are perfect in my mind I replace their smile with my face, and then I get remained that it’s only a dream. I think you have the most perfect teeth that a person can ask for, it’s also other people smiles I admire like Kelly Rowland, Eve, Beyonce, Janet Jackson, Megan Goode, and Alicia Keys just to name a few. I once told myself I want write into no show about this issue, but after seeing your show I said heck with it. So I am praying that my letter don’t go unanswered for help, Tyra can you please help fix my smile.

hello, my name is debra and i have seen your show for "amerrica's worst smiles" and i am 21 years old now but i have been suffering with tooth pain for a while now most of my back teeth are rotton to in the gum i can barely chew and it is too much money for my family please trya cant u e-mail me back with a sollution or any kind of help available truely yours debra

hello trya i have like 7 teeth that are bad and they have been bad for a long time i have not seen a dentist in like 7 year cause my family could not get them fixed i was too much money to pay for if u could replie back with a solluution or any kind of help available truely yours debra

Dear Tyra, I see I am not the only one coming to you about dental care. I would desperately like to be considered for your smile makeover show along with my brother and sister. We are 43, 49 and 47 respectfully. Long story short - we all work but do not have insurance or money to cover dental, periodontal or maxillofacial surgery bills.

How much will it cost me for new teeth? I am 35 years old and feel like the only thing that has ever held me back from being the best me ever is my smile! I am joyful, positive and loving. But I can't stand the fact that my teeth have always been crooked and I have never been able to aford to fix them. Please email me and tell me basic costs and I don't know how but some way God will make a way for me to have a new smile.

Tyra,
I wouldnt normally think to do anything like this but I need your help badly!!! You see 3 months ago I had a baby boy... I am a single parent, trying to get my life together for both my son and myself... I have never really had great teeth but I wouldnt say they were horrible! I then became pregnant and my teeth took a turn for the worst... I went through post partum so I wasnt in the best of spirits for awhile but I have come out and am dealing just fine now... I dont like to smile because my teeth look ugly! I cannot afford to fix them, its hard enough being a single parent and paying bills, I can afford yet another one!!! I love your show and the dental makeover shows always leave me with a bit of hope that one day my teeth will look the same... I want my appearance to reflex my personality and as of now its not... I hope you can help... Always

I think the reason I like this page is because it shows just how many people out there have the same exact problem. Makes you not feel alone. I read these myself and want to help everyone. I too have the same problem; teeth. I was told by a few dentists, we won't even go into how many I've had, that there is no such thing as "soft teeth" but I strongly believe there is. I brush, rinse with mouth wash and try to floss(its hard to floss when your teeth break it..), yet my teeth still break. I love my dentist but working as a dog bather doesn't pay enough, with school loans and other bills. I was hired as a flight attendant but it didn't work out more on my side than theirs. All because flight attendants smile and I dont like to give full smiles. I'm now going towards the US Navy and eventually my long time goal of being a Psychologist in the Navy to help the troops with PTSD and the family dealing with stresses.

I'm told that I'm beautiful and pretty, cute, yada yada... but its one of those things you don't feel. I can go to the gym, I can diet, I can fix almost every physcal problem but this one. I hate feeling weak to it, I hate feeling weak period. I'm the girl that stands with her head tall and proud. Its hard when you don't smile and people think you're mean because of it. Lots of misconceptions when I was in grade school.

The problem with my teeth are a subject that only family know. Not even my bestfriends of 11 years know of it.. Amazing I could hide it for that long dont you think?

This is long enough. I hope every girl thats posted to this or are too scared to post themselves knows that theyre not alone. I cry whenever I watch Extreme Makeover and see someone smile because they finally realized they truly are beautiful. I know I am, and sooner or later I will have the smile I've always dreamed of.

I think the reason I like this page is because it shows just how many people out there have the same exact problem. Makes you not feel alone. I read these myself and want to help everyone. I too have the same problem; teeth. I was told by a few dentists, we won't even go into how many I've had, that there is no such thing as "soft teeth" but I strongly believe there is. I brush, rinse with mouth wash and try to floss(its hard to floss when your teeth break it..), yet my teeth still break. I love my dentist but working as a dog bather doesn't pay enough, with school loans and other bills. I was hired as a flight attendant but it didn't work out more on my side than theirs. All because flight attendants smile and I dont like to give full smiles. I'm now going towards the US Navy and eventually my long time goal of being a Psychologist in the Navy to help the troops with PTSD and the family dealing with stresses.

I'm told that I'm beautiful and pretty, cute, yada yada... but its one of those things you don't feel. I can go to the gym, I can diet, I can fix almost every physcal problem but this one. I hate feeling weak to it, I hate feeling weak period. I'm the girl that stands with her head tall and proud. Its hard when you don't smile and people think you're mean because of it. Lots of misconceptions when I was in grade school.

The problem with my teeth are a subject that only family know. Not even my bestfriends of 11 years know of it.. Amazing I could hide it for that long dont you think?

This is long enough. I hope every girl thats posted to this or are too scared to post themselves knows that theyre not alone. I cry whenever I watch Extreme Makeover and see someone smile because they finally realized they truly are beautiful. I know I am, and sooner or later I will have the smile I've always dreamed of.

hi tyra!
my name is jazmin and im starting my senior yyear in highschool! i cant wait and i know its going to be alot of fun, but theres one thihng . . . my TEETH! when it comes to them i get so low and sometimes even depressed. my mom tries her best at everything but becasue it is senior year and there are so many other things she has to pay for, we cant afford to get them picture perfect, or straight for that matter. i dont really know what im asking for, maybe just a little bit of help. i watch your show all the time and i see the help you give to many people! so i was just wondering if maybe you could help me this time. it would be greatly appreciated. much love!
:DDDD
xOxO
jazmin!

hi tyra!
my name is jazmin and im starting my senior yyear in highschool! i cant wait and i know its going to be alot of fun, but theres one thihng . . . my TEETH! when it comes to them i get so low and sometimes even depressed. my mom tries her best at everything but becasue it is senior year and there are so many other things she has to pay for, we cant afford to get them picture perfect, or straight for that matter. i dont really know what im asking for, maybe just a little bit of help. i wathc your show all the time and i see the help you give to many people! so i was just wondering if maybe you could help me this time. it would be greatly appreciated. much love!
:DDDD
xOxO
jazmin!

Dear Tyra,
I love ur show so much. You are very beautiful keepup the good work and I hope to see you someday. I love you and your show

Tyra,
It may seem like a small flaw to some but for me it's nothing short of painful and embarassing. I have bad teeth and theres not to much of anything I can do, I can't afford a dentist, don't have insurance, and now I have a new born to provide for. I'm at a painful confusing crossroad, I don't know what to do and need some help. I have always tried to take care of my teeth but brittle or soft teeth runs in my family and now my teethare to the point that I can't even eat. I've never been a patient person but I have been work that because we all know you have to be patient with new borns. I love my son and fiancee' but it's so hard to enjoy life when you live in pain. I tried going to the dentist and taking care of my teeth one at a time, starting with the most painful but now there is no way I can afford the outrageous cost of dental work, and continue to provide for my family. At the same time it is so hard to drag myself out of bed and suffer through another day at work with jawl swollen to where it looks as though I was in a fight and was hit repeatively in my left jawl. I'm afraid that if I can't get anything done soon I'm going to look like a chipmunk. Tyra please please please help me to relieve my pain...

P.S. You should do an extreme smile makeover show I think that would be great and after reading some of the comments here it would really help out some people that truely need it .

Hello Tyra,

First off, WOW! There are so many comments on this page and subject, I wonder if they all get read. I will post anyways... hoping that no one is skipped or overlooked! Everyone's problem is just as important as someone elses, it's just all a matter of luck and timing, I suppose!

I am a 24 year old mother of two amazing boys! As a teenager I never really had a great smile. Discolored teeth, crookedness, front cavities, the whole nine yards. But when I got pregnant with my children they completely sucked the calcium right out of me, sending my teeth into a downward spiral that I just cannot keep up with. I'm in constant pain and I'm extremely self concious of my smile. I would love nothing more than to have the beautiful smile I've always wanted, but veneers are just not in the budget! I can't imagine what it would be like to laugh at a joke and not have to cover my mouth because I'm so embarrassed of my teeth. Please Tyra, if you get a chance to read this, consider me for a smile makeover! Keep up the amazing work on your show, I love it! Thankyou :)

Dear tyra my name is Debra and all my life I've been a single parent with four kids working hard seven days a week working hard for two years straight sometimes not making any money going up for raises and not getting them because some people think they would lose there job the bosses got the money the boats the big house,s the big cars and etc.Any way i hurt my back on the job went to the doctor and been fighting comp.for two years not working they told to go get a medical card but the company been taking money out of my check medical ins. and for union dues and never helped me so the problem is i never got the chance to fix my teeth and now i never smile I need a make over and a smile to get my life in order I need a life because I dont have one that was the worst job I ever had I would rather pick tomatoes in the field. thank you depressed D.R.J never smile since 28 yrs. a go.

Dear tyra my name is Debra and all my life I've been a single parent with four kids working hard seven days a week working hard for two years straight sometimes not making any money going up for raises and not getting them because some people think they would lose there job the bosses got the money the boats the big house,s the big cars and etc.Any way i hurt my back on the job went to the doctor and been fighting comp.for two years not working they told to go get a medical card but the company been taking money out of my check medical ins. and for union dues and never helped me so the problem is i never got the chance to fix my teeth and now i never smile I need a make over and a smile to get my life in order I need a life because I dont have one that was the worst job I ever had I would rather pick tomatoes in the field. thank you depressed D.R.J never smile since 28 yrs. a go.

dear tyra, i too admire you for all you have done for others. you will be blessed for this. your show on fixing janices, tracys and rebeccas teeth really hit home w/ me as i have only 17 teeth left in my mouth from an abusive relationship i am no longer a part of,(thanks God),i am a medical receptionist for a very small practice in a very small town and do not have insurance. the company offers it but i can,t afford it out of my check at this time. i am writing to ask if you can connect me to someone in my area that may be able to help me. i have tried somewhat but even with the discounts some dentists offer its expendsive. my sister lives in a large city and they seem to have many options for low income people, that we dont here. thanks for any thing that you can do and if you cannot i still appreciate you and your show. god bless

hi tyra. i'm writing you because i've got problems. i'm a 30 yr old single mom. i've gone through alot this past year. my family and i were homeless for about a year. we were in and out of motels. we finally got a place and i have a job but i am barely scraping by. i make enough to pay my rent but not even enough for groceries or to pay the copayments on my insurance. my teeth are horrible. i'm also diabetic and i have psoriais. at this point i think i will be single for the rest of my life. i really need help. i think my kids are going to end up with the same legacy as mine. my mom lost all of her teeth at a young age and i feel like we are going down that same path. i am always so worried about just surviving, that i've shamefully overlooked the crucial things. i have'nt been to the doctor or dentist in awhile. i'm afraid that if i do'nt take care of this as well as my health i will not be here for very long. can you give me some advice...thanks

Hi tyra, I am in need for some help because my cousin is now becoming an adult and has a problem with her teeth she has a beautiful smile but there what we would call not a nice color she is very embarassed because kids make fun of her by calling her gold or yellow teeth. please reply by giving me some advice on how cheer her up

I need a little bit of help if someone can. I am a 25 yr old wife and mother. In October of 2006 I fineally got tired of my teeth on the top of my mouth. In august of 2006 I was at a birthday party I was eating a piece of cake and the back of my two front teeth broke off. About a week later I was eating a french fry I had a tooth break in half (It was a soft fry) so I got dentures. I absolutely hate them. They don't fit right in any way. well I am also having problems with my bottom teeth and I can't afford to do anything about them. If there is anyone willing to help I would greatly appriciate it.

Yours truely
Catina Indianapolis Indiana

Hello Tyra,
I have a very serious problem! and need help. I'am a single 45 year old attractive women, about 6 months I was babysitting my grandaughter and was feeling sick ( hope not to gross you out but)I got sick. Well when I did without relizing until after flushing the toliet three times I had flushed my dental plate. 've been miserable ever since. Right now I am unemployed and cannot really find work in my field for I have to work in the publics eye. I can't really find a date without smiling and do not have dental insurance. I've checked into how much they want and it isin the thouands. I even ordered the dental mixtures from permasoft lab,but it did not work without my inpression can you help me please? Thank you for reading. Brenda Lee

Hello, I am posting for some help for my daughter. She was on crystal meth,drinking, and drugs of all sorts. She got punched in the mouth by a guy at a party, and knocked out two teeth from the roots. I could not believe it. She has been in jail, and finally got sober about a year and a half ago, got married and is expecting her first child in September. She is missing her front big tooth and the one beside it. Her smile just isn't really there anymore. She doesn't have money to get them fixed. She is a very beautiful young lady, just miss her smile. There is a lot more to this story, just can't type it all. Please could you help her? Thanks so much. Her Mother

Hi Tyra,

I also saw your segment on "The Perfect Smile" and sure enough at least it gave hope.
I've no teeth at all.
Had dentures made never adjusted to them as they always felt like i had a foreign object or box in my mouth.
It was a just too horrible and gave up on trying to have that bulky object in my mouth which i just couldn't seem to adjust to nor eat or speak properly with so now i have no (smile) teeth and my lower gum has receded and is almost already practically non existent.
Im 45 years old and my HMO (Health Plus) will not cover for any implants as they are considered as a cosmetic application by most HMO's rather than as a medical necessity which i am assuming is because of their prohibitive cost.
Even a partial set of implants with a bridge is expensive and my HMO will not cover it so i don't know what to do but i saw your segment and it at least made me feel like there was hope.
Under the circumstances anyone's self esteem would go swirling so i decided to leave you a message as any hope is better than none.

P.S. I double posted to one of your other brighter smile blogs as when i pressed post to leave a comment something glitched but anyone sorry for sounding so bleak in that other post.
Its just fustrating at times.

m911k

Hi Tyra! How are you? My Name is Shirley, and i watched your program about the "perfect smile". The show was teriffic as usual, and i am one of your biggest fans!!. I am a 45yr old single mother of 2, currently lives in Miami. I have been thru a series of tragic events in my life, including the murder of my fiancee, not knowing my birth father until i was 42,(Mom was a single parent too) and having been laid off/down sized from my job after 10yrs. I went back to school to become a pharmacist tech after all these years, and graduted, an became state certified. I have to deal with the public, but i cant!! My smile is terrible. At the age of 12 I was teriffed by a dentist that puled 4 of my bottom front teeth with only a little pain medication. Only one of my front teeth at the time was decayed.( My Mom never took us to a dentist as kids) My teeth are now all decayed and broken off at the gum line.(I could not afford dental ins thru our the yrs) I have holds in the ones that i try to eat on(2), and one of the front teeth have broken off and now scraps my lips. Iam in pain every day of my life, and i stay indoors and avoid family and friends, and the general public, because my teeth/smile is so bad!! My health is declining because of my teeth, and i am really scared i live with constant headaches. I would appreciate it if you would direct me to a dentist that may do pro bono work, or if you have another smile makeover show with Dr Dorfman, or another dentist could you please consider me for a smile makeover.?? PLEASE HELP! Please hear my prayers.

Tyra,
I'm currently living in Missouri, I'm originally from Dayton, OH. I lived in NYC for 4 years, lived in Houston for 4 months and lived in KY for 9 months. Tyra I need help, I cant sleep at night, because this issue is constantly on my mind. When I moved to NYC, people would stop me on the streets and ask me to come to their office for a casting and I would, I almost when for a casting for a commercial, I was to imbarrassed by my smile. The day I decided to go to the agency for the casting, I was scarred. The lady told me I need to get my teeth fixed, and that really hurt me to no end. Even today, I try to not smile as much, my teeth are crowded at the bottom and my two front teeth come out alittle. I'm a very happy person and I'd always had a smile on my face, but not to much anymore. In pictures, you cant tell much, unless there's no flash. I just want to fix my teeth, but I dont have the money to do. I would love to try to model even, but I dont think my headshots will comeout good enough. Please help me!! I can send a picture of myself if you email me at rstar.collins@gmail.com...
Thanks, Tyra

Dear Tyra, I watched your show the other day and I cried the whole time...I also have the most awful smile, teeth, the whole nine yards... I never really knew what a dentist was until it was to late, as a child I never got to go, my parents were unable to afford for me and my sister to go...when I finally got to be an adult my teeth were yellow and decaying and just plain hurting...I have missing teeth, I can only eat on one side of my mouth now.. I never smile and when I laugh (if i do ) i cover my face with my hand...I am only 31 years old...I finally got health insurance and thought i was well on my way to getting my teeth fixed and then my world got turned up side down almost three years ago when my husband got killed in a car accident during hurricane ivan, he died with no life insurance and I had to file backrupcy, no one will now finace me to get my teeth fixed. I would like to ask you if you ever do another show to help people with there teeth please consider me, I don't have to have a beautiful complete set like those ladies had and all pearly white, I just need the ones that are missing and the ones that have cavities fixed and I would be so grateful..Thanks for your time..Yours truely...Angie

Dear Tyra, I watched your show the other day and I cried the whole time...I also have the most awful smile, teeth, the whole nine yards... I never really knew what a dentist was until it was to late, as a child I never got to go, my parents were unable to afford for me and my sister to go...when I finally got to be an adult my teeth were yellow and decaying and just plain hurting...I have missing teeth, I can only eat on one side of my mouth now.. I never smile and when I laugh (if i do ) i cover my face with my hand...I am only 31 years old...I finally got health insurance and thought i was well on my way to getting my teeth fixed and then my world got turned up side down almost three years ago when my husband got killed in a car accident during hurricane ivan, he died with no life insurance and I had to file backrupcy, no one will now finace me to get my teeth fixed. I would like to ask you if you ever do another show to help people with there teeth please consider me, I don't have to have a beautiful complete set like those ladies had and all pearly white, I just need the ones that are missing and the ones that have cavities fixed and I would be so grateful..Thanks for your time..Yours truely...Angie

Dear Tyra, I watched your show the other day and I cried the whole time...I also have the most awful smile, teeth, the whole nine yards... I never really knew what a dentist was until it was to late, as a child I never got to go, my parents were unable to afford for me and my sister to go...when I finally got to be an adult my teeth were yellow and decaying and just plain hurting...I have missing teeth, I can only eat on one side of my mouth now.. I never smile and when I laugh (if i do ) i cover my face with my hand...I am only 31 years old...I finally got health insurance and thought i was well on my way to getting my teeth fixed and then my world got turned up side down almost three years ago when my husband got killed in a car accident during hurricane ivan, he died with no life insurance and I had to file backrupcy, no one will now finace me to get my teeth fixed. I would like to ask you if you ever do another show to help people with there teeth please consider me, I don't have to have a beautiful complete set like those ladies had and all pearly white, I just need the ones that are missing and the ones that have cavities fixed and I would be so grateful..Thanks for your time..Yours truely...Angie

Tyra,
First of all I just want to say that you have inspired me so much and I think you are a great role model. I remembered watching the show about those three women getting dental make overs and I can relate to them so much. I have never had teeth problems until I got braces. I had braces for five years and dentists stopped seeing me because the braces were causing my teeth to decay and I had to have the wires taken off. I had decaying teeth and my family didn't have the money to fix them and insuarnce didn't cover any good dentists. I went to this one dentist and he ruined my teeth for life. He put in fillings that were brown and one after one they kept falling out. All my teeth are a mess. I lost so much confidence in myself. After that dentist I have developed a fear of dentists. I went to this women dentist and I felt that I found someone good and I had confidence in her. She reconstructed only a couple of teeth because I had to stop seeing her due to money problems. Now I am seeing a dentist that I am terrified of but I have to keep seeing him because he is cheap. Last year I had to have a tooth pulled and that terrified me. I have nightmares about that day and everytime I go to the dentist I cry like there is no tomorrow. They have to drug me to make me stay calm. Now my teeth are getting brittle. I have two broken teeth right now. They have broken from me eating something and the food isn't hard at all. I'm only 18 and I never smile with my teeth due to embarresment. I have no confindence in myself anymore. I don't feel beautiful and feel like my teeth are holding back from my dream to be a singer. All my life I have been teased about my teeth. Right now it's at it's worst. It would be a miracle if I had a great smile with straight beautiful teeth. I want my self-confidence back and I want to be able to smile without feeling embarrassed or that feeling that people are constantly looking at my teeth. I want to feel like a beautiful 18 year old again.