Bart Fletcher

"Bart always knew how to light up a room. He was a living cliche of smart and funny, and his bright smile was contagious. He was confident and headed towards his medical degree as a Physician's Assistant. However, in 1998, a devastating biking accident took his smile, draining his self-esteem and putting a tremendous damper on his educational goals.

After shattering the right side of his face, and suffering a broken neck and wrist, Bart was left with nerve damage that cost him 40% of his teeth, and left several others damaged. He took it hard, and after 2.5 years of recovery, he still hasn't regained any of the confidence he once had. His smiley personality is still a bit faded, and he shies away in embarrassment with every laugh.

As his wife, it makes my heart ache to hear the comments he endures from children and strangers we pass on the street. He has  even experienced the abandonment of numerous friends who were too embarrassed to be seen with him. Bart really is the kindest and most optimistic man I have known, and I only wish that others could look past his broken smile to see the real person he is. To have him be able to smile without feeling ashamed, to have him laugh out loud without feeling self-conscious, would mean the world to me.

I am nominating my husband, Bart Fletcher in hopes that he may laugh out loud without having to cover his mouth; in hopes that we can talk and walk hand-in-hand down the streets without the whispers; in hopes that his smile may finally match his amazing personality once again."

- Carrie Fletcher

Today Bart had his teeth deep cleaned, all decay removed from the upper front teeth, 4 root canals, 6 posts and build-ups, and 4 extractions.

What we did today is not the final product. His teeth have been prepared for crowns.

Next visit we will remove all of the decay from his lower teeth and any treatment that is needed with the removal of the decay.

Second Dental Visit
April 2, 2009

Today Bart had all decay removed from his upper back teeth and all of his lower teeth. 11 build-ups were needed.

What we did today is not the final product. His teeth have been prepared for crowns.

Next visit we will seat all of his lower permanent crowns. Anticipated date is April 23, 2009

 Third Dental Visit
April 23, 2009

Today Bart had all lower temporary crowns removed
and permanent crowns designed and seated.

What we did today is not the final product. His upper
teeth have been prepared for crowns and the lower still
has a temporary bridge.

Next visit we will seat all of his upper permanent
crowns. Anticipated date is May 5, 2009

Final Visit
July 10, 2009

Today we removed all temporaries and seated all of his permanent crowns. Bart is finally finished with all of his dental work. It has been a long road, but it was worth it. Listen to 97.1 ZHT on Wednesday July 22nd. We will be on the morning show talking with Bart about his journey.

Frankie C from 97.1 ZHT, Bart and Dr. Hadfield after discussing Bart's amazing experience on the morning show

A Letter to Bart

We have come to love and respect Bart so much through the course of his journey. It has been our pleasure and privilege to give such a deserving man a smile that fits his life. Bart is giving, grateful and has a beautiful heart. We were so touched to receive the letter from Bart's cute wife, we were compelled to make him our Style Smile Winner because of it. Please read on and follow his incredible transformation. Hadfield Dental Care looks forward to knowing and seeing Bart, our new friend, for a lifetime.

We love you Bart!
Dr. Hadfield, Kelly, Sharon, Jane, Nicole, Monica and Annalee.

A Letter from Bart

Dr. Hadfield and staff,
Less than a year ago I was the guy standing back in the shadows at the BBQ’s and get-togethers. I was afraid to laugh, and kept my mouth hidden at all costs. I constantly had my ugly teeth in the back of my mind – If I eat this, will another tooth break? If I eat that, will another one fall out? I was the guy using frequent cigarette breaks as an excuse to get away from the scrutiny. I had no idea that within a matter of months I would find myself sitting in Dr. Hadfield’s office, reading a letter from my wife that had won me the most phenomenal gift I could ever ask for – a new smile.
It is hard to put into words just how much this gift has changed my life. Not only did Dr. Hadfield shatter my lifetime fear of dentists with his unending support and kindness, but I can now enjoy my favorite foods again without fear of making my smile worse. It is amazing to eat corn-on-the-cob with everyone else at the BBQ’s now! I can also proudly say that this experience has given me the motivation and confidence to defeat my smoking habit, and be smoke-free once and for all!
Last but not least, I can only begin to tell you how much this new smile has improved my self-confidence, but my efforts would fall short at expressing just how much it really has changed my life. The feeling is indescribable – to actually enjoy laughing! To actually enjoy taking pictures with my family! To actually sit through an entire meal with friends, without having to leave and hide in embarrassment with a tooth that had just broke. I feel as if I am now allowed to enjoy the simple pleasures in life that I was denied after my accident – how do you put that into words? How do you say thank you for that?
I feel as though a simple “Thank-you” will never fully express my appreciation to my family, my friends, and especially my supervisors at ARUP Blood Services, for their endless support and understanding throughout this process. “Thank-you” will never quite measure up to the gratitude I owe Dr. Hadfield and his staff for their patience and compassion.
I can’t say it enough – Dr. Hadfield truly is a miracle-worker, and I am forever grateful for the new smile, and new breath of life he has given me.

Sincerely,

Bart Fletcher