Changing lives – one smile at a time
Featured in the February / March 2007 Edition of Helen Magazine

The billboard on U.S. 52 caught her attention. It advertised the Hoosier Makeover team's latest transformation. Christy Moore saw the before-and-after pictures and thought about her own appearance. Newly separated, it was the need for a change in her life that prompted her to learn more about the makeover. It took her three times before she completed the application, but she did. And one year later, Moore is about to undergo a transformation that will make her feel better – inside and out.

Born and raised in Lafayette, the 30-year-old mother of two boys is now the fourth patient in Dr. Swoverland's Hoosier Makeover program. Designed to give people a boost in both appearance and self-esteem, Donald Swoverland, D.D.S., was drawn to Moore's application. "It was so typical," says Swoverland. "She had hit 30, had a couple of kids, had postural changes. And like every other woman with a family, she had more important things to do than take care of herself. You don't feel like yourself anymore." So by selecting Moore, he plans to change that. "We will assist in giving her the perfect smile," says Swoverland with a smile of his own. Swoverland explains that Moore also suffers from migraines. By adjusting her jaw position, Moore also faces the possibility of being pain-free. "That would be great," laughs Moore, who averages two migraines a week. Swoverland explains that after determining the proper jaw position following a neuromuscular evaluation, an orthodic device will be created to shift the jaw to improve posture and neck mobility. Later, veneers will be applied to create Moore's new smile.
Moore is ready for a new smile. "I've always felt insecure about my smile," says Moore. When asked what she doesn't like, Moore replies, "Everything. I hide my mouth or use a closed smile. I think this will make me more confident in the end."

Swoverland and his team have been helping people change their lives for the past two years. In addition to dental assistance, patients who are chosen also participate in an exercise program, if need be, and receive a makeover from Kelly's Hair Studio. "It's really nice to help change lives," says Swoverland. He adds that being able to help people reduce their migraine pain is "more rewarding than the cosmetic changes." For Moore, the eight-month process began on Jan. 10 with a two-hour appointment where her muscle activity was measured. Wearing a halo and hooked up to EMG electrodes, Moore sits relaxed, following Swoverland's instructions: "Open and close as wide as you can, three-to-four times. Good. Now teeth together, move to the left, middle and to the right. Good. Now pretend you're chewing something. Good." A TENSing unit is then placed on Moore to relax the jaw muscles. Impulses, which Swoverland describes as a "tapping" sensation, are transmitted to Moore's muscles. An impression is taken before turning up the TENSing unit. Moore looks relaxed although you can visibly see her facial muscles
twitching. "It's a little weird," she says. "It feels like little shocks. And I feel a little drowsy." After 45 minutes wearing the TENSing unit, Moore is connected back to the halo. "The EMGs rule where her bite will be," explains Swoverland. "Her facial shape, tooth anatomy and the EMGs will all determine that bite." Following the EMGs, the bite appliance will be made. This appliance will help move Moore's jaw into the correct position. After two hours of testing, the EMG electrodes are removed from Moore. Swoverland examines her stone models as he turns them over in his hands. "We may have to move the front tooth out and fix the cross bite. I'll let you know soon," says Swoverland to Moore. Moore nods and smiles a closed smile. It was a long day, but an important one. It was the first day of a new beginning.

HELEN magazine will be following Christy Moore as she undergoes treatment with Dr. Swoverland. Look for updates in future issues. For more information about the Hoosier Makeover program, visit www.drswoverland.com.