Issue link: http://southshoremagazine.uberflip.com/i/664168
32 When you first meet someone, one of the initial features that many people notice is their smile. In many ways, a person's smile is their calling card, and we all know the impact of a memorable first impression. From the young age of just seven-years-old, Kirk Tegelaar was always self-conscious about his smile. After many years, countless treatments and a lot of money, Tegelaar had decided that improving his smile and overall oral health was a lost cause. Thankfully, the Somerville resident who most know strictly as "Skunk" was not allowed to give up. That, in large part was due to Dr. Stephen Matarazzo and an incredibly supportive community. As a young child, Tegelaar had jaw-expander placed in the roof of his mouth that was anchored to his molars. That was done in an effort to prevent his teeth from moving and crowding together. Following this attempt, Tegelaar was fitted with headgear, which he actually was fond of, until that was replaced by traditional braces. By the age of 14, Tegelaar was without dental insurance, which prompted him to snap off his braces himself. He said that was his first experience working with metal, which may or may not have led to a career as a welder at the Artisan's Asylum. While his career and his love of bikes may have brought a smile to his face, it was friends – as well as many strangers – who helped lead Tegelaar to Dr. Matarazzo to give him a smile that he would later call "a dream come true." Last January, a campaign was created to help fund treatment for Tegelaar. After discussing his options with many dental specialists, Tegelaar chose Dr. Matarazzo to help him finally achieve his 'dream.' This, just months after he had said that he was so disheartened and discouraged after always hearing depressing news from dentists regarding his oral health, that he had decided that he was just going to "give it a rest." Now, thanks to his thoughtful friends, supportive community and excellent work from Dr. Matarazzo, Tegelaar was able to complete his last major treatment and celebrate what he referred to as "New Teeth Day," back in November. Throughout the entire process, Tegelaar felt extremely comfortable in choosing Dr. Matarazzo. Dr. Matarazzo said that he had studied Tegelaar's case for two or three months, and that it was an honor that he was asked to be involved. "They feel like real teeth – real, straight teeth," remarked Tegelaar. "I couldn't be happier. It's beautiful work. Just awesome! As far as I'm concerned, No Matter Your Past, Dr. Matarazzo Can Help Put a Smile On Your Face by Rob Kelley