Kim Menzies on Getting Full Mouth Dental Implants: "Who Would Have Thought All I Needed Was a New Smile?"

Alright, mom. So I have a picture of you from a few weeks ago. You wanna see it? Yeah. Alright. Oh. Oh, my God. But that's not you anymore. No. Let's see your teeth now. You really wanna see them? You really wanna see? Look at that. I still can't get over it. It looks so much different. Like, this look good too. I mean, you were pretty in your own you know, you're pretty. But those I mean, look at them. What do you think of them? Like I mean, I just love that you seem so much happier. Yeah. Yeah. I mean, you were happy here, but it's just the way you present yourself now is different. You smile a lot more. Yeah. You can eat. Yeah. I can eat. And you knew they were my biggest insecurity was my teeth. Yeah. You know? Let me see. Here you go. Wow. My eyes look pretty there. They I mean, they look pretty. Yeah. Yeah. But mean, you're so pretty. But look at that. Like, look at just look at all my roots were coming in. I had that hole in the front of my tooth. My back teeth were gone. I could only chew on this one side of my mouth. I mean, when I look at this and I I remember thinking in my head, like, what am I gonna do? Like, all my teeth are literally gonna fall out of my mouth. My roots were showing. That's crazy. Yeah. Let's not look at these anymore. Well, it looks great now. It looks great now. We don't even need we can just throw that away. I know. But it's weird because it's like an identity thing for me too. You know what I mean? Because my overbite's gone. What did you say I look like grandma? You sound like her too. I sound like her. Well, it's only been a few weeks, so the list will go away. Well, I see. I have some questions for you. Oh, no. Yeah. Oh, shoot. Are they good questions or bad questions? They're just questions K. That need answers. Alright. But, you know, I know how you are with the questions sometimes. Well, think a I think a lot of people wanna know, like, how you feel, you know, pre teeth chem and post teeth chem, mom, whatever. But first off Mom, whatever. I know you're really nervous about how they would turn out. So what do you really think about them so far? I love them. I love them. And every time I look in the mirror, I'm just like, hey. You know? Like, it's such a confidence filter because you know firsthand what I went through. You know? With the comments and people saying I have a hoarse face and people saying that we should I never saw that. Yes, you did. Yes, you did. But people you've seen the comments, though. You've seen what people said have said about me and and everything. And just knowing that I never took care of them, and now it's just like I mean, you I can't get any better than that. Selfie queen is back. The selfie queen is I know. Hey. No. I know. That's the best part. And you don't have to edit my pictures anymore. Yeah. Well You had to edit a lot of my picture. Remember I would send them to you and be like, Jamal, make my teeth white. That's terrible. What I say is, like, you just gotta brush them. Don't know to tell you. I know. No. But seriously, you know, your teeth look great. Thank you. They're so white. Don't need me to edit anything anymore. But this was a major surgery, you know? And how was the recovery like? I mean, except for you coming in my room eating potato chips, antagonizing me that first day. And why did you have to chew them so That didn't happen. That did. But I feel like, I mean, I thought you were there. I recovered pretty well, I think, you know? Mean, like, once it all went away, it was just like, hey, you know, like But I think the biggest thing for me was, like, the identity thing for me because I've been the same person for my whole life with these teeth. Right? And it really did change the shape of my face. It really did it gave me, like, an instant facelift in a way, like, right here, you know? Yeah. And, like, my overbite's gone. My teeth are straight. So there was no pain at all? I had not one day of pain. How long has it been now? A month. I've had them for a month. Wow. And you remember how scared I was when I went in? It's kinda crazy, actually. Yeah. I feel like the way you talk now is diff okay. Don't do that. Sorry. I had to lick my mouth. I'm sorry. I do feel like since day one, you have not had any issues. You never called me that you were in pain or uncomfortable. Just the breathing that you there's certain things you can't eat. Yeah. I mean, right now, I'm on a soft food diet for the next three months, which is also aiding in my weight loss. That's a good thing. There you go. Is it as bad as you thought it was gonna be? Like, were you nervous going in? Oh, you know, I was scared to death going in because I had such a bad fear of Dennis. You know? Remember how welcoming everybody was? Like, everybody was just right there. You know? And Yeah. The whole team, I knew, was really nice. Even when I was waiting in the waiting room. Yeah. And then they like, they have this group called the Smile Smile Maker Club on on Facebook, and I I'm a top contributor to that now. Everything that mean? It's just because I post a lot. Like, I post a lot of recipes and all like, I wanna help other people now. That's my goal. You know? Have you had any challenges adjusting to your new smile? I think just hiding it For I've still, like, hide it because I hid my old smile so much because it really made me feel ugly. You know? Wait. Your old smile? My old smile made me feel so ugly and made me so insecure that, like, now it's just, like, weird to smile now. Like, when we posted that first video that you and I did, remember? And I was got really emotional because it's, like, I was scared of what people were gonna say. You know? And I never, like I don't wanna live my life like that anymore. Remember? Yeah. Of course. Why'd you do all this to not, you know, show it off and sell? And they look great. Thank you. And I feel like you're very lucky that they look so good, you know, but you chose the right team, it seems like. Thank god I didn't go to Turkey. Don't go to Turkey. Stay here. Yeah. Yeah. Like, would that have been like for me? You know? Like, this was right here, and Nuvia's everywhere. But what would that have been like for me to go somewhere alone? You couldn't have went with me for two weeks. You have a job. You know? So what would that have been like? Do you get tired of, like, talking? Does your jaw ever get tired or anything? My jaw does get tired sometimes. You probably like that because I'm not talking as much. I don't call you as But I remember the day after your surgery what was it when they took everything out and put the surgery? My surgery. Yeah. Yeah. I've never heard you be more quiet. But some of you were still talking, but you're not supposed to. They were telling me I knew they were like, don't don't let her talk too much. I'll never be on the phone or anything. Yeah. What was I doing? Blah blah blah blah. But I rested a lot, though. You really good care of me too. Thank you. Yeah. Well, I mean, you birthed me, so I have to guess, God catch you. Home. I'm busy. I'm chilling. I'm busy doing nothing. Yeah. Whose reaction to your new small has meant the most to you? Yours. Aw. Why me? Because you're my son, and I love you. You're my biggest accomplishment. I tell everybody that. But I'm so emotional. I loved you regardless of your smile. I know you did, but I think you know, like, how bad it was affecting me. Like, I started smiling like like that, that little sight. But I did, that little sight You loved that. I just didn't wanna show my teeth. Yeah. You know? And I think your reaction meant more to me. If grandma was here, it would've been hers too because she you know? But I think yours was because, like, you're the closest person to me, and I felt like you being there and all that, the support you gave me was amazing. Well, I know it's something you wanted for years, and I just wanted to be there for you for anything you needed, which I was, even when you were being kind of annoying. I was annoying. Jamal. Feed the I need another milkshake. Jamal. Feed the cats. Jamal, go get me some soup. Jamal, the remote fell to the floor. No. It wasn't that bad. You were I mean, you were good because you weren't really in that much pain. I wasn't. I was I was uncomfortable. You're just in tired. You know? You're Yeah. Older. Yeah. So Thanks. Thanks for that. Besides me, who else did you Wayne. Wayne? I think Wayne. Little Yeah. Muffin. My little English muffin. But he was so excited, you know, when he first saw me. He was like, oh my gosh. You know? And then Nancy and Luis, my friends and my bosses, they were so happy to see me too. How did Wayne feel about your new teeth? Your new little English boyfriend? Yeah. I mean, he loved him. You know? He loved him, but he's always been so supportive through everything too. You know? Yeah. I know your coworkers liked it too. Is it different at work? Yeah. And then when they released that video, remember they were all gumming it the first day? Like, I can't even do it now. Yeah. That's what I sounded like. Yeah. I know you were scared about getting this done. So what made you feel comfortable choosing Nuvia? I just felt like the reviews were so good. Because, you know, I researched this for a while before I did it. The reviews were so good. On the Better Business Bureau, they have a a plus. And I felt like them being local and having so many different centers all around, that really helped me. Aren't they open, like, twenty four hours? Or You get the teeth in twenty four hours. So remember? And that was too it's, quick. Like, I have a job. You know? I have TV. I have a lot to You got it in twenty four hours. Yeah. It's actually crazy. And I remember I thought they were kinda crazy for you leaving, coming back. I remember I called them when we you were at the house just sleeping, and I'm like, she wakes up, and she's like, just wakes up in pain. They're like I do. Everything's fine. Did you really? I didn't even know that. Did you really? I just wanted to make sure there were no surprises, and, like, if there were, I needed to know. But, no, I'm really glad I chose them. And I just, you know, my big thing is feeling safe in my life. Right? So they really, like, when I the moment I walked in, even just to get my scan Oh, the staff? Yeah. When I walked in to get my scan, I was terrified because I've always just had such bad experiences, you know? And when I went in there, they were just like, it's okay. It's okay. It was just a scan. Easy scan that your dad didn't have to bite into anything or anything. And they were just they were amazing to me. Amazing. They were all really nice to me. And all the paperwork they gave me for you when I had to take you home was great. Yeah. What do you think makes them different than, like, other dentists you work with? Well, it's done in twenty four hours, which is amazing. You know? And they didn't ridicule me for how bad my teeth were. I've been to some dentists, a couple of them in San Diego, and did some virtual ones, and and they were just like, your teeth are horrible. There's just there's no point. I had somebody What? Who was tied them all out. Yeah. Yeah. But it was like I was like, can you just work on one at a time? And they were like, your teeth are too bad. Yeah. I couldn't get veneers because my teeth were so weak. You know? They were kinda mean. They were like, wow. Why did you let them get so bad? Or wow. Why didn't you never take care of your teeth? Yeah. And then made me like, one of them was old school with the x rays, made me bite into cardboard that cardboard thing, and I was just like, ow. I can't bite into anything, you know? So they were just basically like, your teeth are terrible. Get out of my office or pull them all out and put some fake dentures in there. And then I went on to Nuvia's website. I took their sixty second quiz. The link is below, by the way. And that was it. I was in. Well, sounds like a great idea. Yeah. It was great. And it's so funny because people say you and I look more alike now that my teeth are done. Isn't that crazy? And, you know, I'm still, like, I still have a lisp. I'm still a little swollen. My jaws have to heal, you know, I mean, my jaw muscles have to get stronger because the teeth, they get heavy some they feel heavy sometimes. But I feel like it's all part of my healing process. Right? Like, it takes a while. I went for my two week checkup. They were like, hey. Your teeth are amazing. Followed a water pick, and, you know, I mean, I take care of Oh, the water floss? The water floss? Pick. Yeah. Love that thing. When you get in between, because it feels so good. It's like, I get all that food out of there. Know? I feel like your journey has inspired me to take better care of my teeth. Your teeth are good, honey. Never had braces. Never had braces. Look at those. Well, maybe I'll be a new viewer one day. Maybe. I like what you got. Honestly, when you were getting your surgery, I was talking him out front, let me get a little discount, little family discount. Come on. Let me get, like, four of them a But they did your whole mouth. That's crazy. My whole mouth. Yeah. Yeah. What's the biggest change you've noticed in yourself so far? My confidence level has went up a lot. Yeah. You're shining. Thank you. Thank you, Jamal. That's I feel like yeah. I feel like your light was a little dimmed before the whole surgery, and now, know, you're so perky and stuff. Yeah. Well, I was saying before that, like, you know, freeing myself of my truth and my past and just being Kim now, just being this authentic person, getting this was the final chapter for me. It's what I always wanted for myself. And I feel right off into the sunset. Yeah. I'm good now. Smile. I'm good. Yeah. I'm good now. And, you know, I've seen things on people, like, even the the real you and I post them. People are always gonna find something. I mean, they're they're too big for my mouth, and I'm like, okay. It's only been a few weeks. Like, what do you want from me? You know? Like People are always gonna find something. Yeah. All the trolls do it. But I feel great. I feel I feel like it's you look great. And if you're happy with it, who cares what they think? Yeah. And I feel like my health is just gonna get better and better. You know? Yeah. So even you have to take a physical before you get this done, you know, and get your blood work and everything. And that was like, you have to be healthy to get this done too. So, yeah, I feel like it's all on this whole healthy journey, and the confidence is making you go even harder. That's awesome. Yeah. And now I have to get a facelift now because it made my my face look better. Yeah. No. Speaking of facelift, do I still need to edit your pictures? You don't need to edit my pictures anymore. I can do it myself. No. I'm proud of myself, honestly, because you know how I've been with the dentist and stuff. I would just go get it pulled if I had to get it pulled or take an antibiotic because I had all the You just waited till it got so bad. It got so bad. And then I remember I went online and bought this oil that was supposed to make my gums grow because my gums were so receded, my roots were showing on my teeth. And that the one of the dentists I went to said, one of your your teeth are gonna start falling out one by one. Oil on them? I did. So did you get a recommendation from your dentist? No. I just did it online. You know me. Listen to your dentist, people. I know now. Now I know. And then one great thing too about Nuvia is I don't have to keep going back. Like, I love them. I go back. I had my two week checkup. I go back for my four, then you go once a year. Like, that's great. That's great. They don't hurt. But if you have any problems, you can just hit them up. Yeah. I'll call them. Be like, hey. Hey, my boy. Hey, my boy. Something's going on. Hey, bro. That's what you call me all the time. I don't. You've called me a I call you mother. K. Creator. Creator. Has your smile changed more than your confidence? Like, with relationships with people, you know, not avoiding situations, not being you know, taking more pictures, doing more content, or just being at work feel different? I think it's it's just different, because, like, when you get used to me, right, after a while, like, you you're used to seeing me all the time. Right? And I feel like I feel like it's changed my confidence and, like, I'm more, like, outgoing now. Like, I wanna go out. I wanna go do things. And for a long time, I didn't want to. And smiling, like, that became, like, my signature thing. And now I'm just like you know? Yeah. And everything and it really did mess with my identity for a while because I was like, was looking in the mirror, and I'm like, wow. You know? And before, I'd just be like, ugh. You know? So I feel like I'm more active now, which I've been that way for the past year because of my weight loss. But You know, this is just another This was the top. Another hurdle to climb. Yeah. Do you wish you did the show, like, with these teeth rather than your old teeth? I don't regret doing the show with my old teeth. Because I was like That's what made me Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Wanna get the new teeth. You know what I mean? Well, it was one of the reasons why I wanted to get the new teeth. I think that it was a learning experience for me. Like, I didn't really see myself until I got on TV. That's why I don't dye my hair black anymore. You know? So was it like you saw your teeth on the show? I saw them, like, the way people were talking about them and stuff? Yeah. Yeah. So I feel like that was was a learning lesson for me. I feel like you just know when it's time for you to, like, make that change because even the people closest to you, like, obviously always thought you were pretty. But, like, no one's gonna go and be like, you need to go and get your teeth looked at. You know, I don't so that's why I feel like if you're ready to do it, like, you feel like you need to do it, just do it. You don't really need to listen to, like, your friends and family Yeah. Like, waiting for them to tell you, like, you need do yourself. But the comments I think the comments about my teeth hurt me more than the comments about my relationship, honestly, because it's like, that's my looks. It's my was my insecurity. I'm a cry. It's my insecurity. You know what I mean? And then people are calling me hoarse face or buddy. It's not raise your hand, please. Don't don't cry now. Makes you uncomfortable. No. But I just feel like people were, like, people were so mean about my teeth. Like, oh my god. Her teeth are this or that. And then, like, people don't understand what feels like to that person. And I don't let the trolls get to me. I don't let social media get to me like that. But it's something if you already have an insecurity about, it may it just it just doubles it for me. You know? And I feel like people that people that talk about somebody's looks like that, like, what what is that saying about you? Or people will be like, you're so ugly with your ugly teeth, and how did you how do you have this beautiful son? He must be adopted. And I'm like, well, well, there's that. I got really lucky, though, because you really didn't like the dentist. I hated it. Which means I didn't really like the dentist either, and I hated going. But I don't know. I think once you started telling me all the problems you were kinda having, I was like, let me go get a checkup every now and then. No. You took really good care of your teeth. Thank god. Did my best. Still got you know, no one's perfect. What is it? Poe body is Nerfic. I am dead. Nobody like, nobody's perfect. You changed anyway. It's not like Pig Latin, kinda. Sure. Alright. Looking back, did you realize how much time you were thinking about your teeth? Like, when you wake up in the morning just staring in the mirror and be like, Yeah. I think, like, every night, I would feel something ping, like a different tooth. Like, tink. Like Like a switchboard. Yeah. In a way. And I would it was my nerves. You know? It's like your nerves and your gums. Like a shock? You get, like, a shock? No. It just was like a tink. I can't describe what it felt like, but now when I wake up, I'm just like, hey. You know? And I brush them and, you know, use the mouthwash and, you know, and everything with the Waterpik and What kind of song's going on in your head and you're smiling in the mirror? You know? And it's like a great feeling now. You know? And I'm still getting used to them, you know? And I'm still like I mean, it's just such a change for me. Like, it's just such a blessing that I found this place, honestly. Yeah. You're a match made in heaven. Well well, you know, Jamal, that, like, even when we were filming and stuff, like, I couldn't I couldn't eat I could only eat certain things. I couldn't bite into anything. I couldn't I could only eat on one side of my mouth. You know? I mean, it's just it was crazy. It was really crazy. And then, like, even while we were filming, I was worried, like, is this tooth gonna pop out? You know what I mean? But I felt like when we were filming and everything and I had to eat something, I would they had to be careful to get me stuff that was soft. I couldn't bite into any food, or I had to eat on one side of my mouth. And I was just like, what if I'm on TV and one of my teeth just pop out of my mouth? They will put it in the show. They will put it in the show. They have. You've seen it. You've seen other things. You know, we've seen things happen. Remember when they got me burping on camera? Like, I don't what if one of my teeth would've came out literally while we were filming? Like, how tooth fairy would come. Yeah. I know. But I worried about that. I did I did worry about that all the time. Like, when we go to restaurants, I would be careful of what I was eating because it hurt. They hurt all the time. You know? Probably be hungry sometimes because you literally can't you don't have the options that, like, I have. I remember I did come in your room after your surgery and was eating chips, That was mean. I'm sorry. No. It was okay. It was funny. It was kinda funny, though. It was funny. Because that's just you. That's just you. I'm I'm sure you I think humor is, like, the best thing. We've always a dental patient. That's how we handle our whole life. It's by dark humor, though. You know, for years, I was, like, really like myself. Right? Like, I'm always I was always Kim because I was very unaware of how bad they really were. Right? Till the last couple years when they just got really, really bad. And I would I noticed, like, when we went to that Christmas party in New York and stuff, I all my pictures, like because I just started to feel so self conscious about them. I think it's also because everyone's getting this kind of surgery now too. You know? I don't even know. I know, I always thought I'll never get, like, a facelift or get anything like that because I wanna age gracefully. Right? But I just believe, like, my overall health was just getting worse. Oh. You know? Like, I could feel it in the morning. Like, there's just bitter taste in my mouth, and it like, metal. I just felt like like every every time we would go somewhere or we went to an event, it was like I never felt like people were staring at me like, oh my god. She's hideous because I always thought I was a pretty woman. But I think this just aided in that confidence for me. You know? I I think I spent so much time worrying about my smile or, like, so much time, like, editing pictures to make sure my teeth were okay, you know, that, like, it really took time out of my day. You know? People all the time over the years Yeah. You wasted just, like, licking your teeth, trying to do new things with your teeth. Yeah. And now you wake up and I'm just brushing them and go. You just know you're good to go. Yeah. I'm good to go. It was a lot of time off that you're gonna have back. Not like, even, like, the mental thoughts you would have, like, daily about your teeth or, like, if someone's looking at them or some and now when people look at them Yeah. You know, they're looking at and you're confident in it versus before. Yeah. It's a it's a good feeling. It's a really good feeling because I I felt I knew I wasn't ugly, but I just felt ugly. Like, they made me feel really ugly. You know? And I felt like I was just every time I'd smile in the mirror, like like, smile, I was just, you know, like a part of me was like, I'm not saying I'm ugly. I was ugly, but I felt ugly. My mouth part was ugly. You needed was a new smile. Who would have thought all I needed was a new smile? Seriously. There's this, like, new glow around you. Yeah. And it's funny sometimes, like, when I'll come over your house or whatever, and you'll look at me and be like, oh my god, you look so different. You know? But it's still me. Yeah. It's still yeah. Just like a like a upgraded version. I've upgraded. You've upgraded your smile. I did. How did you feel seeing me without any teeth in my mouth? Did not like that. I looked old. Sight I did not want yeah. I mean but I knew it was going towards something good for you and good for your health. So I was I was happy for you throughout your whole journey with Nuvia because I think they did so good, with how they treated you throughout, like, a short process kind of. You would think for Twenty four hours. But for what you got, you would think this would be extensive because every time you go to the dentist, they're like, oh, you got this, and now you're gonna have the swelling, you're gonna have to wait like a couple months for the swelling to go down or whatever. Nuvia was like, nope, not today, bud. We'll see you tomorrow. We'll get you that smile. And I was telling, I was telling my friends how you were when that dentist walked in. Remember? You were like, I'm seeing I'm hearing Spanish music. Oh my gosh. The the I don't know how the surgeons at Nuvia have aura. Like, they had aura in there. Isn't that crazy? Even reception had aura. I don't understand. And they have really good, coffee and water in there. Yeah. They do. How did you feel seeing my smile my smile reveal? I was excited. I knew it was gonna look good. I honestly just did not know it was gonna look this good. Really? Yeah. Because, you know, usually people get their teeth and they find something wrong with it over time. But I can tell you love it, which makes me love it more, and it just looked really good. Yeah. Like, you did look different, but maybe because you were swollen, you know? Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. I don't know. I was just so happy for you, and I knew it was gonna be such a life changer Yeah. For you as far as, like, your confidence and, you know, just your everyday life. And look how look how now you'll have time more time because you don't have to edit my pictures anymore. You're not gonna edit the pictures. Yeah. It's a whole different ballgame for you now. Yeah. I'm proud of you, kiddo. Thanks, bucko. I feel like I've seen so many changes in you already. You know? You're posting a lot more when you smile. You're going out more. I checked your location. You're not at home like you used to be, just sitting there. Very true. I'm getting more FaceTime calls than regular calls. I'll let I'll call you and be like, hey. Yeah. You Just hey. It was cute at first, I'm like, okay. Alright. FaceTime audio. But I feel like I've noticed how you talk to people Yeah. Is different. You know? I feel like you've just there's this weight off your shoulders, this anxiety of, like, how people are judging you Yeah. And your teeth. And now you're just living in your true self. Like, this is all you really wanted, and this is where I feel like a lot of people want. I kinda want it. I mean, I like my teeth, but I just feel like you can really change, you know, your mindset day to day. I think so too. I'm just happy for you. Yeah. I think I was just really happy for you. Yeah. I think so too. And I think that's, like, the biggest thing is, like, it's so easy to just go take that sixty second quiz. I know you're still making fun of the way I say things. Still on the list, but it'll go away. They told me to sing. I'll sing and do my alphabet. Don't sing. You don't want me to sing. No. I feel bad for those cats at home. Don't sing. I sing all the time in Austin. No. Sing. Do whatever you want. Yeah. Sing my ABCs and yeah. I'm happy. Yeah. No. I can tell your your whole aura is different. Thank You got a happy aura. And I feel like if I can do it, then anybody else can do it. Yeah. You know? And I do have a full term job. I do, you know, I do work for what I want in my life. Right? So I feel that if you have a fear of the dentist or your just mouth is just terrible and you're in pain, why would you not wanna get rid of that pain? Don't you wanna be able to eat again? Don't you wanna be able to smile again? Yeah. Take that sixty second quiz and just let them handle the rest. What would you say to, like, former Kim? I should have done this years ago. Like, I regret you know, I have a lot of regrets in my life, and that is when that I didn't do it. But you know what? Now I did it. Right? I freed myself from my past. I've told my truth, and I got my teeth. That's all I wanted. That's all you wanted. That's all I wanted. So I'm happy. A chapter has begun. A new fifty six. Chem chapter. Two point o. Three point o. Chem Teeth point o. Yeah. That was good, Teeth point o. That was good. Come on. Don't leave me hanging. Come on. Boop. Alright. Well, I guess that's it. Yeah. Well, thank you. I'm glad you came to ask me questions. I couldn't think of anybody and I do wanna thank you for keeping it funny and keeping it cute when I got my teeth done, because you I know you have a lot of videos of me. You don't ever I I have to be nice to you for the rest of my life, because don't put those videos up. Well, stay tuned. Alright. Let's go grab some lunch. I'm gonna go eat some soup. You ready? Soup. Yeah. Soup it is. Let's go. And, hey, if you wanna see me getting these teeth done every step of the way, check out the next video.