A dad has revealed how getting his teeth fixed for a whopping £17,000, after years of struggling with problems, has transformed his life.

Before his surgery, Adrian Elmer’s smile had affected his confidence for a long time.

He would often feel embarrassed when speaking to colleagues, which is vital in his career as a stevedore team leader at Felixstowe Port, Suffolk.

The 58-year-old also struggled when eating out at restaurants, being forced to opt for safe options to facilitate his deteriorating dental issues.

He tried dentures, but they “didn’t feel right” – leaving Adrian at a loss of what to do.

“It [having bad teeth] does impact your life,” he told NeedToKnow.co.uk.

“You might find something you really want to eat, but can’t eat because your teeth are failing.

“You tend to shy away from people, using your hands to cover. [your mouth]

“It’s an embarrassing thing as well.”

At his wits' end, the stevedore researched clinics abroad in Bulgaria and Turkey.

Desperate for a solution, he booked a flight – but soon thought better of it, as he discovered he’d have to cough up the cash for the surgery on arrival.

He said: “I did consider it, I actually bought a ticket but got cold feet and didn’t go.”

Back home in the UK, Adrian was quoted a whopping £46,000 for treatment, with a recovery time of six to nine months, leaving him feeling dejected.

Determined to find help, he did more research and found a cheaper clinic – booking himself in at 21D Dental in London for a jaw rehabilitation surgery that took just two hours at £16,995.

And the dad is overjoyed with his new “million dollar” smile.

He said: “The decision not to go abroad was the best thing I ever done.

“Sticking with a UK-based company like 21D is about the professionalism of which you are treated and the aftercare service they provide, which are second to none.

“You wouldn’t get this going abroad for the treatment.

“It [having a nice smile] changes everything.

“Your face, your appearance.

“They’re a perfect fit.”

Adrian’s family and friends have noticed a big difference in his confidence., too.

He said: “Reactions from people have been vast.

“I took a few selfies and sent them to people, even on the way home.

“It’s just worth a million dollars.”

Before the surgery, the dad had to continuously avoid foods that would damage his problem teeth even further.

Now, the world is his oyster as he can chow down on any dish he desires without the worry of causing irreversible damage.

Adrian added: “If you fancy something, you can have it.

“Whether it be a large steak or a French stick.

“You’re in.

“Whether it be at work or recreational, you [I] seem to be smiling all the time.

“Putting your teeth out there.”

ENDS

EDITOR’S NOTE: Digital press must include mention of 21D clinic somewhere in the copy as a condition of use.