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With a decay in markets and the economy, health experts are worried about another kind of decay: people cutting back on dental work because they don't have the money.
One Colorado woman is actually using Superglue to keep her teeth from falling out.
Every time September Williamson looks in the mirror, she has a hard time seeing anything but her teeth and when she goes out she feels that's all other people see.
September Williamson says "when I talk to people a lot of times I have my hand over my mouth."
Her once pearly whites, now plagued with problems.
September says "my kids have never really seen me smile, my husband says he misses it."
She can't afford the dental work she needs so, for now, she's turned to Superglue.
September says "I have a crown that is superglued in the front but I can't fix it until I can get my dentures on top."
Williamson does have insurance but it only covers up to $1,000 a year. The partial dentures she needs are $8,500 but because she has insurance she's not eligible for dental assistance.
Marillac Clinic director Kristy Schmidt wishes she could help.
Ms. Schmidt says "it's a difficult situation to be in. If they have a dentist I would be talking to them about their situation."
Schmidt says there are a lot of people out there, like Williamson, who need more than their insurance covers can't pay for it but don't qualify for help.
And right now, there's no word on when help may be out there.
Ms. Schmidt says "I know there are discussions going on to try to really figure out what's best what's best for the community."
But what's best for September Williamson may not be something she can afford.
September says "we do what we can. If the kids need dental they go first. I've gotten to a point where I just have them pulled."
And she and her family are trying to save so one day she can look in the mirror and smile.
September says "to be able to smile, to be able to have my kids really see me smile."
