NOVI, Mich. -- The tough economy has left many families without dental insurance or the money to pay for even routine care.

The difficult economic situation inspired a dentist in Novi, Mich., to offer a free smile makeover for someone in need. Paul Cade, a father of four from Wyandotte, was selected to be that someone.

"It's been years since I've been able to smile for a picture," said Cade.

Cade's teeth have been a problem since he was diagnosed with a gum condition as a child.

"As I got older, they just rotted and broke, and I started just getting them pulled," said Cade.

Cade, 28, already had 17 teeth pulled and was living in constant pain. He was trying to get his teeth fixed when he was laid off from his job as a welder.

"Eight months ago, I lost my job and lost my insurance, so I couldn't get any dental work done," said Cade.

Dr. Justin Geller at JMG Dentistry selected Cade from 50 applicants for a free smile makeover. Geller said he began the project in response to a barrage of bad economic news.

"Watching the news and seeing unemployment rates skyrocketing, talking to patients here that are losing their jobs," said Geller. "I decided to bring something positive to the community."

For Cade, the prize is priceless.

"I've never won anything, let alone something this major," said Cade. "I think I called everybody in my phone book just to let them know I'm getting my teeth fixed! It was probably the best thing I could ask for."

Repairing Cade's smile is a massive project, involving multiple visits.

"I think we did about nine root canals on him. Then we had to basically build the teeth back up and put crowns and veneers on the remainder of the teeth," said Geller. "We'll be doing some removal dentures on the back there, so probably within two weeks, he should be done. Hopefully he'll be smiling ear to ear."

Cade hopes his new teeth will help him find a new job.

"When my teeth were all rotted, it didn't look like I took care of myself. Which wasn't the deal," said Cade.

Tailored Dental Ceramics in Clarkston donated the veneers to rebuild Cade's smile. President David Taylor said the results were dramatic.

"He's a different man. He's just totally different. Great smile. I'm hoping he'll have a lot more confidence when he's walking in for that job interview. I think it will help him a lot," said Taylor.

Cade said he's grateful to Geller and his staff.

"I thank all of them. They've been extremely great to me, " said Cade. "It's definitely a miracle that they could do this for me."

To learn more about JMG Dentistry, click here.

For more information on Tailored Dental Ceramics, click here.