A prosthodontist is helping former Philadelphia Phillies manager Charlie Manuel, who had a stroke in September 2023, with his recovery, including his speech, according to a story published on June 19 on CBS News.
Manuel, now a Florida resident who guided the 2008 Phillies to their second World Series title, was in the City of Brotherly Love on June 19 to watch the team hold onto its No. 1 spot in the league and to visit his prosthodontist in suburban Philadelphia. Dr. Robert Bentz of Bentz Dental Group in East Norriton, PA, has been helping Manuel, who wears dentures, speak more clearly, according to the story.
Since a stroke affects the structure of the mouth, Bentz used imaging and 3D printing to quickly make Manuel a new prosthesis. Manuel, who also had to relearn how to walk following the stroke, said the new teeth help with his "personal emotional attitude," according to the story.
Manuel has had prosthetic teeth since the 1960s when fellow player, Jerry Reuss, who played for the Los Angeles Dodgers, hit him with a fastball during a game, causing him to lose a half-dozen teeth.
Currently, Manuel is a senior adviser for the Phillies and is involved with amateur baseball players.
