Is Snap On Smile Right For You?
Snap On Smiles Can Transform Your Smile
Many of us see a beautiful smile and wish that it could be ours. Few of us are born with perfectly shaped, straight, white teeth. In the past, “natural smiles” were the norm, but today, cosmetic dentistry has evolved to offer many corrective options. This has allowed many patients to take advantage of these modern options to give them that “perfect smile” they have always dreamed about. What about those patients who choose not to go that extra step for that perfect smile?
What Is Snap On Smile?
Snap on smile is a revolutionary solution for many cosmetic dentistry issues. The beauty of the snap on smile is that it is a totally reversible cosmetic dentistry option. The snap on smile is much more affordable than porcelain veneers or porcelain crowns. In general, the snap on smile procedure costs as much as a single porcelain crown. Snap on smile is a removable arch of “teeth” which is designed to snap over the existing teeth. The snap on smile removable appliance is made from an extremely strong dental resin. It can be used as a short term or a long term cosmetic dentistry option. The following are the steps involved in the fabrication of a custom snap on smile:
–Dental Impressions. This will include impressions of the teeth, photographs, along with a bite registration. A bite registration allows the dental lab to know the relationship between the upper and lower teeth. At this visit you and your dentist will also pick out the style, shape, and color of your new smile.
–Dental Laboratory. The information gathered by the dentist is then sent off to the dental laboratory for fabrication. The dental technician will digitally create the custom made snap on smile.
–Snap On Smile Insertion. Following fabrication by the lab technician, your dentist will then place the final product over your teeth. The snap on smile pops right in over your own teeth and fits perfectly. The snap on smile is so simple to complete without the need for removing any of your natural tooth structure or need to use any anesthesia. The beauty is that it is completely removable at any time with no effect to your natural teeth.
Snap-On Smiles Pros And Cons
Below are the benefits of snap-on smile and disadvantages of Snap-On Smile:
PROS
- Very affordable alternative to porcelain veneers
- Does not require removal of natural tooth structure before placement
- Painless
- Removable devices that are easy to maintain
- Improves the esthetic appearance of your smile
CONS
- It can be uncomfortable for some and is more prone to stains and breaking than traditional dental veneers
- Increase the risk for tooth decay and other dental health issues
- It should never be used in replacement of necessary dental work. Good dental health trumps esthetics
A Snap-On Smile is a financially affordable esthetic solution that provides the unique benefits of Snap-On Smile enhancement in a painless way.
The dental appliance is an excellent choice for people with the following:
- Stained teeth
- Slightly misaligned or crooked teeth
- Missing teeth or gaps between teeth
- Anyone who has “cosmetic“ removable partial dentures (also called a “flipper”) and wants a more comfortable and esthetic alternative.
A snap-on smile is not a replacement for traditional dentistry and maintaining good dental health.
Who Should Not Get Snap-On Smile?
However, a Snap-On Smile is not suitable for all patients. People with any of the below dental conditions should not get Snap-On Smile until their dental health is 100%:
- Tooth Decay
- Periodontal disease (Gum Disease)
- Severely misaligned or crooked teeth
- Jaw misalignment issues
- Damaged, chipped, or broken teeth
- Other oral conditions that need correction
Does Snap-On Smile Work?
Snap-On Smile is an affordable and convenient way to ‘cover up’ dental problems, fix gaps, and improve aesthetics. However, it would be ideal if you never used these devices to replace necessary dental work and orthodontic treatment (either traditional or Invisalign).
Snap On Smile For A New You!
Risk Factors of Snap-On Smiles
Snap-On Smile teeth can have an adverse effect on your dental health. Some of the risk factors of Snap-On Smiles include:
Increased Risk of Development Of Plaque
Due to the spacing between snap-on smiles and your natural teeth.
Increased Risk of Tooth Decay
When wearing Snap-On Smile, your saliva cannot wash away bacteria the way it usually would. The decreased salivary function can lead to an increased risk of tooth decay. This is due to the collection of bacteria and plaque trapped between your natural and snap-on smile. It is recommended to use the Fluoride gel provided. This will help reduce the risk of tooth decay.
Discomfort
For some patients, Snap-On Smile can feel uncomfortable upon fitting. Inserting and removing Snap-On Smile appliance can also be a challenge for some.
Softening of the Snap-On Smiles Teeth
You cannot drink hot liquids while wearing your snap-on smile. This is because the dental appliance will soften your snap-on smile. This could make your snap-on smile unusable during an important social event where users would like to feel confident with their smiles.
Shortened Wear Life
Snap-On Smiles will wear down over time. They are just not as strong, durable, and protective as more permanent dental restorations.
Alternative Traditional Dental Treatments
A Snap-On Smile is not for all patients, and there are a few traditional dental alternatives to create and enhance a beautiful smile. These can include:
Dental Veneers
Veneers are a cosmetic dentistry procedure that improves the appearance and possible function of your smile. They are thin, custom fabricated porcelain shells that cover the front of your teeth to change their color, shape, and size. Veneers can be fabricated from either porcelain or composite resin.
Porcelain veneers will look more natural than composite veneers and Snap-On Smiles. Dental porcelain is a much more advanced dental material. They also last far longer than snap-on smiles. However, porcelain veneers cost more than composite veneers and snap-on smile.
Veneers are a permanent dental procedure. They are bonded to your teeth to create your new smile.
Dental Bonding
A tooth-colored composite resin material is applied and hardened with a special curing light during a dental bonding procedure.
This procedure chemically bonds the dental resin material to the tooth to restore or enhance a smile.
Clear Aligners
Clear aligners (such as Invisalign) straighten teeth gently and gradually using multiple sets of clear, thin, and comfortable aligners that fit over your teeth. These aligners are custom-designed and individually fabricated. The clear aligners can shift teeth simultaneously, providing force across each tooth. Most treatment plans straighten teeth within six to twelve months if the patient wears clear aligners every day (approximately 20-22 hours per day).
Clear aligners will not irritate the cheeks, and gum tissues like traditional metal braces often do.
Braces
If you have issues with your occlusion or the alignment of your teeth, you may need orthodontic treatment. Traditional orthodontic metal braces correct bite problems, close gaps between teeth, and align your jaw and teeth adequately.
Traditional braces are more popular among children. In young children, braces can also guide proper jaw development. This can help permanent teeth to grow incorrectly. Properly aligned permanent teeth can help avoid tooth issues later on.
Teeth Whitening
For patients with discolored or discolored teeth, Snap-On Smiles is a temporary or part-time solution. There are various treatment options that can help you achieve whiter teeth.
Dental Implants
Dental implants can replace a single tooth or multiple teeth. They are implanted directly into the bone.
Dental implants offer retention and support for both fixed and removable dental crowns and dentures.
If you have any dental conditions, jaw issues, or severely misaligned teeth, do not choose Snap-On Smiles. Crooked teeth are more susceptible to tooth decay because they are harder to maintain dental hygiene. Snap-On Smiles does not protect against tooth decay or permanently fix crooked teeth.
If you have any dental issues, you should consult with your dentist about alternative dental options. These can include orthodontic treatment and dental restorations.
Common Questions
–Will Snap On Smile Affect My Speech? It usually takes about 2 weeks to get used to the new teeth and speak as you did before.
–Is Snap On Smile Covered By My Dental Insurance? Snap on smile is considered a cosmetic procedure and is therefore not covered by dental insurance.
–Will It Stain? Your dentist will supply you with special snap on smile cleaning supplies. This kit includes a cleaning solution and an antibacterial gel. Using this kit regularly will help keep your new smile looking like new.
–How Long Does It Take? The entire process can be completed in as little as 3 weeks. The initial appointment (includes photos and impressions) should take 15-20 minutes. The laboratory needs about 2 weeks to complete fabricating your new snap on smile. And the final appointment is a short one ensuring proper fit and comfort.
–Is There A Warranty? There is a 1 year warranty, but an extended warranty can be purchased.
–Can I Cover All Of My Teeth? Upper and lower snap on smiles are available, however most people choose to do the upper only.
–Can I Eat And Drink While Wearing My Snap On Smile? Yes, your new smile is designed to wear during eating and drinking. However, be aware your new smile can stain just like your real teeth if not cleaned properly.
Regain confidence in your smile with the help of Marielaina Perrone DDS!
Our goal is to help our patients give them their best smiles yet. Dr. Perrone and her cosmetic dental team are proud to offer comprehensive dental care, including routine dental cleanings as well as the cosmetic and restorative procedures mentioned above.
If you are ready for a smile makeover, contact Marielaina Perrone DDS at (702) 458-2929 to schedule a no-cost cosmetic consultation appointment. We cannot wait to help you with your state-of-the-art smile makeover to create the smile of your dreams in Summerlin, Henderson, and Las Vegas, NV.