Snap-On Smile has been around for a little while. I discovered it early and have accumulated a lot of experience with it.
Here's a Q&A about Snap-On Smile.
What is Snap-On Smile?
Snap-On Smile is a dental appliance that involves no drills, no cutting down of existing tooth structure, no needles, and it is removable. It’s non-invasive, meaning it is also reversible. It fits directly over existing teeth and can be applied to a variety of situations.
It’s made with a specialized resin which allows the appliance to be made as thin as 0.5mm without compromising strength.
What kind of material is it made out of?
Snap-On Smile appliances are made of a crystallized type of resin called “Acetyl Resin”. It is unlike acrylic, which makes it more durable and non-staining. The material is also used in heart valve replacement as well as other applications in dentistry. NASA uses it as well within their aircraft cabinetry for its durability. It is very strong.
Does it come in different shades like crowns do?
We can choose from 23 shades and 18 smile designs, giving us an array of choices for your appliance.
Who is a candidate for Snap-On Smile?
Snap-On Smile is used for urgent situations requiring change on very short notice, dental phobics and medically compromised patients, such as chemo or radiation treated patients. It can also be used in some cases of periodontal disease as a periodontal splint for mobile teeth by strengthening the teeth going through periodontal treatment. This splint method is also helpful because the patient can easily maintain excellent oral hygiene.
Snap-On Smile can also be used in certain situations to test a new look for patient having a cosmetic makeover.
And here's a good thing: Sometimes a person is really wanting to create a new smile, but the money is just not there yet. That person can get a lot of help with Snap-On Smile as a transition to the "real deal". We've done that a bunch of times.
Snap-On Smile is not intended to restore or repair decayed teeth. Teeth should be free of decay or other significant defects or disease before a Snap-On Smile appliance is made.
What are the steps to receiving Snap-On Smile?
If a Snap-On Smile is decided on, we will take an upper and lower impressions of your teeth and record your bite using a special bite material. Then we will choose the preferred shape and shade together.
The impressions and bite registration, along with our detailed prescription, is sent to the Snap-On Smile laboratory for fabrication. When the Snap-On Smile is received from the laboratory (this usually takes about two weeks), we will try it onto your teeth and verify that it was constructed according to our prescription and that it fits properly (it almost always does, but we're careful). And we will show you how to use and care for it.
Does a Snap-On Smile appliance look natural?
Sometimes it is amazingly lifelike and natural. But also remember, a Snap-On Smile fits over your natural teeth and so it adds some contour and a little bulk. If your natural teeth are large or prominent, the Snap-On Smile will add a little to that. We need to decide together about this before we go ahead. In some cases, the teeth may feel bulky even if they appear to look close to normal size. This takes getting used to, and that usually happens in a few days. This is an important decision. Not everyone is a Snap-On Smile candidate.
How long is a Snap-On Smile appliance expected to last?
They should last 1-3 years assuming careful use and care. And remember, if your natural teeth need to be changed or repaired, there is the possibility that the appliance will no longer fit.
How do I care for Snap-On Smile?
This is critical. You need to remove and clean your Snap-On Smile after meals and snacks and before sleeping. The appliance is best maintained by brushing the internal and external surfaces. To obtain the best results, clean with a soft toothbrush. We can supply you with a special cleaning material for your Snap-On Smile and it works real well. Of course you will rinse the appliance very thoroughly before re-inserting it. And you must also clean your natural teeth before you re-insert the appliance, or if this is not possible, at least rinse your mouth very thoroughly.
Can you sleep with a Snap-On Smile appliance?
For normal dentition, we do not recommend sleeping with your Snap-On Smile in place. We do make an individual exception to this in specific cases.
Will it change my bite?
It depends. Sometimes we use Snap-On Smile to accomplish exactly that for specific treatment purposes. We create a prescription for the appliance that takes this into consideration. Occasionally, there is a slight increase in the bite dimension. But unless we intentionally choose to increase the bite, If there is only a very slight increase in occlusion. Any change is minimal at most.
How does it attach?
Snap-On Smile uses the natural curvature of your teeth to hold it in place (due to the material's flexibility) by utilizing the heights of contour of each individual tooth. It will not be loose in normal function.
Can you wear a Snap-On Smile appliance every day? Will it break or tear?
Snap-On Smile can be worn every day, all day. We want you to remove and clean it before going to bed and not wear it in sleep unless we advise you to wear it while sleeping.
It will break if enough force is placed on the appliance. Care is required just like any other dental appliance. You can't crack walnuts or open bottles and we cringe if you try to tear off beef jerky with it. The specially formulated resin is durable, but it can be abused to the point of breakage. We rarely see breakage.
Is it heat tolerant?
Yes, it can tolerate hot food and drinks. It can not tolerate boiling or near boiling and should be cleaned with warm water.
Does it maintain its color?
Yes. It is made out of a non-porous, microfilm material that does not allow anything to adhere to it. It is non-toxic and hypo-allergenic. The crystallized resin has the ability not to absorb any food debris, bacteria, or discoloration. Red wine and drinking coffee will not be a problem. If you smoke, the appliance can become stained.
Can we do a try-in?
Yes, we can have a try in. However, there will be a charge if any additional appointments are needed.
Can material be added to a Snap-On Smile appliance?
Yes, a little material can be added to the margin for minor repairs or tears. This is reserved for unique situations.
So Snap-On Smile is amazingly useful. Take a look at the Snap-On Smile web site (snaponsmile.com). Call me if you want to talk about your specific situation. We'll be glad to evaluate you and give you good advice. 845-297-6206. Or send e-mail to DrSteveRoss@aol.com. Or visit our web site at DrSteveRoss.com.
