64 COMMuNiTy MaGaZiNe

JACQUES DOUECK, DDS

Snap it onto your teeth, and presto, you get a set of practically perfect pearly whites – without the time, discomfort or hassle of adhesives, drilling or shots. And, the Snap-On Smile is conveniently removable on your own. The dentist simply takes an upper and lower impression of your teeth, and you can choose a preferred shape and shade.

Although this is not my first choice for high end cosmetics, there are many situations where the Snap-On Smile is an ideal alternative. For many patients, Snap-On Smile gives them options they never had before. It is a great solution for patients who are unable to receive permanent improvements, such as crowns, veneers, and implants because they are medically compromised; they have many missing or broken down teeth; or they are simply afraid to have extensive dental work done.

Older patients with medical conditions such as cancer, Gd forbid, or heart disease, may not be good candidates for implants or bridges. Restoring the mouth properly would be time consuming and very expensive. With Snap-On Smile, no drilling, bleaching or injections are needed. In place of implants and more expensive “mouth restorations,” seniors can get a new set of teeth which fi t over the old set and can be put on and taken off at will. They can even eat with them and start smiling again with confi dence.

Patients with many missing teeth may not have the money or just may not be ready to invest in implants. This can be a great “in-between” game plan to buy time and allow those patients to improve their smile almost immediately, when they don’t plan to start their implant work in the immediate future.

The device can be made in three weeks. The key to a perfect fit is getting a perfect impression of the existing teeth. A mold is taken of

the patient’s mouth and sent, together with photographs, to a special laboratory where the Snap-On Smile is made.

The cost isn’t exactly cheap – a Snap-On Smile costs $2500 per arch. While that may wipe the smile from some people’s faces, a second set done at the same time is significantly cheaper at $1,000. Since with normal wear the Snap-On Smile is expected to last three to five years, we recommend a backup set for those who don’t plan to have any significant dental work done in the near future.

Patients in the middle of replacing a missing tooth with an implant can opt for a smaller Snap-it™ which is made to cover only a few teeth. The cost is much less at $950, and it can give a patient the confidence to smile while his or her implant is healing.

For some people, thanks to its simplicity and relatively low cost compared to permanent dental work, a Snap-On Smile is the perfect option for upcoming weddings or job interviews. It may not be a substitute for the thorough and long-term results of veneers and crowns – but it can give a pleasing, instant smile enhancement without any discomfort.

The secret to Snap-On Smile is its design. The product is malleable, tough, and is retained completely on the teeth, so that it never touches your gums or palate. Made of a crystallized acetyl resin, the device is more durable and stain resistant than acrylic appliances. This material also allows the Snap-On Smile to be very thin (0.5mm) without compromising its strength. It is the only appliance of its kind that can be fabricated with varying thicknesses to afford a more natural contour and look. The non-toxic material is also used in heart valve replacements and other minor applications in dentistry. Snap-On Smile is durable, resists stains from cigarettes, wine and coffee, and polishes beautifully. The anti-bacterial gel and special cleaning powder ensures fresh breath and helps prevent

tooth decay and gum disease.Patients looking for a non-invasive, reversible,

and affordable alternative to permanent restorative and cosmetic dentistry are excellent candidates for Snap-On Smile. It’s an easy, quick and relatively affordable solution for patients who want to quickly function better, look better and feel better about their smile .

64 COMMuNiTy MaGaZiNe

wine and coffee, and polishes beautifully. The anti-bacterial gel and special cleaning powder ensures fresh breath and helps prevent

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