Archive for the ‘Smile Makeover’ Category

Is a “Snap-On Smile” a good choice for me?

Sunday, February 28th, 2010

Hello,
I’ve heard of this kind of dental appliance that you can put over your teeth, and that it can temporarily make it look like you’ve got the perfect smile. I’ve got a class reunion coming up, and I really want to make an impression, but extensive dental work is not in my budget.

First question is, what is this appliance called? Where can I get one, or talk to someone about how much they cost, how they really look when they are done, and whether or not they have to do anything to my teeth for me to wear it? How long does it take to get one?

Thanks for your help,

Grady in Manchester, New Hampshire

Dear Grady,

You are talking about a Snap-On Smile, and it is manufactured by a dental lab in New York. Snap-On Smile appliances are a kind of temporary smile makeover. People use them sometimes as costume props for the theater, or for big events like weddings or reunions. This is not meant to be a permanent appliance.

Your dentist will have to send in a model of your teeth to the laboratory, and after that it takes about two weeks for your appliance to arrive. It should just snap right over your own teeth, with no alterations at all, and it should be fairly comfortable when in place. The Snap-On Smile will make your teeth seem larger and bulkier, so be prepared for that.

A word of caution—for best results, you should really consult with an experienced cosmetic dentist, and have them send in the model. When you get ready for a permanent solution, porcelain veneers might be an option for you.

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Question about using crowns instead of porcelain veneers in a smile makeover

Saturday, January 30th, 2010

I have a question about my recent smile makeover. I thought the dentist would use porcelain veneers, but the porcelain goes all the way around my teeth. Are these actually porcelain crowns? Is it normal to use crowns for a procedure done for purely cosmetic reasons? My teeth were discolored, but otherwise sound. Since the makeover, I’ve seen a couple of the dentists in the office where my kids get their routine care, and they say the use of crowns for this situation is normal, and seem very impressed with the work. What is your opinion?

Bruce in Newark

Dear Bruce,

There is not a rigid definition of when a veneer becomes a crown—the difference between a crown and a veneer is a matter of degree only. Both take about the same amount of work to place, and the fees are often the same or very close to it.

In terms of use in a smile makeover, it is not at all unusual to see crowns used in place of veneers on the front teeth. Your dentist may have had several different reasons for using crowns rather than veneers. You state that your teeth were sound, so it could have been done to control your bite.

I am a little surprised that your dentist did not explain his treatment plan to you before you had the work done. When you ask about this—and I do suggest that you ask, for your own peace of mind—I would expect there to be a good reason for going with a more aggressive form of treatment. Most cosmetic dentists will choose the most conservative treatment plan available to meet their ends, and porcelain veneers are definitely more conservative than crowns. For dental crowns, your natural teeth must be substantially reduced, while for veneers, only a thin shaving of the front surface of your teeth is necessary.

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