After my online research about getting an affordable smile makeover, I know that I cannot afford cosmetic dentistry. So, I looked at other options and learned about a Snap-on Smile. It’s clear that this isn’t the best option, but anything will look better than my teeth.
Many dentists online criticize the Snap-on Smile, but when you don’t have money for porcelain veneers, there are no good alternatives. The shape of my teeth is irregular, and they look mismatched. Based on everything I read, I hope to find a dentist who can adjust the Snap-On Smile to make it look better and not so bulky.
Is it possible to find a dentist with reasonable fees to flatten the Snap-On Smile teeth, especially near the gumline and deepen the grooves between the teeth so it looks more natural? And does any dentist have the tools to do this, or should I look for a Snap-On Smile dentist? I was hoping for a dentist with an artistic eye who won’t make the appliance look worse. I know that my regular dentist is not willing to do this. I already asked, and she refuses. Thanks for your help. Elysia from TN
Elysia,
Our priority is to protect patients’ oral health, so we must be upfront about your expectations from a Snap-On Smile. It will not give you the smile makeover you’re hoping for. The appliance is not designed to do that.
Reasons a Snap-On Smile Won’t Give You a Smile Makeover
As you read during your research, many dentists criticize the Snap-On Smile. And it’s because they or their peers have used it with disappointing results. Any honest dentist will tell you that a Snap-On Smile will give you an acceptable smile—not an attractive smile. Although the smile might look natural from a distance, when you’re close enough to talk to anyone, it will be easy to tell that your smile is not real.
- Tooth color – The teeth have a uniform flat whiteness with no variation in color like natural teeth.
- Tooth shape – The shape of the teeth in a Snap-On Smile does not look real. Think of artificial flowers that look artificial. You understand their purpose to provide decoration, but you know they are fake. It’s the same with this oral appliance.
- Limitations of the appliance – Although you feel confident about helping a dentist get the smile just the way you want, the appliance’s limitations will not allow it. And an artistic dentist will not want to be involved in helping you create a cosmetic dentistry nightmare.
A Snap-On Smile is designed to be a quick way to make a lousy smile look half-way decent. It won’t last if you wear it every day.
Dental Bonding – An Affordable Alternative to Porcelain Veneers
Your comments suggest that you found no solution between porcelain veneers and a Snap-On Smile. Were you able to find information on cosmetic dental bonding? An artistic dentist can apply dental bonding to your teeth to conceal chips, reshape your teeth, and fill small gaps.
Cosmetic dentists know how to blend composite to match your natural tooth color, translucence, and gloss. Although bonding doesn’t last as long as porcelain veneers, it is a fraction of the cost.
We recommend looking for a cosmetic dentist, scheduling a consultation, and discussing your treatment options. You can also ask about the dentist’s financial options for making treatment affordable.
Ryan Perry, DDS, of Baton Rouge sponsors this post