Snap-On Smile Archives - Allyson K Hurley, DDS

April 17, 2018 by

I’ve had so many problems that I want to switch to a snap on smile. I received porcelain veneers in 2016 and they have been so horrible that the stress is giving me migraine headaches. Over the past 2 years, I spent so much money on the veneers that I really want to avoid paying a dentist just to take them off. After watching several porcelain veneers removal videos on YouTube, I am still looking for DIY videos. I am not going to face the dentist again who gave me the veneers, so I’ve decided to find a new dentist for a snap on smile. I just need a break before deciding what to do next with my teeth, and I think the snap on smile will do for now. How do I remove my own veneers so I can get a snap on smile? Thank you. Kairo

Three sets of before-and-after photos of a Snap-On Smile, for information on this appliance from Chatham, NJ accredited cosmetic dentist Dr. Allyson Hurley.

Consult with an accredited cosmetic dentist before choosing a Snap-On Smile

Kairo – Before you decide to get a Snap-On Smile and remove your own veneers, there are a few things to consider:

Source of the videos – Some of the videos you watched were likely posted by dentists. You may have noticed the meticulous care that a dentist takes to remove veneers, the tools and skill required, and that there were signs that the dentist had an assistant nearby.
Risks of DIY removal – Trying to remove your own veneers leaves you susceptible to injuring your lips and gums, or causing trauma to your teeth. Although you don’t want to return to the dentist from whom you received the veneers, please find an experienced accredited cosmetic dentist to help you.
The value of expert advice – Let a cosmetic dentist examine your veneers and recommend treatment. You can contact the offices of two or three accredited cosmetic dentists to request consultations. This will give you an opportunity to ask questions and determine which provider you want to resolve the issues with your veneers.

Is a Snap-On Smile the Answer?

It may help temporarily, but you really need a skilled cosmetic dentist to explain if your veneers really need to be removed, as well as the results you can expect with the Snap-On Smile and whether or not it will accomplish what you want.

You have a lot of decisions to make, but don’t insist on a particular treatment option before you get all the facts.

This post is sponsored by Chatham, NJ top cosmetic dentist Dr. Allyson Hurley.

December 29, 2017 by

I am not trying to get the cheapest thing out there but I do save money where I can. There are a variety of snap on smiles online. Or it seems they are at least the same concept as a snap on smile. How long can I expect one of those to last vs. one from a dentist? Thx. Jeff

Jeff – We can’t speak for the quality of an appliance that is similar to the Snap-On Smile if it is purchased online.

We can let you know what you need to be aware of. When you receive the appliance from a dentist, it is made of high-quality dental resin. It is safe for use in your mouth.

The Snap-On Smile is custom made, based on impressions of your mouth and teeth that are taken at a dental office. The impressions are accurate and result in an appliance that fits well—not one that is too large or too small.

When the appliance is ready, your dentist will ensure a proper fit. The top of the Snap-On Smile can be professionally trimmed at the gumline to help it look more natural. Or if needed, the appliance will be returned to the lab and remade.

The things we mentioned above aren’t likely to happen with an appliance that you purchase online. The quality of the material, along with the quality of the measures taken to give you the best fit and most natural-looking results are in question.

Compare the features, process, and warranty for the appliances you are considering before you make a final decision.

This post is sponsored by Chatham, NJ top cosmetic dentist Dr. Allyson Hurley.

November 17, 2017 by

Will a Snap On Smile make my teeth look longer? They are really, really short. I am so is self-conscious about them the older I get. I just graduated from Rutgers with my MBA and I don’t want my teeth to prevent me on getting the kind of job I want. On my father’s side of the family, at least 4 people have short teeth, so it must be genetic. If a Snap-On Smile will work, I would like to order 2 of them so I can wear it every day. Thanks. Amber

Amber,

A Snap-On Smile fits over your natural teeth, and it can make them look longer, but the results won’t look natural. The appliance can also make your teeth look bulky. It’s not meant to be worn every day, so it wear out in a few months and need to be replaced. Replacing a Snap-On Smile every four months or so can really get expensive.

A cosmetic dentist can lengthen your teeth. Your teeth will need to be examined first though.

Alternatives to a Snap-On Smile for Short Teeth

An experienced cosmetic will recommend treatment options.

If you have excessive gum tissue, it can be removed, which will make her teeth look long.
Porcelain veneers can be used to lengthen your teeth. The ultra-thin veneers are bonded to the front of the teeth.
Direct dental bonding can be applied to your teeth. The bonding will be shaped, hardened, and polished. This should only be done by an expert cosmetic dentist.

You should find an accredited cosmetic dentist to get beautiful, natural-looking results.

This post is sponsored by Chatham, NJ top cosmetic dentist Dr. Allyson Hurley.

August 30, 2017 by

How long can I wear a snap on smile to protect my teeth before I get dental treatment? My dentist recommended the smile for me because the dental work I need is going to take 2 years. I need 5 dental implants with crowns and 4 other crowns. It’s not that she can’t do all the work faster, but I can’t afford it. I’m 3 years out of college and still paying off loans. I have to budget in my dental work along with paying off student loans. I wasn’t expecting to have to pay for a snap on smile too. I’m just wondering if it’s worth the money to get it or if I am going to have to replace it if the 2 years are up. My dentist seems to be honest but I am wondering if she is trying to get a little more money out of me because the work is being stretched out over years. Is it really worth it? Todd

Todd – The Snap-on Smile is for cosmetic purposes only. It won’t protect your teeth from decay, but it can improve the appearance of your smile. It’s not meant to be worn every day, so depending on how often you wear it and how to care for it, it might last two years.

Your dentist will prioritize your treatment over the next two years. If you need dental crowns, the crowned teeth might need root canal treatment, too.

If You Wear the Snap-on Smile, Don’t Delay Treatment

It’s important for all patients to remember that the Snap-on Smile should not be used to delay dental treatment. Be sure you stick with your dentist’s timeline for treatment. It will help keep costs down. If you prolong treatment, the condition of your teeth will worsen and treatment will become more costly.

If your appliance is provided by a cosmetic dentist, it can enhance your smile. Otherwise it can look bulky, because it fits directly over your teeth. It might not produce the results you want.

Additionally, in all cases of major dental work, we suggest that you receive a second opinion from an accredited cosmetic dentist. He or she will let you know your options. You can compare the second opinion with what your current dentist is recommending.

This post is sponsored by Chatham, NJ top cosmetic dentist Dr. Allyson Hurley.

May 15, 2017 by

I boiled my snap on smile too long and it lost its shape. I put it in denture cleaner first but I didn’t like the way it smelled afterward so it boiled it. I got distracted and forgot how long the smile was in boiling water. Thank goodness I had a timer on anyway but even that was set for too long. The snap on smile is totally out of shape. I tried putting hot water on it and resetting it, but it just flops out of shape. When I put it on my teeth it’s loose and crooked. That’s the problem I was trying to conceal anyway, crooked teeth, so this is no good. I have searched online for ways to put it back into shape but nothing is working. Have I ruined it or is there something I can do to put it back into shape. Any suggestions on what I can do to make it fit again? Thanks. Amna

Amna – The appliance is made of acrylic, so it is possible to bend, twist, or boil a Snap-On Smile out of shape. It sounds like your appliance has been distorted by boiling water. If you’ve tried softening it and reshaping it already, there probably isn’t anything you can do to get it back to its original condition.

A Snap-On Smile can last up to three years if you don’t wear it every day. Hopefully, your appliance wasn’t new before the boiling water got it out of shape, and you were able to wear it enough to get feel like the investment was worthwhile.

Although boiling dental appliances can be tempting, it’s best to use solution made specifically to clean them. There is a solution for the Snap-On Smile, but a denture cleanser could clean it too. Keep in mind that your dentist has ultrasonic equipment to thoroughly, but safely clean oral appliances. Whenever your efforts to clean an oral appliance fail, it’s best to let your dentist take care of it.

Schedule an appointment with your dentist to have your Snap-On Smile examined. He or she will let you know if it’s been damaged beyond repair.

This post is sponsored by Chatham, NJ top cosmetic dentist Dr. Allyson Hurley.

January 27, 2017 by

I can’t get my snap on smile off and I’m too embarrassed to call my dentist about it because the problem is that it’s not really mine. At least it wasn’t made for me. I’ve been wearing a snap on smile for almost 4 years. I’ve had to replace it twice because I wear it every day. Last month the smile cracked. I know it was wearing out but I didn’t expect it to break so soon. I was determined not to buy another one this early in the year. I only had the one that cracked for barely a year. I have friends who have snap on smiles too. One of my friends used to wear them but she decided to get veneers instead. She has kept her all of her snap on smiles so we decided that if one of hers fit me, we could disinfect and bleach it and I would wear it until I decided to get another one or buy porcelain veneers. So I got one of her snap on smiles on. It fit pretty snug but not too much worse than how it’s supposed to feel. I had been able to take it off to floss and brush my teeth but yesterday I couldn’t get it off. I can’t get it off today either. I can’t call my dentist about this. What do I need to do to get it off? Heather

Heather,

Your dentist or any dentist will be able to get the Snap-On Smile off for you. A dentist has the tools needed to get between the appliance and your natural teeth so it will loosen and dislodge. If you’re too embarrassed to call your own dentist, make an appointment with a different dentist.

Act quickly to prevent the appliance from harming your teeth. If the Snap-On Smile is fitting so tight that you can’t get it off, it will likely start to move your teeth to a new position. You can’t brush or floss your natural teeth if the appliance won’t come off, so bacteria and plaque will build up.

Alternatives to a Snap-On Smile

Speak with a cosmetic dentist about alternatives to the Snap-On Smile. Depending on your smile goals, a combination of cosmetic treatments can help. Some of which include:

Teeth whitening
Dental bonding
Orthodontics
Gum contouring
Tooth contouring
Porcelain crowns
Porcelain veneers

Schedule an appointment with a dentist right away.

This post is sponsored by Bedminster, NJ top cosmetic dentist Dr. Allyson Hurley.

August 16, 2016 by

In April of this year I got my snap on smile. I noticed last month that it stinks. I am afraid that I am going to need a new one before long. My teeth are crooked and people have gotten used to seeing me with the snap on smile. It looks better than I expected because the dentist I got it from really did a great job with my impressions and making sure the smile fits right. It just stinks. I would go back to the dentist I got it from but I moved in July and am 4 hours away now. What can I do to get the odor out of my snap on smile? Julie

Julie – It’s good that you are asking about the condition of your Snap-On Smile. It isn’t normal for it to have a bad odor. Your description sounds like you wear the appliance all of the time. Did your dentist give you a special cleanser for soaking the appliance and removing bacterial from it? If so, soak the appliance in the solution for the time specified in the directions. White vinegar is a natural disinfectant that can be used on the appliance. Soak it for less than five minutes though, and be certain not to store your Snap-On Smile in vinegar, because it can cause the material to degrade.

Another option is to purchase denture cleanser. Other than the vinegar, which is natural, only use solutions that are specifically made to clean dental appliances.

Care for your Snap-On Smile daily. When you eat and drink anything, ensure that you take it out and thoroughly rinse it afterward. Floss your teeth daily and brush them twice a day. Clean teeth will prevent bacteria from depositing on the appliance and causing odor. If bacterial is left in the appliance, it can also promote tooth decay and cavities.

Keep in mind that daily use of the Snap-On Smile will cause it to wear quickly. It is designed for special occasions or for use when waiting for a smile makeover. Take good care of your natural teeth and your appliance.

If you continue to smell a bad odor in your appliance, schedule an appointment with a dentist who offers the Snap-On Smile. A dentist’s office has the equipment to disinfect the appliance for you.

This post is sponsored by Bedminster, NJ dentist Dr. Allyson Hurley.

June 29, 2016 by

I am thinking about getting a snap on smile or press on veneers for my teeth. My teeth are different lengths and I want them to look even. I am not sure which appliance will last longer. Also, which will give me a more natural look? Thank you. Rhiannon

Rhiannon – A Snap-On Smile is a temporary smile makeover. Although it is not meant to be worn permanently, if you wear it every day, it will last about five years. The Snap-On Smile can improve the appearance of uneven teeth, but since it fits right over your teeth, it can make them look bulky. Press-On Veneers are a do-it-yourself way to conceal your teeth with hopes of improving your smile. They also fit over your teeth. And the results are unpredictable. Depending on which option you choose, they can be more expensive than a Snap-On Smile.

See a cosmetic dentist to discuss your concerns. Porcelain veneers may be right for you. They are permanent and will cover the front of your teeth to make them look even. It could be that your teeth can be contoured, or shaped, to make them even. Even if you decide to get a Snap-On Smile, receiving an appliance that is from a dentist that is customized to fit your teeth can give you more natural-looking results.

Your dentist will also ensure that your Snap-On Smile will not rub and irritate your gums. Do-it-yourself products can be difficult to adjust without leaving them poorly cut or loose on your teeth. If you wear the Snap-On Smile or Press-On Veneers daily, they will wear out quickly. They can last two to three years if you only wear them for special occasions.

To find out which treatment is best for your case, and to discuss your options, schedule an appointment with a cosmetic dentist. The professional advice will save you money in the long term and help you get the best results.

This post is sponsored by Bedminster, NJ dentist Dr. Allyson Hurley.

September 21, 2015 by

I can’t believe I was having this ridiculous conversation with a dentist. She is not my regular dentist because my dentist doesn’t do snap on smile. Maybe I see why now. I got the thing and it fits right but it’s yellow. Who in the world would order a yellow snap on smile? She says it’s the color I approved. Also I cannot believe the lab would not question the color. I am disgusted and disappointed. Now what? Ally

Ally – Your concern is understandable. No one who wants to seriously improve his or her smile would ask for yellow teeth. You can respectfully speak with your dentist again about your disappointment, and ask what can be done to resolve it.

A Snap-On Smile is a colorfast appliance that fits over your natural teeth. Although the color of the appliance cannot be changed, it can be remade in the color of your choice.

We strongly encourage patients to ensure they have good and clear communication with a cosmetic dentist before receiving any treatment. Ask for a visual example of what you will receive. If you receive a restoration that was not what you wanted, immediately make it known to the dentist.

This post is sponsored by Bedminster, NJ dentist Dr. Allyson Hurley.

July 7, 2015 by

I expected an adjustment period with the snap on smile but not 5 weeks worth of an adjustment. I am beginning to think that something is wrong. If this thing is messing with my speech, I am afraid that it might start shifting my teeth too. I am a little nervous. Is this normal? – Kris

Kris – Your concern is valid. The adjustment period usually lasts about two weeks. After five weeks, you should no longer have an issue with your speech. If the Snap-On Smile is preventing you from speaking clearly, schedule an appointment with your dentist.

It is possible that the appliance can be adjusted while you wait. If a minor adjustment is needed, it will only take a few minutes. If there is a structural problem with the appliance, it will need to be returned to the laboratory for correction, or to be remade. After the usual adjustment period, don’t settle for a Snap-On Smile that doesn’t fit correctly or that interferes with your normal function.

This post is sponsored by Bedminster, NJ cosmetic dentist Dr. Allyson Hurley.