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Snap on Smile Seattle

December 13, 2019

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry — Tags: , , — drtimmerman @ 7:21 am

How much does snap on smile cost?

Snap on Smile Seattle

Probably the FIRST question people ask Dr Timmerman is, “How much does Snap on Smile cost?”  Unlike the “one size fits all” or prefabricated products that can be bought online, Snap on Smile is custom made in a lab.  There are many benefits to this, primarily, the outcome.  Snap on Smile will LOOK like it fits your face.  It will FIT….

So while the cost is more than “Billy Bob Teeth”, it is worth it.  The average cost varies across the nation, but plan on a range of $1500 to $3000 per arch.

snap on smile seattle

How long does snap on smile last?

One GREAT feature of Snap on Smile is that it comes with a 12 month limited warranty.  This means “peace of mind” for your investment, however I know some patients that have had it last for up to 5 years (and counting). 

Imagine buying tires for your car and ONLY driving one Saturday per month to the store and back.  THOSE tires will last MUCH longer than if you drive every day and “peel out” at ever stop light.  The same logic comes with the longevity of Snap on Smile.  If you ONLY wear it for special events, it will last MUCH longer.

Can you eat with Snap on Smile teeth?

While you CAN eat and drink with your Snap on Smile teeth, the wear and tear is much more than if you do not.  While the polymer is a durable product, it is not the same as porcelain veneers.  Since they are removable, they can be washed (brushed after meals, before bed, upon wakening).  While it can be said that Snap on Smile is a temporary or permanent cosmetic solution, it is more accurately described as a long term temporary solution and WILL wear out over time. It’s available for upper and lower teeth.

How do you put on snap on smile?

Placement of the Snap on Smile DOES take a little bit of practice.  It does “slip on and slip off” but since it is a completely custom fit, it is very snug.  There is SOME flexibility, but it takes practice to learn the correct path to get it placed “just right”.  You won’t want to do this several times per day.

There is NO adhesive or glues, so it stays put via friction.  Our teeth have a bit of a roundness, so the material will “cup” around the “nooks and crannies”.

Taking them out takes a bit of practice

Can snap on smile replace missing teeth?

Snap-On Smile covers up crooked or chipped teeth and can fill in gaps too. This set of veneer-like teeth is custom made for your mouth. Unlike porcelain veneers, Snap-On Smile is removable so you can take it out when needed.

Can you wear snap on smile every day?

While you CAN wear Snap-On Smile all day, every day, you may want to decide how much it is worn.  The more it is worn, the faster it will wear out. If you want this investment to last a long time, 24/7 is not a good idea.  No matter what, we suggest that the patient remove and clean the appliance before going to bed. Proper care is required just like any other dental appliance.

Does Insurance cover snap on smile?

Snap-On Smile is for cosmetic/esthetic application, so do not expect insurance to help.  As a general rule, cosmetic/aesthetic dental services are not covered by dental insurance.

Who should NOT do Snap on Smile?

Snap on Smile is NOT for you if you have:

  • very few natural teeth
  • loose teeth
  • periodontal disease
  • you are in the middle of orthodontic treatment
  • your teeth flare out severely

How do you clean a snap on smile?

Cleaning is easy.

  • Place Snap on Smile in a bowl or cup full of denture cleaning solution.  The water should cover the appliance completely
  • Soak for a minimum of 15 minutes
  • Remove the Snap-On Smile and rinse thoroughly under running water before using. You may use a soft toothbrush on the inside of the appliance to gently remove any residue.

Do Snap on Smile veneers work?

This custom device is fabricated in a lab to fit precisely over your teeth.  It is entirely tooth-borne, so no adhesives are required.  People who wear a Snap-On Smile are free to eat, drink and function normally. However, like any snap on veneers, these are specifically designed as a temporary solution, not a permanent one, but with care can last for several years.



Choosing a Cosmetic Dentist

April 5, 2016

Filed under: Blog,Cosmetic Dentistry,Dental Esthetics,porcelain veneers,Smile Makeovers — Tags: , , — drtimmerman @ 8:20 pm
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Choosing a cosmetic dentist can be tough.  Times have become tough. With Photoshop, the internet, and items just about ANYONE could purchase, how can you find the right cosmetic dentist for you?  It seems every dentist puts on his stationary “Family and Cosmetic Dentist”. To a degree, this implies that ANY dentist can give you that “red carpet smile”. To be honest, this just isn’t true.  They aren’t lying, but the use of the term or the intended meaning is not established.

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Quite often, if you asked many dentists what they mean by Cosmetic Dentist, they will say they do white fillings in addition to the mercury ones. Many of these dentists, when asked to give a perfect “Hollywood smile” will decline, or simply put off the patient (or worse yet, they will “try” and do their best, but in the end nobody is happy). They won’t make a referral of any sort, they simply find ways to discourage the patient from moving forward. Some will go so far as to say “what you are asking for just can’t be done…”

This can become very confusing for the consumer. If all dentists are NOT created equal, then how do you go about choosing a cosmetic dentist?

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Unfortunately, this means the consumer needs to interview prospective dentists. Most offices will offer a free consultation to answer your questions. You should know that a consultation is NOT an examination. A consult is generally a “chat session” where things are discussed in general terms, perhaps visual aids or models are used to show a process, but it isn’t patient specific. If you are wanting to know what would work in your individual case, a clinical examination would be required, and all necessary diagnostic records would be taken. You should also expect a fee of some sort for this (but it won’t be much and often dental benefits pay most or all of the fee).

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Find out from the prospective dentist how many cases they have done (you don’t want to be the first, right?). Find out how unique your specific case is (if you are an odd challenge, can they handle it?). Ask for photos of their own work (dentists can purchase books of beautiful cases that were done by someone else). Ask how they got trained in cosmetics (it is NOT a subject taught in dental school).

But in the end, you need to choose a dentist you can trust. With all the training in the world, fancy photography and cases under their belt, you need to decide if the person with the scary job is someone you trust. That is not an easy or quick decision.