My sister is getting married, and I am her maid of honor. I really want to look nice for her wedding, but my teeth are a mess, and getting them fixed is just not in my budget right now. A friend told me about some kind of temporary appliance that goes over your existing teeth, kind of like what they showed Robin Williams using in the movie “Mrs. Doubtfire”. What is that kind of appliance called? Is it expensive? Does my dentist have to do anything to my teeth so I can wear it? Thanks for your help with this.
Suzanne in Boston
Dear Suzanne,
It sounds like you are talking about a “Snap-On Smile”. Some people use them for a temporary fix, if time or budget do not permit a more permanent solution for a smile makeover. The appliance “snaps” over your teeth, and can give the appearance of a much whiter, straighter smile.
The Snap-On Smile appliance is not durable. It is not meant to be a permanent solution, such as porcelain veneers or porcelain crowns. Your dentist will not need to make any changes at all to your teeth—the appliance just fits right over your teeth as they are.
For the best results, I recommend looking for a skilled cosmetic dentist to help you order this product. As you might expect, the appliance will make your teeth look larger and bulkier, and if your teeth already protrude this appliance may not give you the results you are hoping for. Pricing for the appliance varies, and is determined by your dentist.
The procedure is fairly simple. Your dentist makes a model of your teeth, and then sends the model to the dental laboratory that makes the Snap-On Smile appliances (located in New York). After about two weeks, you should receive your Snap-On Smile.