Dr. Mike Malone’s Blog

Is there some kind of temporary dental appliance that gives the illusion of straighter, whiter teeth? It fits over your teeth like a mouth guard would. What is something like that called? Is it expensive? Does it take a long time to be fitted for such a device, and does it hurt?

Alan in Sacramento

Dear Alan,

The dental apparatus you are referring to is called a “Snap-On Smile”, and it fits snuggly over your existing teeth. Such a device is used sometimes for a big event like a wedding, or by actors in the theater. Though it is not durable, it can improve your smile nicely for a short time. A Snap-On Smile is considered a very temporary smile makeover, and should not be confused with porcelain veneers or crowns.

It probably takes at least two weeks, maybe a little more, to complete the entire process to get a Snap-On Smile. A dentist will make a model of your teeth, which is then sent to a dental lab in New York where the appliances are manufactured. Your Snap-On Smile should be shipped to you about two weeks after the lab receives the model from your dentist.

When you receive your Snap-On Smile, no preparation is necessary for your teeth—the appliance just snaps into place. Expect the appliance to make your teeth look bulkier and larger, and remember that it needs to be cleaned after each time you eat.

We strongly recommend that you consult an expert cosmetic dentist to help you acquire such an appliance. He or she will help you get the best results.

I need to know if dental bonding can be removed without doing any damage to my teeth. I asked my dentist to fix the gap in my front teeth (they were chipped, too, so there was a V-shaped gap). I have not had a lot of experience with this kind of dental repair, but I don’t think he did a good job at all! I’ve seen pictures on the web that look so much better than what my teeth look like right now. There is still a gap, and you can tell where the bonding material begins and my teeth end. In the pictures I’ve seen, the bonded teeth look completely natural. What should I do?

Marcus from San Antonio

Dear Marcus,

I am sorry to hear that you’ve had such a bad experience. You are right in expecting better results. Very few dentists really have the artistic skills to do beautiful bonding work. It is one of the most difficult cosmetic dentistry procedures to master, and requires a high level of training and aesthetic sense.

The good news is that dental bonding is reversible, and can be taken off with a special sandpaper that all dentists have. There should be no damage whatsoever to your teeth.

I hope you won’t let this experience discourage you from seeking a new dentist to complete the procedure to your satisfaction. Look for a cosmetic dentist that is accredited by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD). ANY dentist can say they do cosmetic dentistry, but it requires many, many hours of specialized training and education to achieve accreditation. I encourage you to seek out someone who can show you pictures of dental bonding work, to reassure you that they have the skill set to do the kind of beautiful work you see in pictures on the web. Good luck!