The following comment appeared on( Snap On Smile to Increase Vertical Dimension? | DDSGadget Dental )- I tried to post the following response, but they did not allow it. I hope that I can post it here.
Gum Goddess on September 17th, 2008 10:12 pm
I have been a dental hygienist for 20+ years and I will tell you that I have seen the Snap on Smile appliance transform patients lives. Is it the ultimate treatment? In most cases, no. The permanent work would be the optimum.
However, when a patient has financial issues and has to chose between proceeding with upwards of a $5,000 restorative case or doing nothing, this is a beautiful and more affordable option. The appliance actually helps the patient move forward with the final restorative case because when they see how great their smile can look, they want it to be permanent.
There are also people who are medically compromised who have benefitted greatly from this, as well as severely dental phobic patients who refused all previous recommended treatment because they went into a sweat at the thought of having an injection.
It is NOT recommended for severely periodontally involved patients and no ethical dentist would place this over decayed teeth. If disease is involved, that needs to be addressed first.
Its sort of like a padded bra. It enhances your appearance, but if youre sagging underneath, it isnt going to correct that, yet is isnt going to hurt it either (but you still have to shower!). It makes you feel better, more confident when you think you look good. It is a short or long-term temporary cosmetic fix. And most importantly, it makes the patient wearing it happy.
Instead of knocking something you really dont know anything about first hand, go to the source instead of making comments based solely on your opinion or someone elses opinion that youve read. There are a lot of people out there ready to drag a good idea or product down because of their ignorance. Talk to people in the profession who are using it and find out from them the facts.
Im sure they will be at the Greater NY Dental meeting in Nov. Go to their booth and check it out for yourself. (Now why does the dental industry still support this product?)
Dearest Gum Goddess.
In response to-I have been a dental hygienist for 20+ years and I will tell you that I have seen the Snapon Smile appliance transform patients lives. Do you work for him now? Here are comments from the people who whose lives he transformed. The comments are from his video clip on You Tube.
Dont waste your money! I got mine today and i almost cried! They look so fake and they are so bulky and i paid 800.00 for a fake piece of plastic! This Is a big rip off!
coachj57 (2 weeks ago) Show Hide
Don't waste your money, I wasted $2,700 for upper and lower. I look like Mr. Ed, can't speak correctly (like Mr. Ed with a bit in his mouth), are uncomfortable and feel like you have a mouth full of plastic play teeth.
As usual, advertising that doesn't come through on the promise.
rashidakelleyjohnson (1 month ago) Show Hide
I totally agree with ilianexy. I got the upper unit last year- the teeth are extremely bulky. They make you look like Fire Marshall Bill (Jim Carey's character on in Living Color). I was hoping that this would be a good option but- they have many more kinks to work out.
coachj57 (2 weeks ago) Show Hide
I am glad I am not the only one to have issues.
blockbyblock (1 month ago) Show Hide
ok,,,,, ok.... ur ridiculous!
ilianexy (2 months ago) Show Hide
I want him to show someone talking and eating with the snap on smile, is impossible! He is a really nice dentist with a great idea, is just not ready for the market yet, because is useless, mine is in the drawer for almost a year with no use. I know he will have lots of patients complaining. I will uplaoad my video with them so u can see what I am talking about!
ilianexy (2 months ago) Show Hide
I have them. Cost me $1,500. They are molded plastic, painful because is really tight, you cannot speak at all, you cannot eat anything with them, they did 3 impressions to get it right none worked. They look very unnatural and gigantic, just ridiculous. I want my money back!
fashionplus07 (3 months ago) Show Hide
Your next statement However, when a patient has financial issues and has to chose between proceeding with upwards of a $5,000 restorative case or doing nothing, can be best answered by the person
whose life he transformed. I wasted $2,700 for upper and lower. I look like Mr. Ed, can't speak correctly (like Mr. Ed with a bit in his mouth), are uncomfortable and feel like you have a mouth full of plastic play teeth.
Distinctive