The Snap-On Smile® system is a custom-made, non-invasive, removable arch that “snaps” onto a patient’s teeth to give them a new and improved smile.
Some children are good candidates for a Snap-On Smile, including those who are dental phobic or were born with missing teeth. They are also a great solution during the transition from primary to permanent teeth.
Ashburn Children’s Dentistry can assess your child’s eligibility for the Snap-On Smile system. If your child is a good match for Snap-On Smile, their appliance can be customized, ordered, and ready to go within just a couple of weeks!
What Is a Snap-On Smile?
Snap-On Smile is a prescription-only solution to a number of cosmetic issues that affect children and adults.
A dental arch consists of the bone and gum that support your teeth. Snap-On Smile is an appliance made from crystallized acetyl resin, a durable and stain-resistant material that snaps into place over your teeth. It is like a retainer that fits over your top or bottom teeth.
It is completely removable and requires no filing or re-shaping of the teeth before it can be worn. There are no adhesives to worry about, either!
A Snap-On Smile for kids is an affordable and less invasive alternative to dental veneers, implants, dentures, or Lumineers.
What Problems Does Snap-On Smile Correct?
Snap-On Smile can correct a number of cosmetic dentistry problems.
- Broken teeth
- Chipped teeth
- Damage from tooth decay
- Discolored teeth
Snap-On Smiles should only be fitted onto healthy teeth. If there are underlying issues, such as nerve damage, gum disease, or untreated cavities, those must be corrected before you can use a Snap-On Smile system.
Pros & Cons of Snap-On Smile for Children
Some children are better candidates for temporary, snap-on veneers than others. Like all other dental procedures, there are pros and cons to Snap-On Smile.
Pros of Snap-On Smile for Kids
- Fitting and wearing Snap-On Smile is painless
- There is no impact on your existing teeth (no drilling, anesthetic, or filing down the teeth)
- You will see immediate results with no recovery time
- They are typically more budget-friendly than other options like veneers or Lumineers
Snap-On Smile is a popular option for young actors, actresses, and models. They are often used as a temporary solution while saving money for a more extensive dental procedure, such as veneers, Lumineers, or implants. They can also give you an idea of what your smile will look like after it is corrected with one of those more complex methods.
Cons of Snap-On Smile for Kids
- They do not address the underlying issues that cause cosmetic issues
- You cannot get a partial Snap-On Smile, so you have to cover your entire top or bottom row of teeth
- Because the Snap-On is one piece, there are no gaps between the teeth, which is not appealing to some people
- Younger patients may remove the Snap-On Smile and lose it at school or elsewhere
- They need to be replaced every 2–5 years
What to Expect from Your Child’s Snap-On Smile Appointment
At Ashburn Children’s Dentistry, we prioritize your child’s comfort. We also make sure that you are fully informed about your options so that you can make the best decisions about your child’s teeth.
Before you make a decision, we will schedule you for a consultation appointment. At that time, we will evaluate your child’s eligibility for the Snap-On Smile system. If they are a good candidate, we can get started right away or make a plan for later.
You, your child, and your child’s dentist will decide any customizations that you want to go with, including the shape and shade of the teeth.
The only prep work we need to do is to create a set of dental impressions. We use a tray full of special putty to create a 3D representation of your child’s teeth and gums. We can also use our state-of-the-art iTero Element® 5D Imaging System to capture images of your child’s teeth in order to create digital impressions.
At your child’s second appointment, we will deliver the Snap-On Smile and make sure that it fits perfectly!
How to Care for Your Child’s Snap-On Smile
Although Snap-On Smile is durable and stain-resistant, you may still damage or stain the appliance if it is not cared for properly.
Anything that can stain your child’s regular teeth can also stain their Snap-On Smile: coffee, soda, tomato products, citrus fruits, dyed candies, and chocolate. (Adults with a Snap-On Smile should avoid staining from cigarettes and red wine, too.)
Teeth whitening is not an option for the Snap-On Smile, so it is important to protect them from day one.
Every Snap-On Smile appliance comes with a specially formulated cleaning solution to help you avoid staining. We can also provide you with refills as needed.
What to Avoid While Wearing Snap-On Smile
- Foods that will stain
- Sticky foods, including candies and gum
- Sleeping
Schedule an Appointment with Ashburn Children’s Dentistry
At Ashburn Children’s Dentistry, our experienced dentists can help your child have the smile they want. Discomfort and self-consciousness can be a thing of the past with comprehensive dental care and child-safe cosmetic dentistry.
To get started, please contact our practice to schedule an appointment today. We look forward to seeing you and your child soon!