Snap-On Smile®

Consultants’ Comments

• “Snap-On Smile can be a good solution for temporary tooth replacement during implant procedures.”
• “Provides a quick way to do a major makeover.”
• “It opened conversations about more definitive treatment.”
• “Thickness can affect speech and chewing.”
• “Appearance can be bulky.”

Description

Snap-On Smile is a multi-purpose restorative appliance that requires no preparation of tooth structure, is non-invasive and is completely reversible. It is a removable appliance made of tooth-colored acetyl resin and is intended to be worn over the existing teeth. It can be designed as a full-arch or unilateral device and may be used to replace missing teeth. Snap-On Smile is indicated for upper and lower teeth as a short- or long-term option, for establishing vertical dimension before starting full-mouth reconstruction, as a diagnostic tool, as a provisional for implant restorations, for cosmetic enhancement of color or alignment, and as a removable partial denture. Snap-On Smile can be made as thin as 0.5 mm and is available in 19 shades. Laboratory fabrication of Snap-On Smile requires a PVS impression of the treated arch, opposing impression or model and bite registration. Photos are optional. Eight consultants had Snap-On Smile appliances fabricated for 29 patients. This restorative option received an 86% rating.

Clinical Observations

Manufacturer’s Instructions for Doctor/Patient

Once a dentist is enrolled to become a provider of Snap-On Smile, online instructions, videos and support are readily accessible. The laboratory prescription provided by Den-Mat Holdings, LLC, is very thorough. Completing the lab slip ensures all of the required information is obtained while the patient is in the chair. A patient care kit is provided with the completed restoration as well as instructions for use and care. These instructions should be verbally reinforced by the dental team.

Seating/Retention of Appliance

Snap-On Smile literally snaps over the patient’s teeth utilizing embrasures and undercuts for retention. In most cases, dentists did not have to make any adjustments to the appliance for proper seating. When needed, the adjustments to the internal aspect were reported to be minimal. Retention was rated very good to excellent, with the best results achieved with full-arch coverage.

Marginal Fit/Occlusion

The marginal fit of Snap-On Smile is good and provides an attractive transition from the resin to the gingiva. In some areas the adaptation of the material to the cervical portion of the tooth is dependent upon the tooth position. Snap-On Smile can be ordered with full coverage over the occlusal surfaces or with windows cut for occlusal stops. Full coverage allows for increasing vertical dimension and leveling the plane of occlusion. Because occlusal openings can decrease the strength of the appliance, most full-arch cases were completed with full coverage. Full coverage affected the patients’ function and most found it difficult to eat with it in place.  Occlusal adjustments were completed by consultants as needed.

Adjusting/Polishing

Snap-On Smile is easy to adjust with rotary instruments in a lab handpiece. Each doctor’s introductory kit includes an assortment of acrylic burs and polishers that are effective for necessary trimming and finishing.

Esthetics/Anatomy

Options for individual tooth anatomy are limited to square or rounded incisal angles. Definition between teeth is shallow and lacks the definition possible with more permanent options. A large number of shades are available, and each restoration is limited to a monochromatic color. Snap-On Smile can produce esthetic results by covering misaligned, missing or discolored teeth. Ninety-three percent of patients felt it improved the appearance of their smiles.

Patient Satisfaction

Half of the consultants rated overall patient satisfaction as excellent, while half rated it as fair to good. Case selection was found to be critical as was management of patients’ expectations.

Conclusions

Snap-On Smile was different than any other restorative solution consultants had used previously. It was considered a versatile product that was useful as a temporary restoration during implant treatment or a trial option before a more permanent treatment. Fifty percent of consultants would continue to use Snap-On Smile and would recommend it to a colleague.