Dr. Noah's Dentistry Blog

Questions About Dentistry Answered

Expectations for Snap-on Smile Need to Be Tempered

by

I plan on getting on getting Snap-on Smile for esthetic reasons to improve my smile. I’ve been doing some reading and I understand many people are disappointed with the smile because they look bulky and fake. I started digging a bit deeper and think the fake look is because they are so white. I would insist the dentist keep the yellowish color of my teeth. I also learned there are six specific tools that can be used by snap on smile dentists to make adjustments. I would want mine looking flatter so they won’t look bulky. I would also like the vertical grooves between the teeth deepened. With these adjustments, I feel like there is a better chance of me getting the results I want. Is there anything else I am overlooking?

Abbey

Dear Abbey,

Illustration of Snap-on Smile

I can tell you put a great deal of work into research. I am concerned that you will end up disappointed. No matter how well done snap-on smile is, you will not get a beautiful smile. You will probably get an acceptable smile. Even then, it will look fake at a conversational distance.

A white color does not cause something to look fake. There are many smile makeovers done with porcelain veneers that are very white but still look natural. That has more to do with the materials used, the variation in the opacity, as well as the skill of the dentist. Snap-on Smile is made from acryllic, which will never have the translucency needed for a natural looking smile.

This type of device is more useful for something like a photoshoot. Some people use them for a special event, such as a class reunion. This is not your best makeover option for a smile that you will love on a permanent basis. As long as you have realistic expectations, you will have a good experience.

Based on what you’ve said, I’m worried your expectation are too high.
This blog is brought to you by Tulsa Dentist Dr. Ryan Noah.

Solution for a Huge Tooth Gap

by

I have a tooth gap big enough to almost fit another tooth in. My dentist suggested Lumineers. I can’t imagine that scenario turning out well. What would I have? A center tooth like a cyclops? Eeww! I do want a solution though. What do you recommend? Please don’t say Lumineers. I might cry.

Luna

Dear Luna,

A woman placing her Invisaliagn aligners

Orthodontics no longer has to mean metal braces

I’m glad you have more sense than your dentist. You’re right that Lumineers would end up a disaster. With such a large gap you’d need one of the top cosmetic dentists in the world to make that look natural. I have a much better solution for you.

Commonly, a tooth gap is repaired using dental bonding. This closes the gap with a composite resin. However, again, the size of the gap you’re dealing with would make this challenging.

In your particular case, I’d suggest orthodontics. As an adult, you won’t want a mouth full of metal even if it means closing your tooth gap naturally. Instead, Invisalign will be a fantastic solution, but without being uncomfortable and unsightly. They have one of the highest patient satisfaction rates too.

Getting a Mini Smile Makeover with Invisalign

Many people find that by combining teeth whitening with Invisalign, they get a mini smile makeover of sorts. The Invisalign gives them beautiful straight teeth, while the teeth whitening takes years off their appearance and makes them a brilliant white color.

One thing to be aware of with teeth whitening is it will only whiten natural tooth structure. If you have other dental work, such as crowns or fillings, those won’t whiten from the solution. Instead, they’ll have to be redone in order to get them to match your new white color.

I hope this helps you. Again, I’m glad you sought out advice instead of just listening to your dentist’s disastrously bad suggestion.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Ryan Noah.

Solutions for a Wonky Tooth

by

I have a tooth slightly rotated. My dentist wants me to get braces, but that is a minimum of two years treatment. I’m a senior. I don’t want to look ugly my last year of high school and first year of college. Tell me what my options are.

Caitlin D. – Boston

Caitlin,

You have a couple of great options aside from traditional orthodontics. The first is Invisalign. If you are a candidate, which not everyone is, it can straighten your smile in about half the time as braces. The best part is it truly is invisible. No one will know you’re wearing them.

If you’re not a candidate for Invisalign, or if you have other things you’d like to change about your smile, then I’d suggest porcelain veneers. It’s a strictly cosmetic procedure that can completely remake your smile. It can change the shape, size, and color of your teeth. It’s the type of makeover celebrities get on their teeth.

Invisalign is the more affordable of the two options. I don’t know if budgeting is a factor in your decision. But, if it is you’ll want to consider the cost difference.

Also, if you’re getting porcelain veneers in order to re-make your smile, you won’t just get a veneer for the wonky tooth. You’ll get a minimum of six on your upper arch.

This blog is brought to you by Dr. Ryan Noah.

 

Orthodontics for adults

by

I’m 42 years old with crooked teeth. I’m determined to do something about it in 2016, but don’t want to wear teen aged braces with mouth full of metal.  Tell me there is something else for adults?

Leslie M. – Connecticut

Leslie,

You are in luck!  You can have straight teeth in 2016 and not only do it without metal braces, but do it without anyone ever knowing. There are tons of advances in orthodontics.

Invisalign uses invisible aligners.  Not everyone is a candidate, so you’ll have to be checked to see if they’ll work for you.

If you’re serious about a smile makeover, you’ll want to look into porcelain veneers. These won’t straighten your teeth, but they can make them appear straight. The big benefit about these is they can change the shape, size, and color of you teeth. You can get a completely new smile.

Good luck with your new smile in the new year!

This blog is brought to you by Tulsa Dentist Dr. Ryan Noah.

Could my teeth be keeping me from getting hired?

by

A company I worked for has closed.  I worked with them for ten years.  The owner sold it and the new owners decided to only use their own people.  So, here I am looking for a job, something I never thought I’d have to do again.  My qualifications and recommendations are good.  I always get an interview, but once the interview is over someone else gets the job.  I’ve done interview skills tutorials and even mock interviews with peers I trust.  My interviewing doesn’t seem to be the problem.  I’ve begun to wonder if it is my teeth.  I know that sounds a little far fetched, but I’m getting desperate and reaching for anything that can help.  I will admit I have an ugly smile.  My teeth are stained. A few are chipped and crooked. Could that be the problem?

Davis L., Washington

Davis,

I don’t think that is far fetched at all. We are often judged and categroized in the first few seconds of a meeting with someone. As they haven’t had time to really get to know us, the judgment is based on appearance and maybe very intitial greetings and responses.  Our smile is one of the first things people notice about us.

If yours is unattractive, and you readily admit it is, that could likely be the factor that is keeping you from closing a deal with a hiring company.  The easiest way to find out would be to fix your smile.

I recommend you use Invisalign to do that. It is invisible, even at a conversational distance, so that will allow you to go to interviews without feeling self conscious about your orthodontics.

It is possible to whiten your teeth at the same time.  You can ask your dentist to allow you to use your invisalign aligners as whitening trays and just provide you with the gel.  This will also save you money.

Good luck with the job search.  This blog is brought to you by Tulsa Dentist Dr. Ryan Noah.

What is a Snap-On Smile?

by

I’ve heard there’s a dental apparatus that gets placed directly on your teeth and it’s similar to a mouth guard. The only thing is that it covers your existing teeth and gives you a different or more beautiful look than your existing teeth. What is it called? Is the procedure or device pain-free, inexpensive and quick to do?
– Mike in Oklahoma

Mike,
Yes, there’s a dental apparatus that gives you an ‘instant smile makeover.’ It’s called a “Snap-On Smile.” This is a temporary smile makeover that’s easily snapped over your real teeth. Sometimes actors use it when they assume character roles or people will use it for weddings and other events where photography will be evident. The device isn’t that durable but it offers a temporary improvement of your smile. It can make your natural teeth look bulkier or larger and it does need to be removed before you eat and also to be cleaned.

The procedure begins with your dentist. They need to send a model of your teeth to a laboratory. In a couple of weeks, your Snap-On Smile will come back and you are called in to try it on. There’s no preparation needed for your teeth; the appliance simply snaps on to your teeth.

To get the best results with your Snap-On Smile, it’s best to use an expert cosmetic dentist who will use their skills and abilities and get you the best results.

This blog brought to you by Tulsa dentist, Dr. Noah.