Shine On

Want a Hollywood smile but don’t have a superstar bank account? Here are three ways to quickly get you ready for the paparazzi. 

Stunning smiles in a snap

If your teeth are crooked, stained, chipped, have gaps, or are damaged from grinding, there are several things you can do to improve your smile. However, most remedies involve some pretty aggressive procedures. Now, the same way press-on nails can give you an instant manicure, a Snap-On Smile can instantly give you a movie star smile. In fact, you can choose a celebrity smile as your very own. Want to look like Jessica Simpson, Halle Berry, or George Clooney? You can. Well, your teeth can, anyway.

The Snap-On Smile was invented by Dr. Marc Liechtung as an affordable alternative to veneers. Getting the Snap-On doesn’t require drilling or reshaping your teeth; so, there is no discomfort and no permanent change to your teeth. The appliance is made of a flexible resin that actually snaps onto your teeth in a single piece with no need for adhesive. Your dentist will take an impression of your teeth, you’ll decide on the shade and shape you want, and, in just a couple of weeks, you’ll get your new smile. Initially, it will take 24 to 48 hours to get used to speaking and eating with it.

With proper home care, the Snap-On Smile should last three to five years. Since the appliance is removable, you must practice good hygiene. In fact, your oral hygiene should be better than usual. Take the appliance off to clean it and to brush and floss your teeth after every meal or snack. You should start off with soft foods and add harder foods as you get more comfortable. 

This device is for cosmetic enhancement only. To be a good candidate for the Snap-On Smile, you must begin with healthy teeth. And remember, most insurance will not cover cosmetic dentistry. Your dentist will tell you if the Snap-On Smile will get you ready for your close-up.

Diamonds are a grillz best friend 

As a perfect smile becomes the latest must-have fashion accessory, many people are adding sparkle to their grin with jewels. They are literally putting their money where their mouth is by adding diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and gold to their pearly whites.

Inspired by hip-hop artists, celebrity followers are enjoying their own fling with bling. The temporary Grillz or “fronts” snap over your teeth and cost as little as $20 but often soar into the thousands of dollars.

Kiosks, Web sites and jewelry stores have sprung up across America selling this latest fashion trend, but this is definitely a case of “buyer beware.” Your teeth and gums are delicate, and ill-fitting appliances can irritate the gums and damage the tooth enamel. Jewelry store clerks fitting a customer for a Grill probably won’t offer advice about the importance of brushing and flossing. They may also neglect to tell a customer that these are meant to be temporary adornments that should be worn only occasionally, never while eating. According to the American Dental Association, Grillz are also a breeding ground for bacteria, which can lead to tooth decay.

If you decide to go for the gold despite the risks, there’s one other thing to consider: fitting you could mean breaking the law. Jewelers and shop clerks might take an impression of your teeth to create your bling, but in some states that’s considered dentistry and requires a license.

Subtle shine 

There is a safer way to get that sparkle in your smile without the potential damage of Grillz. Teeth jewelry is small gems made just for dental use. Each jewel is attached to your teeth with a special light-cured composite and will stay put for several months or several years. It only takes about 20 seconds to attach this little bit of bling and can easily be removed by a dentist when you’re ready to update your fashion statement. 

You can find teeth jewels in dental offices and dental spas. The price depends on your choice of jewel and the dental fees, but this option is usually less expensive than getting a full Grill. And because dental professionals attach them, you can be assured of better care than a jeweler or Web site store can provide.

So, no matter if you’re drawn to a celebrity smile you can snap in, a row of hip-hop dazzle, or just want to add a little sparkle, you have a lot of choice. But, remember, there’s nothing as beautiful as a row of healthy, white teeth.

For more information, you might find the following Web sites useful:

American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry http://www.aacd.com/
American Association of Orthodontics http://www.braces.org
American Society for Dental Aesthetics http://www.asdatoday.com/

Houston dentist
Minh Nguyen, D.D.S.