July 27, 2009 — LOS ANGELES, CA — Braces. Invisalign. Veneers. Implants. These are some of the commonly known and widely accepted aesthetic and corrective applications dentists choose to improve a patient’s smile. Now, a newer cosmetic technique, Snap-On Smile, is gaining momentum in the industry. This begs the question: Which one is for me? Los Angeles, CA Dentist Dr. Neda Naim has joined the debate to help debunk what is becoming a field saturated with products.

“Choosing the right cosmetic application for patients looking to improve their smiles and overall well-being is difficult,” said Dr. Neda Naim. “Each and every patient has a unique situation demanding different treatment. A patient’s oral health, apprehensions, personal preferences, financial situations, and other factors come into play.”

Snap-On Smile hit the cosmetic dentistry market in 2004. To summarize, the flexible application fastens over a user’s teeth. Covering the user’s natural teeth, the Snap-On Smile trays provide the look of perfect teeth and a healthy smile.

Unlike braces and Invisalign, which hit the dental market in 1999, Snap-On Smile technology does not correct misaligned teeth and gaps. It is a cover that can be worn to provide the look of a healthy mouth. Also, because it is a removable mouthpiece, Snap-On Smile is “reversible” technology, unlike veneers and dental implants.

“Snap-On Smile is an interesting new concept,” said the Los Angeles, CA dental implants specialist. “Very little is done to improve the arrangement and health of a patient’s natural teeth, but all the results and benefits of a healthy mouth are achieved through these implants.”

Braces gradually adjust the tooth arrangement via wire and metal fixtures placed on a patient’s teeth. Invisalign places adhesives to the teeth and oral trays are worn daily to correct misalignments over time. Dental implants require surgical insertion of an “anchor” into the jaw and a post and crown attaches to the anchor, providing the look of a healthy oral cavity. Veneers require filing of the tooth and bonding a cap such as porcelain to the tooth, providing the look of a healthy tooth.

According to Snap-On Smile, their procedure is the only non-invasive
method available. After a mold is created, the mouthpiece fastens to a patient’s teeth. No adhesives, injections, metal implants, filing, or bonding is necessary.

“It’s a give-take scenario,” said Dr. Naim. “The good part is that a patient has no pain or discomfort whatsoever in using this method. The downside is that patients don’t correct misalignments. But, correcting misaligned teeth is often painful and is a lengthy process, so the value to this technology is there.”

When compared to corrective techniques such as braces and Invisalign, Snap-On Smile is different enough to stand apart, yet provides results appealing enough to stand up to these cosmetic juggernauts. Besides Snap-On Smile’s lack of corrective functionality, the other big difference is the timeframe for results. Though purely aesthetic, Snap-On Smile provides results in approximately two weeks, once the molds are ready. Braces and Invisalign require lengthy commitments.

Snap-On Smile also differs from Invisalign and braces in another big category: retainers.  Retainers are devices used in orthodontics to keep
teeth from falling back into misaligned positions after treatment is completed. Braces and Invisalign patients wear a retainer, whereas Snap-On Smile does not require one (due to its lack of corrective abilities).A final point of comparison can be made at the dinner table. With Snap-On Smile, veneers, and implants, users can eat and drink regularly.

However, with braces eating is often a tedious task as food is likely to get stuck in the fixtures and to the wires. Eating with Invisalign trays is strongly discouraged, providing awkward moments when having to remove the trays in public before eating.

“At the end of the day the choice is up to the patient,” said the Los Angeles, CA best dental implants expert. “Patients can choose between a non-invasive, non-corrective Snap-On Smile application, or they can go through corrective and restorative treatment to preserve their natural teeth. There is no right answer, but it is a great feeling to be able to give patients a choice. I know I would want one.”

Patients seeking aesthetic treatment or corrective orthodontic treatment should speak with a dentist or cosmetic dentist about the advantages and disadvantages of the technologies available. Also, patients must have certain pre-conditions to receive corrective and aesthetic treatment. Lastly, prices for each procedure vary, depending on a patient’s unique needs.

Learn More
To learn more about the benefits of Snap-On Smile, or to schedule a complimentary examination with Los Angeles, CA dentist Dr. Neda Naim, contact her practice, located at 11645 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 804, Los Angeles, California. Or, visit her Web site: www.originalsmile.com or call: (310) 479-7852.

About Dr. Neda Naim
Dr. Neda Naim has lived in the Los Angeles area almost all of her life. She completed her undergraduate studies at California State University Northridge, where she did her studies in Art and Biology.

She went on to study dentistry as the University of Southern California. There, her background as an artist helped her tremendously as she excelled in her academic performance.

Dr. Naim has been practicing dentistry for almost a decade in the West Los Angeles area. She is highly skilled in general and cosmeticdentistry and has received numerous certifications in advanced restorative dentistry, including sophisticated training in various new advancements in dental implants and cosmetic dentistry.

Most importantly, she has great compassion for her patients. Her patients consider her a gentle and excellent practitioner. Her knowledge in implant dentistry, cosmetic and restorative dentistry give her the tools to offer the most comprehensive of treatment plans. Her background as an artist enables her to create superior aesthetic results.

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