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« A Different Crowd | Main | Put it Away, Love »


March 23, 2005

Custom Made Hollywood Teeth


Emulating A-listers such as Gwyneth Paltrow or Halle Berry is a snap: The latest celebrity-channeling accessory is a set of prosthetic teeth modeled after Hollywood's most sought-after smiles.

Think of the snap-on smile as the white-enameled cousin to the press-on nail. Think of it as yet more evidence of a public firmly sinking its incisors into celebrity culture. Only with this device, attaining Julia Roberts' million-dollar grin doesn't set someone back nearly that much. The resin appliance, which fits snugly over existing teeth, goes for $1,000 to $3,000.

The teeth also are more proof of dentistry's changing focus. "It's not just for health," says Jeff Golub-Evans, a Manhattan cosmetic dentist. "More and more patients go to dentists to look better rather than to feel better."

His Red Carpet Smile comes in several Oscar-winning models, based on pictures of the stars. You can pick the "square, sexy" Gwyneth or the "sophisticated" — and most requested — Halle, and you can choose from a range of shades.


Posted by Lawren at March 23, 2005 06:36 AM

You Said

Umm . . .

Says: Iceman at March 23, 2005 10:59 AM

Would someone really choose to have Julia Roberts' choppers? Wow.

Says: Kelly at March 23, 2005 06:19 PM

To see what I mean, look up "Snap on Teeth" on Fox news search.
Example!
New York Daily News - http://www.nydailynews.com
You can grinlike a star! BY TANYANIKA SAMUELSDAILY NEWS STAFF WRITER Thursday, March 24th, 2005 For the dentally challenged, flashing a dazzling Julia Roberts or Tom Cruise smile can be a snap, thanks to the latest in tooth technology. Snap-on teeth - with celebrity-inspired choppers - are fast becoming a popular way to get that coveted smile without waiting out braces or dropping thousands on caps, some dentists say. "It gives patients an opportunity to see how one could enhance their smile at very little cost," said Larry Addleson, president of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. The plastic teeth slide over a patient's own teeth like a glove and snap into place. The wearer simply puts them in or removes them with a gentle push or tug. New York dentist Jeff Golub-Evans offers his patients a variety of celebrity-inspired looks such as "The Halle" or "The Gwyneth" for women, and the "Denzel" or "George" for men. "A good smile is now a fashion accessory," he said. Golub-Evans, who first started making prosthetic teeth for theatrical performances, has been fitting his patients with perfect pearly whites for about two years now. His says his patients include celebrities as well as brides-to-be and those wanting to test drive a new smile before committing to a more permanent procedure. Manhattan dentist Marc Liechtung is another of the few dentists nationwide who offer the prosthetics, which cost $1,000 to $1,500 per set. He has been fitting his patients with the snap-on teeth for about three months. "The whole idea is to give people the confidence to go out and smile," Liechtung said. He does about 10 consultations per day, but not everyone automatically qualifies. He does not recommend them for people with gum disease or severe tooth decay. "This is solely cosmetic," Liechtung said. "It's not meant to replace bridgework or the need for a filling." Dental experts said the prosthetics could last for years with limited usage and careful cleaning. Wearers can eat with them, but it is recommended that they eat only softer foods, like yogurt or mashed potatoes. For patients like Jennifer Vasquez, such a restriction is a minor detail. She wanted a picture-perfect smile for her Aug. 28 wedding but didn't want to drop thousands on pricey dental work. "They're very comfortable," she said of her new teeth. "It feels just like you're wearing a retainer and no one can tell. They don't look like Halloween teeth."



A totally misrepresented appliance
This appliance works like a bruxism appliance. When the patient first puts it in, assuming that it was constructed at a quality dental lab, it will snap into place and stay in fairly well. However after you use it for a while, it will loosen up and can come out with the apple that you bite into or even brake in half when biting into a piece of bread. To top that off having a yogurt for dinner on your wedding night or have the aforementioned happen can present a embarrassing situation. In addition, since the shell teeth cover the originals they must be larger than what the patient has. This may present a little dilemma when you choose the “Gwyneth or Halle Smile” if your teeth are of the same size or are slightly larger. To complicate the situation even further, this type of appliance will only work for patients that do not have many curvatures on their teeth eliminating the most of us. However the positive feature to this appliance is that it will bring many new patients into the dentist’s office that may be talked into more expensive procedures. Since the dentist sends out these resin appliances to be constructed at a dental lab, he must pay the laboratory approximately $100.00 for doing all the work.
A little humor that I thought you may appreciate.
Arvid Saunaitis
Former dental lab owner
630-910-6520 or
tsaunaitis@msn.com
Please look up "Overlay Cosmetic Appliance" published in the September issue 2004 of Dental Products Report.
The Real Story
New dental device that dental industry does not want you to know about
After contacting a number of dental manufacturers, labs and associations for help, I found it frustrating to learn that the industry is not interested to see removable prosthodontics (full and partial denture construction) advance. As the dental technology programs around the country began to close and technicians who construct partials to leave the dental lab industry, dental manufacturers started investing a lot of money in to the fixed sector of dental technology (crown and bridge construction) in hopes to keep it strong. The dental manufacturers even engineered equipment called CAD/CAM that can do the work of a crown and bridge technician. Since no money was invested in partial denture construction, the technicians who make partials continue to work with hazardous materials like monomers and silica and are the lowest paid in the lab industry. If the departure of skilled partial denture craftsman from the industry continues, the damage to the removable sector of dental technology will be irreversible and affect the quality of life of many aging Americans.
Hoping to show the partial technician a sign of hope, I invented a removable dental device that snaps over the existing teeth and covers the worn or discolored dentition giving the patient a perfect smile instantly. The appliance is also durable, does not cover the palate and the patient can wear it all the time removing it only for cleaning. As compared to crowns and veneers that coast approximately $15,000, the new device accomplished the same for only $2,000-3,000 depending on the dentist.
After my breakthrough was published in the Chicago Daily South town, Reporter and Progress papers, Dental Products Report and broadcasted on NBC and MSNBC news, it quickly gained popularity among dentists and the public. However, being unable to find any help and the increased handling of hazardous materials, made me realize that life is to short and I decided to retire from the dental lab industry. After hearing the disappointing news, some people who heard about the appliance through the media became emotional, as they explained to me that this appliance was the only affordable way to restore their smiles.
Arvid Saunaitis
Former dental lab owner
630-910-6520
1921 Wellington Rd.
Woodridge IL 60517
tsaunaitis@msn.com

Doctors acquiring about the real Overlay Cosmetic Appliance
Dear Sir,
I have several patients who are excellent candidates for the Overlay Cosmetic Appliance. However, I would like an estimate of lab fees in order to determine patient costs.
Thank you,
Joseph Albertine, D.D.S.

Dear Arvid:
It was my great pleasure to read your article in DPR Sept-04. I have had bad experience with an overlay partial to fix vertical dimension. Would you please send me the preparation protocol for the clinician and patient guidelines and maitenance instructions? Thanks. Xin Wei DDS

Dear Arvid,
I saw your article in DPR and have a patient who I feel may be a perfect
candidiate. I would be interested in hearing from you with additional
details.
Regards,
Ed Korenman

Please tell me more about your interesting overlay appliance. I am interested in the dentist's technique and lab fees associated.
If you have some kind of brochure or technical paper please respond.
I think you may be on to something of value to a particular section of the public.
Thanks,
Don Ratliff, DDS
donlib@chartertn.net

Hello Mr. Saunaitis,
I am resending this email in case you didn't receive it. I'm very interested in your overlay appliance for myself. I was considering orthodontics and crowns, but this looks like an interesting alternative. I am enclosing photos of myself. I may need to shorten the upper right central incisor prior to taking the impression to make my smile look straighter. I have enclosed photos for you to evaluate. I am looking forward to your reply. Thanks
Dr. Peter Gold
Yorkville Orthodontics
94 Cumberland St. #804
Toronto M5R 1 A3

Arvid, my name is Greg Dent. I practice in Tucson Arizona at 5190 E. Farness #102 85712. I'm very interested on what is required from me in order to provide this service to my patients. Must I work with my current prosthetic lab? Any info would be appreciated. You can call me at 520-323-3241 or at the above address. Fax is 520-881-1806. Than you, Greg

Dear Arvid,
This is my second letter. Are you too busy to respond
Read your article at Dental Products Report. I have a patient that has been
wanting me to do an appliance like that.
Can you send me more info and will you do the lab work for me?
Please include an approximate lab fee for a similar case as the one in your
article.
Thank you.
Frederick Y. Lee, DDS


I am interested in the overlay cosmetic appliance for a patient with missing 6-10 and 14. I have made an acrylic overlay partial as a bite guard to replace the missing teeth and solve the food impaction problems and address his tmj issues as well. Unfortunately it needs to be too bulky anteriorly for strength than is comfortable phonetically. Your appliance looks like it could address those concerns and provide a good esthetic result as well. My only concern would be getting it retentive enough to provide anterior disclusion of the posterior teeth. Also the detail of fitting accurately to all the occlusal surfaces would concern me.
Having said all that, How are these appliances priced?
Thank you
Dana Manchester DMD


DEAR SIR
I WOULD LIKE TO REQUEST MORE IMFORMATION ABOUT YOUR COSMETIC OVERLAY APPLIANCE.
I HAVE A CASE WHICH I FEEL IS PERFECT FOR THIS APPLIANCE.
SINCERELY
CHARLES R. GIBSON, D.D.S.
7310 N. VILLAGE AVE.
TUCSON, AZ 85704

I recently read article about the cosmetic overlay partial and tore it out of the dental products mag. only to tear out some of the web site info.. I was wondering what lab does this type of appliance and info where to get more information about it. thanks Dr mark Holloway 2818 Ave I Rosenberg TX 7747 DEAR SIR

I WOULD LIKE TO REQUEST MORE IMFORMATION ABOUT YOUR COSMETIC OVERLAY APPLIANCE.
I HAVE A CASE WHICH I FEEL IS PERFECT FOR THIS APPLIANCE.

SINCERELY
CHARLES R. GIBSON, D.D.S.
7310 N. VILLAGE AVE.
TUCSON, AZ 85704

Arvid;
My name is Edwin Simon and I'm a dentist in the Toronto, Canada area.
I'm very interested in how you made your overdenture which I read about in Dentistry Today magazine.
Have you made many and how durable / successful have they been?
Is the framework a special kind of alloy and how are the teeth attached to the framework?
is it Chemical bond or mechanical bond or both?
Do you use any kind of opaquer over the metal?
Do you think both upper and lower appliances could be worn in the same mouth?
Any information you ca give me would be greatly appreciated.

Respectfully:
Edwin Simon
dr.e.simon@rogers.com


Dear Mr. Saunaitis,
I read your very interesting article in Dental Products Report. I want to start making your Cosmetic Overlay Appliances for my patients. Unfortunately, I was not able to open your web site. Please, let me know where I can get more detailed information on your wonderful invention.
Sincerely,
Ellen Kogan DDS

Hello Arvid,
My name is Dr. Alvin Pagan, a prosthodontist in Westlake Village, Ca., and
would like more information regarding the cosmetic overlay appliance. I
read the article in Dental Products Report and I believe I have a case who
may be interested in this form of treatment. I'll need to know if can be
used for distal extensions, mandibular appliances, and the lab to send the
case to and the lab cost.

Sincerely,
Alvin Pagan, D.D.S.


I saw your article in Dental Product Reports and thought that I have several patients that could benefit from that type of treatment. Could you send some information about your product. My fax is 5417735551. My address is John P. Houghton DDS, 1762 E. McAndrews Rd. St.A Medford,OR 97504. I would also like an idea of lab costs. Thanks.

Hello
I read your article in Dental Products Report. I have a pt. with missing and
severely worn teeth. The teeth have excellent bone and attachment but above the
gum the teeth are very worn down.
If you'd be interested I could send you his models and let you take a look.
If you could give a ball-park estimate for the cost of an upper overlay that
would help me to estimate what the pt. would be responsible for.
Thank you, for your time.
P.S. Your overlay would seem to be a practical solution for heavily worn teeth
that have good root support.

My cell is 352-210-0272
office 352-498-7001
Dr Stephen M Henry
Cross City Dental
Cross City, Florida (50mi West of Gainesville, FL.)

Dear Mr. Saunaitis,
I have a patient who is interested in the cosmetic overlay appliance, which he saw on msnbc. From what I have read in Dental Products Report, this sounds like a good treatment for him.
Would you please send me more information about this appliance and how I can get started on this case?
With great appreciation,
Dr. Michelle Zoeteman

Dear Mr. Saunaitis -
The appliance presented in your article of September Dental Products report would fit perfectly into my TMJ/Restorative practice. Do you, by chance, have any experience with the Acculiner articulator, and/or the various bite registrations currently being taken by those crazy enough to treat patient with TMJ problems, such as S-point, hard wax, tens-ed swallow, computer assisted, etc.?? It is a fantastic option for patients who really do need full mouth reconstruction, but can not afford to do them all at the same time. It allows function with esthetics, much more efficiently at the increased vertical then wearing an orthotic 24-7. It also appears to be more hygienic than having temporary crowns with marginal leakage in use during the holding pattern. Please forward your information via email, if possible since my snail mail tends to sit on my desk longer than it should (hense, just getting to read the September journal on my way to my parents for thanksgiving).
Thank you for your response,
Dr. Cynthia Wiggins
Michigan

I read the article on your Overlay Cosmetic Appliance with great interest since it presents a non-invasive, reversible way to deal with a problem that is increasingly present in our aging population. I am very interested in adding your procedure to my practice armamentarium. I tried sending in the Information Request Card in the September 2004 issue of Dental Products Report, but have received no response yet, so I thought it best to try and contact you directly. If you could send me prescribing information for your laboratory services, I would be much obliged. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Robert E. Bain, D.D.S.
1010 Chenango Street
Binghamton, NY 13901
(607) 723-1271
REBain@aol.com

I would love info about the cosmetic overlay appliance. I have a patient who I think could benefit from the appliance. We would like to know time involved and cost.
If you could give me this info and a phone number that would be great. Please e-mail me at
amaranapper@att.net
thank you, Amara


Arvid, I just read the article in dentalproducts. I was not able to access the msnbc broadcast. Would you forward any info you can provide. I currently have a patient with a class three occlusion. Missing 7, 8 root tip, 9 needs endo and 10 is in good condition. The patient is considering extractions and a partial to replace 7 thru 10. We can possibly get him into end to end and improve his lip support. Could this be and option of on overlay partial.
Thanks M.Pippin


Good article! I've Rxed a similar appliance , but it is not as cosmetic...It had metal overlay with bead retention for resin application. I have a patient who could be a candidate for your appliance. Please forward more info, fee, time-frame, etc.
Thanks, JEF, dds


Dr Arvid, we saw your add on your Dental Products report magazine dated September 2004 my doctor is very interested in obtaining more information, can you please mail the information to our practice address: Marisol Lopez-Belio D.D.S.,P.A. 1200 Corporate Center Way Ste. 101 Wellington, FL 33414.


Dear Arvid,
Read your article at Dental Products Report. I have a patient that has been
wanting me to do an appliance like that. Can you send me more info and will you do the lab work for me? Please include an approximate lab fee for a similar case as the one in your
article.

Thank you.
Frederick Y. Lee, DDS


Arvid,
I saw your article in September's DPR regarding the cosmetic overlay appliance and was rather intrigued. very interesting concept. i was wondering if you know of any labs that have experience with this in the northeast? if not, i'd appreciate some information on your lab, how much you charge for an appliance like this, etc.

thanks.
jon ludwig, dmd


Hello. I just read about your overlay appliance in DPR. Congratulations. Would you please forward information?

Thanks. Mark Levy, DDS
303 StoneRidge Lane
Gahanna, Ohio 43230


I read your article in Dental Products Report. I have a patient that I have thought about doing something like this, but was afraid it would not be strong enough. This patient is unable to do crowns due to cost. He is a severe bruxer. His bite is much more severe than your "before" picture. He needs a full upper and full lower appliance. I would like to know the fee and the requirements on the bite that is needed. IE: 2mm for the top and 2mm for the bottom. Also could you please go over any problems that occur with such an appliance. I am very worried about the teeth breaking off. His anteriors are ground down nearly to the pulp and the gingiva. He is not an easy patient to work with as any problem is major to him. If I can prepare him for potential problems, it would be better. If something happens that we did not anticipate might happen, he becomes very difficult. On the other hand if we prepare him for the worst, and it does not happen; he is very easy to get along with.

Also do you think a metal incisal edge would be safer on the anteriors in this case. What are your views on that? At this point this patient is more worried about eating than his appearance. I of course would like to solve both problems, if it would not cause additional problems in the future. If you would like to discuss this on the phone I would be happy to. It is best to catch me at 8:15am or 5:00pm. My Office phone number is 361-729-0595. The back line is 361-729-0596.
My address is:
1508 Hwy 35N
Rockport, TX 78382

Thank You for your time,
Ronald W. Ramey, DDS
RWR/kp


Mr. Saunaitis, i read your article detailing the appliance you
developed and i had a couple questions regarding it. can the appliance
replace missing teeth like a traditional partial, if so can teeth be
added to it if the patient loses a tooth after the appliance has been
made , also what would the lab charge to make this appliance? also ,
have you found that it is difficult to eat with this? for example can
you bite food with your front teeth?
Thank you,
Brian Bursick

Without your help, the new dental device that took me years to develop will soon be no longer available.





Says: Arvid Saunaitis at April 9, 2005 04:44 PM

It sounds great. the patients have to be in a certain situation for it to work...We are a general dental and cosmetic office in Silicon Valley, CA---We would like to learn more about your product---and offer it to our dental patients who wish to preview their future cosmeic smile---We would prefer this option over the wax-up alone(which is what we currently offer for the preview stage) ---cristina@drjohn.net (650) 465-4190

Says: Tina Benitez at April 17, 2005 01:53 AM

please keep me on your email list and send info and refer to dentists in california and/or how to order your Hollywood teeth dental apparatus, for a proper fit. Thanks alecrimcynthia@yahoo.com

Says: cynthia alecrim at April 17, 2005 09:17 PM

Some dentists in New York are using the media to promote the Snap On Teeth to scam people out of their hard earned money. I have received numerous phone calls and messages from dentists around the world questioning the validity of this appliance. I am the inventor of the Overlay Cosmetic Appliance that took over ten years to develop. If you would like to learn about it, look up "The Overlay Cosmetic Appliance" published in the September 2004 issue of Dental Products report. This appliance was designed for the aging population that is holding on to their teeth much longer than the previous generations. It is a real shame that a few dentists hijacked my idea for their personal gain.
To see what I mean, please examine all of the propaganda on yahoo.com search. The story keeps changing everywhere you read.
Here is mine and other knowledgeable dentists opinion regarding his resin appliance.
A totally misrepresented appliance
This appliance works like a bruxism appliance. When the patient first puts it in, assuming that it was constructed at a quality dental lab, it will snap into place and stay in fairly well. However, in a short time it will loosen up and can come out of your mouth with the food that you bite into or even worse brake in half. To top that off having a yogurt or mashed potatoes for dinner on your wedding night as was recommended in the New York Daily News as the only foods you can eat while wearing the appliance, can present a embarrassing situation. In addition, since the shell teeth cover the originals they must be larger than what the patient has. This may present a dilemma when you choose the “Gwyneth or Halle Smile” and your teeth are of the same size or are slightly larger. To complicate the situation further, this type of appliance will only work for patients who do not have many curvatures on their teeth eliminating the most of us as candidates. However the positive feature of this appliance is that it will bring many new patients into the dentist’s office that may be talked into more expensive procedures. Since the dentist sends out these resin appliances to be constructed at a dental lab, he must pay the laboratory approximately $100.00 for doing all the work. If the appliance brakes within the six months it is guaranteed for, the dentist will just send it back to the lab that made it and have it remade or repaired at no charge to him. After the six months you are out of luck. As one women from New York explained to me “the rent being so high in New York, this type of dentistry can push a person over the edge resulting in suicidal action.”

Hi Arvid
I am a dentist practicing in Ireland and would appreciate some further information on the snap in temporary 'smile' prosthesis.
I understand that yours had a metal substructure. The appliances in the news at present seem to be all plastic.
Are these made on a Biostar or are they waxed up?
What is the material do you know?
Are the teeth placed individually on top of the real teeth or are they all part of a 'molded' set?
It is all interesting what you have started here!
Thanks
Hugh
Dr Hugh Bradley
Park St
Dundalk, Co Louth
Ireland



The Real Story
New dental device that dental industry does not want you to know about
After contacting a number of dental manufacturers, labs and associations for help, I found it frustrating to learn that the industry is not interested to see removable prosthodontics (full and partial denture construction) advance. As the dental technology programs around the country began to close and technicians who construct partials to leave the dental lab industry, dental manufacturers started investing a lot of money in to the fixed sector of dental technology (crown and bridge construction) in hopes to keep it strong. The dental manufacturers even engineered equipment called CAD/CAM that can do the work of a crown and bridge technician. Since no money was invested in partial denture construction, the technicians who make partials continue to work with hazardous materials like monomers and silica and are the lowest paid in the lab industry. If the departure of skilled partial denture craftsman from the industry continues, the damage to the removable sector of dental technology will be irreversible and affect the quality of life of many aging Americans.
Hoping to show the partial technician a sign of hope, I invented a removable dental device that snaps over the existing teeth and covers the worn or discolored dentition giving the patient a perfect smile instantly. The appliance is also durable, does not cover the palate and the patient can wear it all the time removing it only for cleaning. As compared to crowns and veneers that coast approximately $15,000 to $20.ooo, the new device accomplished the same for only $2,000-3,000 depending on the dentist.
After my breakthrough was published in the Chicago Daily South town, Reporter and Progress papers, Dental Products Report and broadcasted on NBC and MSNBC news, it quickly gained popularity among dentists and the public. However, being unable to find any help and the increased handling of hazardous materials, made me realize that life is to short and I decided to retire from the dental lab industry. Being the only person in the industry that cares and is doing something about it, I came to realize that a dead tree can bear no fruit. After hearing the disappointing news, some people who heard about the appliance through the media became emotional, as they explained to me that this appliance was the only affordable way to restore their smiles.


Why doesn’t the dental industry care?
1. The real Overlay Cosmetic Appliance will cut into the profit margins of crowns and veneers.
2. Knowing that there soon will be no partial denture technicians left, the dental manufacturers do not want to invest into the equipment needed to simplify the construction process of the Overlay Cosmetic Appliance.
3. Through ought generations, dental technicians have bin scared into believing that any negative comments about the dental industry will lead to the end of their professional carriers. Even today, dental technology is kept in the dark so the public continues to believe that the dentist is the only one responsible for the construction of their appliances. This has bin done to control profit margins for the dentist. The dentist usually charges the patient 3 to 10 times the lab fee. The technician, after graduating a two-year dental technology program from a community college starts out at little over minimum wage. Today most of colleges have already closed their dental technology programs do to lack of enrolment.
4. Some in the dental industry became comfortable with the deteriorating state of dental technology and learned how to profit from the situation.
5. Just to old to care

It is still not to late to save the industry. I have laid out a plan that was published in Dentistry Today and Spectrum magazine. Unfortunately, no one as of yet took it seriously because there is a belief that“ a dental technician does not have enough intelligence to come up with anything.”
I tend to disagree with such an equivocation.


Arvid Saunaitis
Former dental lab owner
And dental technician
tsaunaitis@msn.com

Says: Arvid Saunaitis at April 26, 2005 12:53 PM

Overlay Cosmetic Appliance

In today’s modern times, appearance has become an important part in many people’s lives. With the aid of modern technology, people are able to feel better and improve their self-esteem by improving their appearance. Unlike ever before, the baby boomers eighty million strong, and the wealthiest generation in the history of America, now at the peak of their earning potential will pay good money for cosmetic procedures such as braces, bleaching trays and porcelain veneers. On the other hand, what about patients who have worn down their teeth, lost too much vertical dimension and are no longer candidates for porcelain veneers or bleaching?

The only solution available until now was to open the vertical by crowning the posteriors and placing porcelain veneers or crowns on the anteriors at a cost that would be prohibitive to may people.

Personally having dark and worn teeth, I devoted many hours to find a less expensive alternative. After conducting a series of experiments, I developed an esthetic and functional bite-opening appliance that restores vertical, shade and length of teeth by covering the worn and discolored dentition. It also allows the crowns or veneers to be constructed a segment at a time, years apart. Since some insurance companies pay only a set amount a year, and most patients can only afford to have one segment done at a time, this appliance was designed to allow any section to be cut off and replaced with crowns or porcelain veneers. During the construction of the crown or porcelain veneers, that segment of the appliance can be modified to function as temporaries until the fixed work is completed. After the crowns or veneers are cemented and the segment of the appliance sectioned off, the rest of the appliance is still able to provide proper function and be aesthetically pleasing.

After wearing the appliance for several weeks and enjoying my new improved smile and overall aesthetics, I decided to remake the appliance by changing its design and eliminating all palatal coverage. The result of my work is what I now call the “Overlay Cosmetic Appliance.”

The metal onlays as seen in the following slides open the vertical dimension two

Frontal view


Occlusal-incisal view



Inside view

millimeters and the prepared denture teeth bonded to the framework make the metal occlusals undetectable. The clasps are also designed not to expose any metal and have excellent retention and stability. The occlusals were designed to prevent further tooth grinding, eliminating the need for a bruxism appliance. My lower posteriors were porcelain crowns that caused the excessive wear to my opposing natural dentition. According to the x-rays taken by my dentist, the biting forces against the opposing porcelain crowns caused the buccal wall of #2 to fracture, requiring it to be crowned. The overlay cosmetic appliance not only protected #2 eliminating the need for a crown, but also prevented further abrasion to other teeth.

Dentists who practice cosmetic dentistry will now have another alternative that they can prescribe for their patients. For patients who suffer from malocclusion that restricts them from proper function and wearing braces is not an option, this appliance can restore aesthetics and function for a fraction of the cost compared to other alternatives. Since to construct this appliance, in many cases, does not require tooth reduction or needles, it will attract more patients who are afraid of dentists or do not want to spend the kind of money to accomplish the same with crowns and porcelain veneers.

Compare the pictures of me with the appliance to the one without.



Dark and abraided teeth


My new look!

My kids tell me that I seem happier and smile a lot more.

The following is an opinion of my dentist.

“This is truly an interesting appliance. This appliance improves aesthetics, protects the existing dentition and can also replace missing teeth. Unlike a bridge, which requires the reduction of healthy teeth, and the stress that is put on them to absorb the shock of the bridge during mastication, this appliance shares the stress with the overlayed abutments and the saddles that replace missing teeth. This appliance does not expose any metal and has a completely open palate.
Combining Arvid’s invention with the other innovations, such as with implants, I can see this innovation changing the direction of removable prosthodontics. The name alone of this appliance “Overlay Cosmetic Appliance” is much more preferable to patients than a partial denture. Some patients who decide to improve their smiles with porcelain veneers, request them to be of the lightest shade. After the shade is approved and the facings cemented, weeks later some patients decide that the shade is too light. At that time, it is too late. With this appliance, you can have a try-in and if not happy later on, the shade can be changed. I am sure my practice and my patients will benefit from this innovation.”

Steven D. Wasowicz, D.D.S.
Darien, IL
Questions, call 630-969-8214

During the last few decades, the dental industry has made great strides in helping dentists enhance the appearance of their patients. With the use of high-tech computers and extensive training programs, dental manufacturers have transcended crown and bridge and implants into a new era of dental technology while allowing partial frameworks to drift closer to extinction.

I hope that this innovation will create a spark that will encourage the manufacturers to do the same for removables as they did for implants, crowns and bridges.

It has been almost two years and no one stepped forward to offer any assistance. I now came to realize that a dead tree cannot bear fruit. Take good care of your teeth as they will get more difficult to replace.

Arvid-a former dental technician
tsaunaitis@msn.com

Says: Arvid Saunaitis at May 10, 2005 10:33 AM

Does anyone know a dentist in south Florida who does the snap on teeth?

Says: Yvonne at July 25, 2005 05:27 PM

I too am interested in finding a dentist in South Florida that does the Snap On teeth. Anyone know where I can find one? ;)

Says: Laci at July 29, 2005 12:54 PM

Does anyone know a website that list dentists who do the Snap-On-Teeth? I live in northern California and want to find one. Thanks

Says: Marilyn at July 29, 2005 05:36 PM

do these hurt the gums?

Says: at July 30, 2005 10:35 PM

Hi Mr. Saunaitis, I am very interested in this amazing product. I have read several reviews, spoke with several dentists, and have also read and watch reports on CNN. I live in Louisiana. I wanted to know if there are any dentists in my area the offer the Snap-On-Teeth appliance. I have read that Dr. Mark Liechtung of New York, who offers the product, has a patent on it?? If so, is he the only physician offering a product like this? Are there any associate Dentists that he is apart of that can offer the Snap-On-Teeth product? I would like more information please! I am very interested in this appliance. Even if I have to fly to New York to get it! I wish it was available 3yrs ago. It would have saved me $13,000 on all my dental work!!!

Will Penn
985-807-8049 or
985-893-7624
Eudemonia44@aol.com

Says: Will Penn at July 30, 2005 10:57 PM

-----Dear Will
Most of the reviews you have read about and seen televised are copies of my invention the Overlay Cosmetic Appliance. The plastic or resin snap on teeth are extremely fragile, have bin around for the past thirty years and are not worth the money.

The patients in the Reuters news clip had nothing wrong with their teeth or at least nothing that a bleaching could not fix. They also had no curvatures on their front teeth which made it easy for the dentist. The second patient also looked like a actress and the whole thing looked staged.. The snap on teeth story is confusing the public all over the world.
You can find the story on Yahoo (News:World News:Dentist offers Snap-On Smiles.)

The following is a response that I send to all the inquiries.

Thank you for expressing interest in the Overlay Cosmetic Appliance also known as the Snap on Teeth. Although the appliance has proved to transform the appearance of patients and captured the interest of doctors, the public and the media, without trained technicians and support from dental manufacturing companies I was forced to discontinue further construction and development of the Overlay Cosmetic Appliance. So far I am the only one familiar with its construction process.For more information, on Yahoo search, look up Overlay Cosmetic Appliance, Snap On Teeth and New Dental Device Has Patients Grinning.

Arvid Saunaitis

Former dental technician

tsaunaitis@msn.com

Says: Arvid Saunaitis at July 31, 2005 11:46 AM

Forgot to mention

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Halloween Teeth That Fit


Tuesday, May 17, 2005; Page HE02


Big date coming? Not ready to face the pain or expense of a dental makeover? You could hide, at least for a while, your yellowed, misshapen choppers behind a "snap-on smile" -- a slip-on plastic mouthpiece meant as a quickie alternative to pricier, more permanent fixes like porcelain veneers.

Snap on a more perfect smile, but don't bite hard. (By Julia Ewan -- The Washington Post)
The trompe l'oeil piece attaches via acrylic knobs to the space near the gumline between the last tooth covered and the next tooth in line.

Depending on the number of teeth covered, clip-ons cost $1,500 to $2,500 -- about a quarter the price of veneers. Just don't bite hard: They're fragile.


New Again Cosmetic dentists have been crafting temporary, slip-on veneers for decades, said Larry Addleson, a San Diego dentist and immediate past president of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. But recent news stories about a Manhattan dentist's celebrity-inspired slip-on models (the Gwyneth, the Halle) have upped public interest. Addleson likens the product to "Halloween teeth that fit."


Just Looking A dentist takes an impression of your teeth, chooses an enamel shade and crafts a heat-treated acrylic sheath. D.C. cosmetic dentist Eric Markowitz can make one in his office in a day; higher-quality models can take a week or more for a lab to produce, he said.

They're not meant to mask decay or serious dental problems; underlying flaws still need to be addressed. "They're for show, not for go," said Markowitz.

He often counsels patients to bite the bullet and spring for more lasting repairs. Still, he said, snap-ons can tide you over until you spring for permanent repairs, and they are "a great way to test-drive a smile."

As for that big date, first impressions matter. But someday you may have to show your true colors.


-- Jennifer Huget


Says: Arvid Saunaitis at August 1, 2005 01:09 PM

I'm interested in this new procedure is there a dentist in the Atlanta metro area that performs this procedure? my # is 678-255-5588.

Says: kenneth at August 1, 2005 07:23 PM

Please send a phone number via email for a dentist in new york or anywhere on the east coast that can provide this service.

Says: nga at September 14, 2005 08:34 PM


----- Original Message -----
From: N.S.
To: tsaunaitis@msn.com
Sent: Tuesday, November 01, 2005 10:27 PM
Subject: snap on


I recently went to a dentist in NYC that said he was the inventor of the snap on teeth.After spending $1500 on only about 7 lower snap ons ,I found your story on the Internet and was upset to learn he lied to me. I waited five weeks for the snap on and am not happy with it. It doesn`t fit well. I would have let him adjust it as he offered,but I was skeptical after finding out he is a liar. I want to return it and get me money back but he only offered to give me $500 back and keep the snap on. If there were a way I could let people know what he has done to me I would. I don`t understand how he can be getting away with telling people he is the inventor . He`s been on TV and in many magazines with this.I am sorry you are not getting the credit you deserve for this wonderful appliance. Best of luck to you!
Nikki

Says: Nikki at November 2, 2005 08:10 AM

Golub-Evans, who first started making prosthetic teeth for theatrical performances, has been fitting his patients with perfect pearly whites for about two years now.

His says his patients include celebrities as well as brides-to-be and those wanting to test drive a new smile before committing to a more permanent procedure.

Manhattan dentist Marc Liechtung is another of the few dentists nationwide who offer the prosthetics, which cost $1,000 to $1,500 per set. He has been fitting his patients with the snap-on teeth for about three months.-From New York Daily News.

I don’t get it. Dr. Liechtung claims that he is the inventor of these plastic snap ons and Dr. Evans says he has been making them almost two years before Dr. Liechtung . How is this posible. Did he also invent a time travel machine?

Says: Arvid at November 4, 2005 12:50 PM


Hello Will Penn,
I saw your e-mail to Mr. Saunaitis,who is the true inventor of Snap On! I
did not know about him before I went to NYC and waisted $1500 for a lower
piece that looks like a toy for Halloween. I was fitted for them and had to
pay up front then waited five weeks for them to arrive. When I went to pick
them up and had them placed in my mouth,the whole office staff as though
they were all actors playing their rolls,,were raving about how real and
beautiful they looked. I didn`t say what I felt and left with them .
However,The more I looked the more I hated the appliance. It also hurt .
When I removed it I though my original teeth were going to fall out. I
called the next day and said I wanted to return them and get my money back.
I even offered to pay the office visit and lab fee. They asked me to just
give it a try for awhile . I did,I still couldn`t handle how FAKE they
looked and my family and friends agreed. I called back after a few days and
said I tried and I still don`t want them. They then asked me to come in and
they would make an adjustment on the appliance so it fits better. I said
NO,I just don`t want them. I went to the office and everyone was so
different. The Dr. was a jerk,he lied in the first place. How dare he sell a
piece of plastic toy for $1500. To make this miserable long story shorter,He
only would refund me $500. I had to sign a paper . I would have loved to
take him to small claims court but I know I would would not win.since I
would have to go to a court in his area. I was the big loser here and he
gets to sell these and advertise this and lie about being the inventor. What
a shame. I hope he gets caught and exposed real soon.I won`t say his
name,But since there are only a couple of them using the same appliance and
story,I would hope they all meet with law suits soon.I work hard for my
money and I feel I have been robed and he got away with it and continues to
do so. BEWARE of dentists selling (for a huge amount of money) NYC Snap On
Smile Teeth" You can find then in a "Party Store.Or you can ask the
REAL inventor. That would be Mr.Arvid Saunaitis Maybe He can
make them or tell us how to get the real set.
With respect:

N.C.

Says: Nikki at November 6, 2005 06:48 PM

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