Marcella Crawley never really smiled. Her crooked and missing teeth have taken a toll on her self confidence.
"I've been trying to get married for a couple of years now and I was like I'm holding off until I can get my smile the way that I would like it."
She says her tight-budget has always prevented her from having major dental work and braces. But, now a less expensive alternative is giving her the million dollar smile she's always dreamed of.
Doctor Barry Dubin with JFK Dental in Center City is fitting Marcella with a Snap on Smile. It is a removable dental appliance that'll snap on right over her existing teeth.
"It's an alternative to straightening crooked teeth, it's an alternative to permanently veneering or crowning crooked teeth it can replace missing teeth."
Doctor Dubin recommends the Snap on Smile to patients looking for a quick and affordable change. It costs between $1500 and $3000.
Other alternatives like veneers and Invisalign cost much more.
"Sometimes the snap on smile is a transition to something more permanent because it comes in and out; sometimes it's the final restoration."
To fit Marcella Doctor Dubin first has her choose the smile she likes through a series of pictures. Then, impressions of her teeth are taken, and shipped off to the lab. And in just a few weeks, Marcella is grinning from ear to ear.
"It doesn't even look like me, I can't believe this," she said. "It makes me feel, I have more self confidence now."
"Now I'm going to get married as soon as possible."
And Marcella will be able to eat and drink with her new smile, although Dr. Dubin says it takes a few days to get used to.
Not everyone can get a snap on smile, patients have to have enough natural teeth for a good foundation and there can't be any gum disease.
