Secure Smile - Imako cosmetic teeth

<body> <html> <head> <meta http-equiv="Content-Language" content="en-us"> <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=windows-1252"> <title>Imako Cosmetic Teeth - Secure Smile Teeth - Comparison and Review</title> <meta name="keywords" content="secure smile, imako, cosmetic teeth, fake teeth, compare, review, cosmetic dentures"> <meta name="description" content="Do not buy without reading this first! A comparison and review of Imako cosmetic teeth and Dr. Bailey's Secure Smile. I share my first-hand experience with both products and the results, including photos."> <meta name="google-site-verification" content="KpVm6BeeIeRda9hhe12nXFv6W2H7sZ6-hJ5ln93CoBw" /> </head> <body bgcolor="#E6F2FF" style="text-align: center"> <div align="center"> <table border="0" width="1061" style="border-collapse: collapse" bordercolor="#000000" bgcolor="#FFFFFF" cellpadding="10"> <tr> <td height="101" width="1041" colspan="3"> <p align="center" style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0"> <br><br> <font face="Trebuchet MS">A consumer product review and comparison between <br> Dr. Bailey's Secure Smile Teeth by Billy Bob Products and Imako Cosmetic Teeth by Dr. Bukk.</font><br><font face="Trebuchet MS" size="5"><b>Don't make a BIG mistake! READ THIS REVIEW!</b></font></p> <p align="center" style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0"><b> <font face="Trebuchet MS" size="7">Secure Smile  vs.  Imako</font></b><br> <font face="Trebuchet MS"> &emsp;      <a href="http://www.securesmilevsimako.com/index.htm#photos">Compare Secure Smile to Imako Cosmetic Teeth</a></font></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="130" align="center"> <br><br> </td> <td width="751" valign="top"> <p align="justify"><font face="Trebuchet MS">Once day I found myself in need of a cosmetic solution to failing teeth while saving for a permanent denture. I was unsure of what products were available so I searched the internet. I was happy to find that there were a few cosmetic teeth products available. These are sometimes referred to as cosmetic dentures, but this is not correct because they are not a denture or dental appliance, only a cosmetic veneer. Searching the internet was little help in choosing a product as there are limited consumer reviews, and limited information on the products themselves. My final choice was to buy them all so I could compare them side-by-side and decide which was the best. It is my hope that this cosmetic teeth comparison will make it easier for others to make this important and personal decision.</font></p> <p align="justify"><font face="Trebuchet MS"><b>Product Background</b><br> First I did a little research into the available products. There are basically just three players in the cosmetic teeth market - Billy Bob Products, Dr. Bukk, and Stap-On Smile. Billy Bob and Dr. Bukk began by producing Hollywood style gag teeth. Snap-On Smile was developed as a true dental appliance. I immediately eliminated Snap-On Smile when I discovered the starting price was around $1,500. That would only keep me another $1,500 away from my  permanent solution. Plus, it takes about two weeks and requires dental visits. I needed a quick, low cost, do-it-yourself solution.  Of the remaining two, only Billy Bob Products was founded by a real dentist (actually a dental student at the time), Dr. Rich Bailey, along with CEO Jonah White.  Dr. Bukk was founded by artist Nancy Albert, and the Dr. Bukk website tells you several times that Nancy is an artist, not a dentist. Although Dr. Bailey signed the business over to White years ago, the Secure Smile product is his creation, developed after years of dental practice. This is why it actually carries the Dr. Bailey's brand rather than Billy Bob. In fact, because it is not a novelty product they created an entire new company, the William Robert Teeth Company, to make and sell the Secure Smile teeth. Technically, it is not a Billy Bob brand at all.</font></p> <table border="0" width="100%" id="table2" style="border-collapse: collapse"> <tr> <td align="center" valign="bottom"><img border="0" src="images/imako.jpg" width="280" height="69" alt="Imako teeth stock image"><br> <b><font face="Trebuchet MS">Imako</font></b><br><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002RBDTGM?ie=UTF8&tag=valwanads-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B002RBDTGM">Buy Imako Cosmetic Teeth</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=valwanads-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B002RBDTGM" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /></td> <td align="center" valign="bottom"><img border="0" src="images/securesmile.jpg" width="257" height="90" alt="Secure Smile teeth stock image"><br> <b><font face="Trebuchet MS">Secure Smile</font></b><br><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002GUIDEM?ie=UTF8&tag=valwanads-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B002GUIDEM">Buy Secure Smile Cosmetic Teeth</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=valwanads-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B002GUIDEM" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /> </td> </tr> </table> <p align="justify"><b><font face="Trebuchet MS">First Impressions</font></b><font face="Trebuchet MS"><br> Based on their sizing information I ordered the small size Imako teeth directly from Dr. Bukk for $49.95. Though there was no documented guidance on sizing the Secure Smile teeth, most retailers recommended or only stocked the small to medium size, so I ordered that size for less than $20.00. I could have saved about $10 ordering the Imako teeth through another source, but I had seen several comments on the internet about color issues, so I wanted to order direct from Dr. Bukk to assure I was getting fresh product, not something that had possibly faded from age or excessive light exposure in a store.</font></p> <p align="justify"><font face="Trebuchet MS">The Imako teeth arrive perfectly flat and they are the thinnest of the two. The Secure Smile Teeth are preformed into an arch, and though slghtly thicker than the Imako, the additional thickness is just enough to allow for deeper detail that definitely appears more realistic. The gum color of the Imako teeth is a pale pink. I thought the photos were off, but it turns out they were accurate. I was a bit concerned about the Secure Smile as well because the gums looked much too red in photos, but the actual product is a very realistic color. The tooth shape of the Secure Smile teeth are a bit more angular compared to the rounder Imako tooth. Out of the box the Secure Smile has the edge on looks. The size of the Secure Smile is slightly larger than the Imako and in my opinion a little more accurate in scale. </font></p> <p align="justify"><font face="Trebuchet MS"><b>Construction</b><br> The Imako teeth are constructed of two layers. The front layer which resembles teeth and gums is made of an elastomer (mixture of rubber and plastic). The back layer is made of a low-melt thermoplastic. The elastomer is flexible and the soft surface I think would stain easily. The Secure Smile teeth are made from dental acrylic. The surface is hard and smooth and doesn't seem like it would stain easily. It is important to note that I bring up the subject of staining in regards to drinking, not eating. Neither product is a dental device and they are not intended for eating.</font></p> <p align="justify"><font face="Trebuchet MS"><b>Fitting</b><br> The fitting process for both products is much the same. They are heated in very hot water and then shaped to your teeth. With the Imako teeth, a small bead of melted pink thermoplastic is applied to the top edge of the melted thermoplastic backing before fitting the device. The fitting is done in one step with the cosmetic teeth being firmly pressed against your own teeth and allowed to cool. The Secure Smile requires two fittings. The first forms the arch of the heated acrylic to the curve of your teeth. To complete the fitting, a melted thermoplastic bead is applied to the back before pressing the teeth in place against your own. In both cases the thermoplastic retains the shape of your own teeth providing a snug, secure fit once cooled. In both cases the fitting was simple and performed as promised.</font></p> <p align="justify"><font face="Trebuchet MS"><b>Comfort</b><br> I spent a full day with each product. Having anything between your teeth and lip takes some getting used to, however it is much like wearing glasses. After some time you forget they are there. The thickness of Secure Smile teeth was a little more noticeable than the Imako teeth initially, but before long I really couldn't tell the difference. Drinking and speaking were not impaired with either product. At the end of the day it was an even match on comfort.</font></p> <p align="justify"><font face="Trebuchet MS"><b><a name="photos"> </a>Appearance</b><br> Just as the Secure Smile teeth were ahead out of the box, the increased detail and more accurate color were instantly noticed when wearing them. Both my wife and daughter picked the Secure Smile teeth over the Imako for appearance. Having a real dentist designing the teeth seems to make a big difference. I've included my photos for you to reach your own conclusion. (Video coming soon!) </font></p> <p align="justify"><font face="Trebuchet MS"><b>My Conclusion</b><br> I will be wearing the Secure Smile teeth from now on. I think Dr. Bukk's Imako teeth are stuck in the novelty teeth world, while Dr. Bailey has delivered a serious product for a serious problem with an eye for detail that perhaps only an experienced dentist can provide. The Secure Smile teeth have already been life changing for me and I don't think I could get the same result from the Imako teeth. The look of the Secure Smile teeth is so good that my family thought I had already received my denture. When I told them it was a $40 veneer they thought I was joking.</font></p> <p align="justify"><b><font face="Trebuchet MS">Updates</font></b><font face="Trebuchet MS"><br> It has been two weeks with the Secure Smile teeth now. I was so impressed with the Secure Smile that I had to try eating some soft foods with them in place. (I would never consider doing it with the Imako teeth!) Success! It really wasn't bad. Just use common sense. NO frontal biting! These are not a dental appliance so you must carefully use your own teeth to do the chewing and select foods that require as little chewing as possible. So far I've had soups (let them cool a bit and avoid chunky), chili, mac and cheese, cheese sticks (break into smaller pieces and pop in your mouth), applesauce, Jello, puddings and cake. The great news is I've had absolutely no staining with any foods or drinks. (01-31-2010) I just consumed an entire breakfast - scrambled eggs, sausage, and pancakes - at ihop with the Secure Smile in place. (02-02-2010) Three cheese enchiladas and refried beans. NOTE: These food experiments are NOT to encourage you to eat with these teeth, but the reality is that at some point you are likely to be caught off guard and simply can't take the teeth out to eat. This just let's you know that with proper fitting and some common sense there is no need to panic if a friend or coworker invites you to lunch. Just use your head, think soft, and be careful.</font></p> <p align="justify"> </p> <div align="center"> <table width="100%" id="table1" cellpadding="5" style="border-collapse: collapse;border: 1px solid #000000;"> <tr> <td align="center" valign="top"><b> <font face="Trebuchet MS" style="font-size: 16pt">Before</font></b></td> <td align="center" valign="top" style='border-left:1px solid #000000;'><b> <font face="Trebuchet MS" style="font-size: 16pt;">After - Imako</font></b></td> <td align="center" valign="top" style='border-left:1px solid #000000;' width="33%"><b> <font face="Trebuchet MS" style="font-size: 16pt">After - Secure Smile</font></b></td> </tr> <tr> <td align="center" valign="top" width="33%"> <font face="Trebuchet MS"> <img border="0" src="images/Picture%201.jpg" width="202" height="107"><br> My own ugly teeth<br> <font size="2">(what's left of them)</font></font></td> <td align="center" valign="top" style='border-left:1px solid #000000;' width="33%"> <p style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0"><font face="Trebuchet MS"> <img border="0" src="images/Picture%203.jpg" width="202" height="105" alt="Imako cosmetic teeth in place."><br> Imako Teeth in place</font></p> <p style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0" align="left"> <font face="Trebuchet MS" size="2">Better than my own, but just doesn't look right. The incisor teeth are a bit too long and the front four seem too flat. These are not the bleach white version, yet the material appears to be reflective.</font></td> <td align="center" valign="top" style='border-left:1px solid #000000;' width="33%"> <p style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0"><font face="Trebuchet MS"> <img border="0" src="images/Picture%207.jpg" width="198" height="107" alt="Secure Smile cosmetic teeth in place."><br> Secure Smile Teeth in place</font></p> <p style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0" align="left"> <font face="Trebuchet MS" size="2">The tooth line seems more natural with a slight curve. The angular lines make the incisor teeth more realistic than the fang-like shape of the Imako teeth.</font></p> <p style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0" align="left"> </td> </tr> <tr> <td align="center" valign="top" width="33%"> <iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=FFFFFF&IS2=1&nou=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=valwanads-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&m=amazon&f=ifr&md=10FE9736YVPPT7A0FBG2&asins=B002GUIDEM" style="width:120px;height:240px;" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" frameborder="0"></iframe> </td> <td align="center" valign="top" style='border-left:1px solid #000000;' width="33%"> <p style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0"> <img border="0" src="images/Picture%2014.jpg" width="204" height="107" alt="Imako teeth in place showing gums"></p> <p align="left" style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0"> <font face="Trebuchet MS" size="2">The Imako gums are pale (notice I even turned up the red in my camera to try to capture the gum color). Both the teeth and gums lack detail and definition. The perfect arch tooth shape is actually too perfect. Against the pale gums it isn't very convincing.</font></td> <td align="center" valign="top" style='border-left:1px solid #000000;' width="33%"> <p style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0"> <font face="Trebuchet MS"> <img border="0" src="images/Picture%208.jpg" width="196" height="106" alt="Secure Smile teeth in place showing gums"></font></p> <p align="left" style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0"> <font size="2" face="Trebuchet MS">The Secure Smile teeth have accurate gum color. Teeth and gums are well defined with a more realistic angular tooth shape.  The results are truly amazing for a product that is $12 less than Imako.</font></td> </tr> </table> </div> <p align="justify"> <p align="justify"><font face="Trebuchet MS" size="2">After buying a lot of crap products I finally found something good for brightening up the bottom teeth so everything matches well. The <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001CB5I3A?ie=UTF8&tag=valwanads-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001CB5I3A">Watts Power White 36% Professional Deep Stain Formula Teeth Whitening Kit</a> <img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=valwanads-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B001CB5I3A" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" /> is very powerful and gets those tough stains. Compare whiteness daily and be careful not to over-whiten or it won't look natural against your cosmetic teeth. This is the most aggressive whitening product I have found yet.</font></p> <p align="center"> <br/><br/> <font face="Trebuchet MS" size="2"> <a href="imako_cosmetic_teeth.htm">Imako cosmetic teeth review - read before you buy.</a>   <a href="secure_smile_cosmetic_teeth.htm">Secure Smile cosmetic teeth review.</a></font></p></td> <td width="130"> </script> <br><br> </td> </tr> </table> <p style='font-family:arial;font-size:9;text-align:justify;width:1000px;'> You may ask if I was compensated for my review or endorcement. The answer is NO. I am a consumer who did a product evaluation using products that I purchased with my own money and picked what I believe to be the superior product. I really do wear my Secure Smile teeth all day, everyday. I do receive a small commission from some links on this site referring you to vendors. 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