Permanent veneers are just that, permanent. Once veneers are in, you can never go back to your natural teeth. This alone makes it a tough choice, but what if you could try out veneers before settling on the permanent ones?
In this article, we’re discussing snap on veneers to see how they work, how much they cost, and if they really do offer a solution to common dental issues.
Snap-on veneers can be a temporary, part-time or permanent solution for discolored or damaged teeth.
Natural tooth enamel does not need to be worn down for their placement, a key advantage over traditional veneers.
Improving the appearance of your smile may mask more serious underlying issues that led to the damage or discoloration of your teeth.
Many veneers are standardized or made with home impression kits, but at least one brand requires a prescription.
Snap-on veneers are thin shells of a resin composite material worn over the outside of your teeth to visually correct discoloration or damage. As the name describes, you are able to “snap” them on and off your teeth, unlike traditional types of veneers that are adhered to your teeth.
They are sometimes used as temporary solutions before traditional veneers are applied. This is because veneer application typically requires wearing down the tooth enamel, in order to prevent teeth from appearing too large. As a result, you may need to cover your teeth for protection and a healthy-looking smile before permanent veneers are applied [1].
Snap-on veneers go by several different names:
In addition to these, they are often referred to as their brand name. Popular brands include Snap-On Smile, Trusmile Veneers and Secret Veneers.
Snap-on veneers are a removable alternative to traditional dental veneers that improve the appearance of your smile. They can be a short- or long-term solution.
Snap-on veneers are popular solutions for correcting the appearance of stained and broken teeth. Well-made snap-on veneers fit perfectly on the front of your existing teeth, giving you a perfect smile that you can wear or leave at home. While traditional veneers are bonded individually to your teeth, snap-on veneers are attached to each other, much like an aligner [1].
The process of getting snap-on veneers is also similar to that of clear aligners. Home or telehealth brands, such as Trusmile Veneers, send you an impression kit that is used to mold your personalized set. Prescription brands will have the impression kit in-office.
Resin is then poured into the molds to create a thin layer that resembles a healthy natural smile. A dentist or telehealth practitioner will help you with the final fitting when they arrive, and you can enjoy your new smile every day or during special occasions.
There are several reasons why you may prefer snap-on dental veneers over permanent options such as porcelain veneers.
First and best of all, you do not need to have your natural tooth enamel worn down. This means you can change your mind if you are unhappy with the veneers, while your teeth remain strong and intact. Additionally, no cement or bonding is required to attach removable veneers and no anesthetic is necessary to have them fitted [1].
The removable nature of snap-on veneers is a benefit of its own, too. Permanent veneers are not indestructible, and you would wear the damage until you can receive a suitable replacement.
If you are still interested in a more permanent solution for a perfect smile, wearing clip-on veneers allows you to see how they look on you first.
Snap-on veneers consist of a thin layer of resin molded to your teeth, which you can wear and remove as you please without enamel loss.
There are several advantages and disadvantages to choosing snap-on veneers.
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Snap-on veneers do not require permanent damage to your teeth and allow for removal if you change your mind. However, some brands are low-quality.
Snap-on veneers are overall safe as long as you protect your natural teeth with thorough dental hygiene. This prevents food and drink residue from being trapped underneath the veneers, where they may cause tooth decay.
Wherever you decide to purchase veneers from, it is best for you to first visit a dental office for an evaluation of your oral health, to rule out contraindications.
The safety advantage of snap-on veneers is that you can remove them and contact your dentist or supplier if there are any issues, such as irritated gums or the veneers being cracked.
Snap-On Smiles brand is the safest option with all things considered, as it is prescription-only from a dentist’s office. This way, you do not miss any issues that may require more extensive treatment.
Some dental and orthodontic conditions rule out the use of removable veneers. They include severe periodontal issues such as gum disease, cavity-prone teeth, and the use of complete dentures. Furthermore, severe misalignments and crowded teeth prevent the correct fitting of veneers as there is insufficient space between teeth [3].
Well-fitted veneers are safe for most people, partly due to their removability, but there is a risk they may cause you to miss more serious underlying issues.
Dentists are increasingly concerned about the growing pressure to have a “perfect” smile. Traditional veneers have received the most attention as up to 30% of natural teeth can be removed to place them. However, some concerns are still relevant to snap-on veneers even though the existing teeth are not worn down [4].
As clip-on veneers cover the teeth, and some are sold as suitable for eating and drinking while wearing them, there is a risk of food becoming trapped underneath. If you do not clean your teeth and veneers thoroughly between meals, there is a higher risk of tooth decay and gum disease [4].
Many people who choose veneers for discolored teeth may be disguising serious dental issues. Damaged teeth can have abscesses underneath them, even if they are not painful. In the long-term, this can endanger your oral health and natural smile as more extensive intervention is needed.
Some describe removable veneers as appearing less natural than “real” veneers that have been bonded to your teeth, snap-on veneers might look oversized, excessively white or oddly shaped. They can appear bulkier too, as no enamel is removed [2].
Cheaper, bulkier snap-on veneers may overcrowd your mouth and restrict the movement of your tongue. Sometimes, this can create a lisp or other speech impediment.
Additionally, some cosmetic dental procedures can irritate and inflame the gums, as seen with poorly contoured crowns and veneers. Eventually, they may damage your teeth and gums, and lead to less sound tooth tissue for restoration replacements. This can be of particular concern if you are using cheap veneers as a temporary solution [4].
Some snap-on veneers cost less than $10; not for one tooth, but for an entire set. As described above, the standardized nature of the cheapest veneers leads to an excessively white, square appearance. They may also cause a lisp, or even fall off or get stuck in your mouth.
For these reasons, it is recommended that you see a dental professional if you are seeking whiter, straighter teeth.
Many dentists promote traditional dental veneers over snap-ons, but note more issues with them due to the preparation process.
If you are concerned about snap-on veneers’ effects on your teeth or only want a specific tooth targeted, there are several alternatives available.
Teeth whitening can be an effective alternative if your main concern is tooth discoloration. It is both a popular cosmetic dentistry procedure and an at-home treatment, thanks to the increase in whitening toothpastes. Their active ingredients are generally hydrogen peroxide or an abrasive agent such as calcium carbonate or charcoal [5].
To learn about the best teeth whitener, read this review.
Braces may be best if your main issue is crooked teeth. Metal wires attached to adhered brackets gradually shift teeth into their desired position. Treatment with braces can last up to two or three years, with several more years of wearing retainers to maintain your progress. Clear and ceramic braces are available too if you want a bright smile sooner [6].
Clear aligners are more comfortable than braces, as they do not irritate the cheeks and are far easier to clean. They can be removed to eat, but you must clean them and your teeth afterward. Aligners can effectively straighten mild cases of crooked teeth, and in some measurements may be almost equally effective to braces [7].
To learn more about our top pick for home aligners, read our Byte Aligners review here.
Dental bonding involves adhering a resin composite, which resembles healthy teeth enamel, to part of the tooth. It is best for correcting small defects such as chips and cracks, spot stains, and even excessive gaps between two teeth or roots exposed from receding gums. These are often seen as less permanent than veneers, as the adhesive can wear off over time [8].
Implants are the best option when you have one or several teeth that are completely missing or cannot be salvaged. They consist of a false tooth attached to a screw that is fixed into the jawbone. Implants are a long-lasting solution with an over 90% survival rate, even in elderly patients where there is a degree of bone loss [9].
If you have discolored, crooked or missing teeth, or only need to correct a small defect, then whitening, braces, aligners, implants or dental bonding are effective options.
What are the most important things to know about snap-on veneers?
Snap-on veneers can be a safer alternative to traditional permanent veneers. While no irreversible damage must be done in order to attach them, there are still concerns over the quality and delay of dental treatment.
These issues can be avoided by choosing a high-quality brand that uses impression kits and monitoring your dental health when you take the veneers off. Even better, a prescription-only brand ensures you receive the best-fitting veneers and do not miss any serious underlying issues.
