Upgrading your smile can make your confidence soar. Snap-on veneers are customized, removable prosthetics that give you an instant, if temporary, smile makeover. And if you find one that erases your insecurities, you’ll probably want to wear it as much as possible. So what’s the best way to handle mealtimes?
That’s what we’re here to find out. In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about eating with snap-on veneers.
Table of Contents
Why Is Eating With Snap-On Veneers An Issue?
If you’re happy with the new smile that your snap-on veneers provide, it makes sense you’d want to wear them as much as possible. And for many people, that includes mealtimes.
Not all providers give the go-ahead to wear snap-on veneers while eating. And they aren’t just ruining your good time, either. Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the body. It’s even harder than your bones! Our jaws are also strong, and they can exert a surprising amount of force. This strength can wear down your appliance, since snap-on veneers aren’t as strong as your enamel.
Breakage isn’t the only concern with snap-on veneers. Since they’re removable, you need to be careful not to dislodge them during meals. Even providers that say you can eat in their veneers usually still have a few food restrictions or general recommendations.
Occasional Wear vs. Regular Wear Veneers
Everyone has a different agenda for pursuing a new smile. Some people may want to spruce up their smile for a specific occasion, like a wedding or an important work event. Others may want to wear their veneers daily, as a comprehensive smile makeover.
Many snap-on veneer companies offer two different models, depending on how often you’ll wear your appliance. Though the names vary, typically these models are called Occasional Wear and Regular Wear.
Occasional Wear veneers are best for people who want to sport an impressive smile here and there, but don’t care to make their veneers an everyday part of their life. These veneers are usually less durable than Regular Wear options, but some providers still claim that you can eat soft foods while wearing them.
Regular Wear options are a good match for someone who wants to incorporate their new smile into their daily life. Since they’re more durable, Regular Wear veneers are usually better equipped for eating.
What Can I Eat With My Snap-On Veneers?
Any provider with an eating-approved veneer model probably has their own list of dos and don’ts. Though you might find a few company-related specifics, there’s a lot of overarching wisdom that can apply across veneer brands. Here are some general rules to follow:
- The softer the food, the better.
- Tough and hard foods can damage your veneers.
- Hot foods can warp your veneers.
- Sticky foods can dislodge your veneers.
- Many raw fruits and veggies are too hard, but if they’re cooked or blended into a smoothie, they’re safe.
Some foods to avoid:
- Popcorn
- Caramel
- Nuts
- Seeds
- Ice
- Gum
This list is hardly comprehensive, but hopefully these guidelines help you make informed choices about which types of food you can include in your snap-on veneer routine, and which are best left behind (or relegated to days you don’t wear your veneers).
Will Eating Stain My Veneers?
Many people choose snap-on veneers to conceal staining and discoloration on their natural teeth. But will your snap-on veneers eventually stain too?
Snap-on veneers are made from copolyester resin or acrylic resin. Copolyester is more prone to stains than acrylic, so if you’re concerned about discoloration, seek out veneers made from acrylic. That said, some of our favorite snap-on veneer providers don’t disclose the materials they use.
The best way to avoid stained veneers is to stay on top of your cleanings. If you’re wearing your veneers, any time you consume anything other than water, you need to clean them. If you want to go the extra mile, avoid highly pigmented foods like coffee, red wine, and soda.
Which Snap-On Providers Allow Eating in Their Products?
Among the snap-on veneer providers we’ve covered, many say you can eat while wearing their veneers.
Shiny Smile
Shiny Smile gives the green light to eat in their snap-on veneers. However, they also acknowledge that doing so will shorten their lifespan.Snap-On Smile
Snap-On Smile is a dentist prescribed snap-on veneer. They say that you can eat almost anything you would normally, but they still recommend avoiding gum and sticky foods.Removable Veneers USA
You can eat soft foods in Removable Veneers USA’s standard veneers (called Premium), and you can use moderate biting and chewing in their premium model (called Premium Plus).
TruSmile
TruSmile discourages eating while wearing their veneers. If it’s unavoidable, they say you should stick to soft foods.Brighter Image Lab
Brighter Image Lab doesn’t rule out eating in their veneers, but they recommend using caution. Plus, they won’t honor your warranty if you’ve eaten in your veneers.What If My Veneers Break?
Though the details vary, all the snap-on veneer providers we review offer a warranty on their products. However, warranties sometimes won’t cover your veneers if you break them while eating. So, if you want to keep your coverage intact, it’s better to remove your veneers for meals, or stick to soft foods. Check out your company’s specific policies to know for sure.
Alternatives to Snap-On Veneers
This measured approach to eating in your snap-on veneers may not be the enthusiastic green light you were hoping for. So what are your other options?
Permanent Veneers
Instead of wearing them as a tray over an entire arch, permanent veneers attach to individual teeth. Outside of a trip to the dentist, these veneers aren’t removable — so you’ll wear them at every meal. That said, they’re much more durable than snap-on veneers. They can last up to fifteen years.
Dental Bonding
Dental bonds are made from tooth-colored resin to disguise chips and small gaps. A dentist applies the resin gradually, then shapes it. You can still eat normally, but dental bonding isn’t as strong as your natural teeth, and you’ll have to replace it every 4–8 years.
Implants
A dental implant is a permanent replacement for a missing tooth. This is an invasive procedure, since the dentist needs to drill a post into your jawbone. Once the post is in place, they can secure the new tooth. Though quite thorough, this process is expensive and time-consuming. However, once you’ve healed, you can eat normally without restrictions.
Dentures
Like snap-on veneers, full or partial dentures can replace missing teeth. Certain foods, however, can make dentures slip out of place — like steak or caramel — so you might need to avoid them. But for the most part, you just need to be cautious while you’re eating. Distribute the food equally on both sides of your mouth and take small bites.
Braces
Braces are cemented onto your teeth, applying constant pressure so that your teeth gradually shift into alignment. You can’t remove braces at home, so you’ll always wear them during mealtimes. Food can get trapped in the hardware, so it’s important to brush and floss after every meal. Plus, you shouldn’t eat foods like candy, popcorn, and caramel during braces treatment because they can dislodge the brackets and wires.
Clear Aligners
Like braces, clear aligners gradually shift your teeth into alignment. They’re made from impressions (or sometimes scans) and designed to fit snugly over your smile. However, they’re thinner than snap-on veneers and aren’t designed to withstand the force of chewing. Before a meal, you’d need to remove your clear aligners, then brush your teeth and clean your aligners before replacing them.
What About DIY Veneers?
You may have seen suspiciously inexpensive DIY “boil and bite” veneers sold online. Unfortunately, this one-size-fits-all approach can damage your teeth and gums. The snap-on veneers companies we review sell customized products tailor-made for your smile. We don’t recommend risking your oral health with a DIY option.
Final Thoughts
Snap-on veneers aren’t as strong as your real teeth. Naturally, if you choose to wear them during meals, you’ll need to adjust what and how you eat.
If your provider says you can eat while wearing your snap-on veneers, that doesn’t necessarily mean their warranty will cover food-related damage. If you regularly eat in your veneers, you’ll probably need to replace them more frequently than if you abstained. But for some people, that tradeoff is worth it. It’s all about what works for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can food and drinks stain my snap-on veneers?
Yes. There are two materials used for snap-on veneers: copolyester resin or acrylic resin. Copolyster is less stain-resistant than acrylic, so be sure to check out your provider’s materials if you’re concerned about this.
Do missing teeth affect my ability to eat in snap-on veneers?
If your snap-on veneer is covering up missing teeth, avoid chewing in the area where you have gaps, since it can cause undue stress and wear on your appliance.
Will snap-on veneers align my smile?
No. They should be snug enough to stay in place, but not so snug that they move your teeth. If you suspect your snap-on veneers are too tight, contact your provider. Many companies offer warranties on the fit of your veneers, but these policies eventually expire — so reach out as soon as possible.
Can I sleep in my snap-on veneers?
You should remove your snap-on veneers before sleeping. Many people grind their teeth while they’re sleeping — often without realizing — which can wear down your appliance. Plus, if it cracks, it could be a choking hazard.
Will people know I’m wearing snap-on veneers?
With such a dramatic transformation, it’s likely people will notice the change in your smile. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll know it’s a snap-on veneer. They might just think you’ve had other cosmetic dental work done.
Do snap-on veneers look like natural teeth?
For the most part, yes. However, your teeth surfaces are naturally porous, and the resin materials from snap-on veneers don’t mimic them as well as porcelain veneers. A great way to evaluate the appearance of a certain snap-on veneer brand is by exploring their customer photos or videos. It can help to see someone wearing the veneers in natural light.
What’s the best way to clean my snap-on veneers?
Clean your veneers with a soft bristle toothbrush and gentle soap anytime you remove them.
Will snap-on veneers affect my speech?
Most people go through an adjustment period when they first wear a new dental appliance. Typically, the more you wear your veneers, the quicker you’ll work through any changes in your speech.
Where should I store my veneers when I’m not wearing them?
Most providers include a protective case with your snap-on veneers. Any time you take them out, put them in their case, which can save you from accidental breakage.
Will my insurance cover snap-on veneers?
Since snap-on veneers are classified as a cosmetic treatment, insurance won’t contribute to the cost. However, HSA/FSA accounts can usually contribute to cosmetic treatments.
Samantha says
How long do removable veneers last?
Smile Prep says
Hi Samantha, most of the vendors listed on this page claim their removable veneers last between one and five years – depending on how frequently you wear them – before they need to be replaced. You may wish to check out our individual reviews for each of these brands, where we cover durability under the section entitled “quality.”