Missing teeth can be a problem. They make it harder to eat and speak, cause other teeth to shift to fill the gap, and can fuel your self-consciousness. It’s no wonder that there are so many solutions for dealing with this problem, from partial dentures, to tooth implants, to the newer snap-on veneers.
Snap-on veneers are customized to your smile and preferences, showing the world a perfect smile even if you have big gaps underneath. But are they the best solution for your missing teeth? Let’s find out!
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What Are Snap-On Veneers?
Think of snap-on veneers as dentures’ cooler cousin. They are a dental appliance that visually replaces missing teeth, but rather than just filling in the gaps, they cover most or all of a dental arch. Unlike dentures, they aren’t true prosthetic teeth since they don’t fully replicate the function of natural ones, though some models can withstand chewing.
The big benefit of snap-on veneers is that they hide all your teeth and whatever imperfections they may hold. So, if you have missing teeth plus something like discoloration, they can cover both at once.
Snap-on veneers are often pretty affordable when compared to their alternatives, and you get to customize them — though how much depends on the company. Just be sure to purchase from providers that make their snap-on veneers based on molds of your teeth; one-size-fits-all boil-and-bite options are dangerous and look much less realistic.
Can I Get Snap-On Veneers With Missing Teeth?
Yes, but there are some caveats. Snap-on veneers get their name from how they snap onto the molars. This keeps them firmly in place so they won’t slip out of your mouth. So, if you’re missing your molars, snap-on veneers won’t work for you.
You also need to have a few teeth in other parts of the arch. This gives the appliance something to grip so they don’t slip down or fall out.
So, how many molars and other teeth do you need per arch? There’s no overarching answer, because it depends on the company. Some require just two molars and a total of four teeth per arch, while others need more.
If you have multiple missing teeth in a single arch, contact each company before making a purchase. This will save you the hassle of making dental molds only to find out you’re not a suitable candidate, then going through the refund process.
Best Snap-On Veneers For Missing Teeth
Shiny Smile
Shiny Smile is our top overall choice for snap-on veneers. According to their customers, they deliver reliable service and great products. When it comes to covering gaps from missing teeth, their service is in line with industry standards: they generally need at least eight teeth per arch, including molars. Anywhere you have a missing tooth, they use a placeholder to ensure there is no color difference.
Pros
- They are among the most affordable snap-on veneers — just $570 to cover your top and bottom arches.
- Shiny Smile veneers are durable, made from a premium co-polyester that was created just for the company.
- You can choose from three unique shades to get the look you want.
Cons
- Many customers experience tooth soreness the first days they wear their snap-on veneers.
- They only have one model, so you don’t have a cheaper option for occasional wear.
Removable Veneers USA
Removable Veneers USA is another top-ranked service that takes the industry-standard approach to hiding missing teeth: they need about eight teeth per arch, including molars, and use placeholders in the gaps for uniformity. But unlike other companies, their veneers can last as long as ten years.
Pros
- While most snap-on veneers last 1–5 years, Removable Veneers USA products can last up to ten.
- They offer three shades, so you can customize your look.
- If the price is too high for you to pay upfront, you can choose from five different payment plans.
Cons
- Their prices are slightly higher than other options, though still not the highest in the industry.
- It’s common to experience tooth soreness for your first few days wearing their veneers.
Brighter Image Lab
Brighter Image Lab is one of the oldest snap-on veneer providers still in operation. That’s impressive on its own, but one of their most unique features is how they handle missing teeth. Brighter Image Lab only requires 4–6 teeth per arch — less than other companies. They still require molars to clip onto, but since they offer the option to cover all of your teeth, they can take advantage of your back molars, whereas many other snap-on veneers can’t.
Pros
- Like most other providers, they use a placeholder to hide missing teeth and keep the color of the veneers uniform.
- Unlike other providers, they allow for up to twelve missing teeth per arch.
- They have three different veneer models, so you can find the right balance between price and features.
Cons
- Even their most affordable veneer model ranks among the most expensive on the market.
- They’re often slower than their competitors when it comes to manufacturing and shipping, unless you pay extra.
Other Treatment Options For Missing Teeth
Every tooth keeps the ones beside it in alignment. If one is missing, it can’t keep its neighbors in place. Those teeth migrate over time to fill in the gap — and as they move, so do the ones next to them.
In a situation where you have both missing teeth and alignment issues, you need to first correct your alignment, then find a solution that keeps the teeth in place. Below are some of the best options for correcting complex cases.
Aligners
Both at-home and in-office aligners can correct issues with tooth position, but if your alignment issues are moderate to severe, you’ll probably need an in-office treatment. Most aligner systems can handle cases with missing teeth, though it depends on how many teeth you have and which ones are missing.
Braces
If you have multiple missing teeth per arch, braces might be a better solution for your alignment issues. Since orthodontists affix them to the teeth, they can leverage more force even with significant gaps. This allows them to make dental shifts even when you’re missing multiple teeth per arch.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are the gold standard for replacing missing teeth. While expensive, they look and function just like natural teeth — and that includes keeping other teeth in their correct positions. Just remember that the process can take six months from start to finish, plus however long your alignment treatment requires.
Bridges
Bridges are one of the more affordable options for replacing missing teeth and keeping others in place. They leverage one or two teeth on either side of a gap to support a “bridge” that covers that gap. This bridge typically includes a false tooth (or teeth) and, with the strength of the overall structure, keeps your real teeth in place.
Final Thoughts
If you have missing teeth, you don’t have to just accept the gaps. From snap-on veneers to more comprehensive treatments, there are excellent solutions out there. Take time to do your research and consult with your dentist before making your decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the biggest limitation of using snap-on veneers for missing teeth?
The fact that snap-on veneers require you to have molars. Many people lose molars as they get older from cavities or clenching and grinding at night. If you’ve lost multiple molars, you might struggle to find a snap-on veneer provider that can handle your case.
What are the risks of using snap-on veneers for missing teeth?
The biggest risk is your teeth migrating to fill in the gaps. Snap-on veneers are not retainers; they just cover your teeth. This means that they can continue to shift. The other major risk is exacerbating tooth decay, so you should get it treated before wearing snap-on veneers.
Which snap-on veneer alternative is the most affordable?
Snap-on veneers and partial dentures have similar prices. If you are only looking to deal with missing teeth, you might find that partial dentures are the more affordable option. However, if you want to address multiple cosmetic issues besides missing teeth, snap-on veneers can save you money since they stand in for multiple treatments.
Will snap-on veneers affect my speech?
They often do at first. Then, as you wear them more, you adjust to their presence and alter your tongue position accordingly. Expect to have a slight lisp for around a week.
Can I eat with snap-on veneers?
It depends on the model you purchase. Some companies have just one model, and you can wear it while eating most foods. Others will have two or more — some that can stand up to chewing, and some that can’t.
What customization options do I have with snap-on veneers?
Most companies only give you a choice in the color. Others will let you request things like lengthening specific teeth and selecting tooth shape.
How often can I wear my snap-on veneers?
It depends on the model. You can wear some daily, and others are just for occasional wear. Check the specifics before making a purchase.
Do snap-on veneers look realistic?
In most cases, they are realistic enough that people won’t realize you are wearing them. Just remember that the level of realism varies between companies and models.
What snap-on veneers are most affordable?
It’s a near tie between Secret Veneers and TruSmile — there’s just about a $30 difference between them. Secret Veneers costs as little as $470 to cover both arches and TruSmile costs $499 for the same.
Can snap-on veneers cause any dental problems?
Not on their own, but they can make it easier for problems to develop. For example, if you don’t brush your teeth and floss twice a day or you aren’t cleaning your teeth thoroughly when you do, they will press the bacteria into your teeth, making tooth decay more likely.
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