Shiny Smile and TruSmile can temporarily transform your smile, giving you a perfectly straight set of pearly whites. Removable and capable of hiding a wide variety of cosmetic concerns, these veneers are nearly identical on the surface. But dig a little deeper and you’ll find quite a few differences between them.
We dove into all the info on Shiny Smile and TruSmile — watching video testimonials, scouring their websites, and reading through all the in-depth reviews. Below, you’ll find all the facts you need to make an informed decision between the two.
Table of Contents
Overview & Recommendation
Two Great Companies, but Shiny Smile Comes Out on Top
Both Shiny Smile and TruSmile offer high-quality snap-on veneers that will hide the aspects of your smile you’d rather not flaunt. So, why does Shiny Smile come out on top?
- Their proprietary material offers superior comfort.
- They almost never slip out of place.
- They focus heavily on customer education.
- Their snap-on veneers look similar to traditional veneers.
Is Shiny Smile Right for You?
We evaluated a lot of snap-on veneers and Shiny Smile emerged as our favorite. They scored 4.5/5 stars based on our five review categories: quality, affordability, appearance, convenience, and customer support. While the best snap-on veneers for you depend on your priorities, budget, and aesthetic preferences, Shiny Smile is a solid choice for most people.
Company Backgrounds
Snap-on veneers are still in their infancy — the first versions went mainstream roughly a decade ago. Founded in 2019, Shiny Smile is one of the youngest companies in the industry. Snap-on veneers are all they sell, so they really focus on crafting the best product possible.
TruSmile was founded in 2015, giving it a few more years of experience. They quickly gained a loyal following, and as a result, they have an established track record of customer satisfaction. They’ve helped thousands of people cover up their natural teeth, so you can be confident they’ve already seen cases just like yours.
How Does the Quality Compare?
You want snap-on veneers that are attractive, affordable, and easy to use. But none of those things matter unless they are also high-quality — crafted from premium materials, designed to last, and comfortable. Great news: both Shiny Smile and TruSmile craft high-quality veneers.
Shiny Smile Quality
TruSmile Quality
- Made from a proprietary co-polyester resin manufactured in Germany and imported to the United States.
- The veneers have a lifespan of up to five years.
- Thin and flexible, they fit against the teeth better than most.
- Made from German co-polyester resin — very similar to Shiny Smile.
- Their veneers can last up to five years.
- Their customers often complain about ill-fitting veneers that slip out of place, though in these situations, the company works to make it right.
Materials
Most companies craft their veneers from one of two materials: acrylic or crystallized acetyl resin. Both Shiny Smile and TruSmile step outside the box here — and they do it in the same way.
Both companies make their veneers from German co-polyester resin. While these materials are slightly different (Shiny Smile’s material is proprietary, so no other company uses their exact formula), they are both thin and flexible, yet sturdy enough to resist cracks and breakage.
Durability
Many companies offer two tiers of snap-on veneers: a standard model designed for occasional wear and a premium model for daily use. Once again, Shiny Smile and TruSmile opt for a different approach; both companies have a single model, meant for 20 hours of daily wear.
As a result, they can withstand a lot of use. Both companies’ veneers last 1-5 years, depending on how much you wear them and whether you eat with them. Just avoid really tough foods and hot beverages — a rule that applies to all snap-on veneers.
Comfort
It takes time to adjust to wearing snap-on veneers. Having resin wrapped around your teeth naturally feels a little odd. Still, there is a difference between initial awkwardness and genuine discomfort.
Overall, Shiny Smile and TruSmile offer similar levels of comfort, mostly because their materials are so similar. Their veneers are thin and less obtrusive than many competitors, so they’re more comfortable and don’t affect your speech as much. You might experience some soreness with either option, but Shiny Smile tends to cause more. However, this is because of their firm fit, which prevents their veneers from slipping out of place.
When we tried on both veneers, we found Shiny Smile initially more comfortable, although both felt somewhat tight. However, we didn’t wear them all day over multiple days, and you should get used to the feeling if you wear them consistently. Plus, we appreciated that they both fit snugly and didn’t move around at all during conversation.
Slippage
You may have seen it happen with dentures. Someone is talking or eating, then — BOOM — the dentures slip out of place. While snap-on veneers and dentures are not the same, they share certain concerns, such as slippage.
All snap-on veneers can become loose over time, but Shiny Smile products rarely ever slip out of place, thanks to their tight fit. It might cause initial soreness, but it helps them hold up long term.
TruSmile veneers usually fit great on the first try. However, they are more likely to slip out of place than Shiny Smile. In fact, we came across multiple online reviewers who complained they couldn’t speak with them because they had to suck the veneers into place continuously. However, we didn’t have the same experience when we tried them, and the customers that did also said TruSmile was happy to adjust or remake their veneers for a better fit.
Which Offers the Better Value?
A big part of what makes snap-on veneers so appealing is their price, which is far more affordable than traditional veneers. But some snap-on veneers represent a better value than others. Both Shiny Smile and TruSmile are affordable, but one might be better for your budget than the other.
Shiny Smile Affordability
TruSmile Affordability
- Shiny Smile costs $370 for one arch or $570 for both.
- They have two in-house financing plans.
- They don’t require you to purchase any extra items, but you can choose to pay for expedited shipping or an extended warranty.
- TruSmile costs $299 for one arch or $499 for both.
- You can choose in-house financing or work with Partial.ly.
- TruSmile does not have the option to purchase anything extra besides expedited processing and shipping.
Sticker Price
Shiny Smile and TruSmile are both pretty affordable, but Shiny Smile has a higher sticker price. Their veneers cost $370 for one arch and $570 for both arches. TruSmile, on the other hand, offers some of the most affordable all-day veneers in the industry. You’ll pay $299 for one arch or $499 for both.
Those prices get you more than just the veneers themselves. Both companies include their impression kit, shipping, and a protective case in their price. Ultimately, no matter which company you choose, you’ll get a solid value.
Financing
Even at their most affordable, snap-on veneers might be more than you can pay all at once. If so, don’t worry — both Shiny Smile and TruSmile offer financing.
Shiny Smile offers two in-house financing plans. The first lets you split the cost into two equal payments — a down payment and a second payment to close out the account. The second option requires a $295 down payment, then you’ll pay off the balance in monthly installments.
TruSmile also has a two-payment option. You pay half up front and the rest once your veneers are ready to ship. If two equal payments are a bit too much, they can connect you with Partial.ly, a third-party financing company. These plans often require credit checks, so you may or may not qualify, depending on your credit.
Insurance Coverage
If you have a dental policy, you might be curious if there is a way to apply your benefits to snap-on veneers. While they are often called Millennial dentures, insurers don’t treat them like dentures. Snap-on veneers are a purely cosmetic treatment, so they aren’t eligible for coverage.
However, if you have a health savings account (HSA), you could possibly use those funds to reimburse yourself for the purchase. Talk to your account administrator to get the specifics.
Additional Expenses
Neither Shiny Smile nor TruSmile requires you to purchase additional items to enjoy the full snap-on veneer experience. However, they have some optional add-ons that might interest you.
Shiny Smile lets you extend your warranty an additional 15 months for an extra $100. You can also pay $150 to speed up manufacturing and shipping. TruSmile gives you the option to pay an extra $145 for faster processing and shipping.
How Do Their Appearances Compare?
If you’re purchasing snap-on veneers, it’s because you want to enhance your smile, so you need to feel assured that your veneers will deliver the look you want. Of course, what looks good is subjective, so consider your wants and needs as you evaluate your options.
Shiny Smile Appearance
TruSmile Appearance
- The thin material avoids making the teeth look large or pushing the lips outward.
- They make their veneers in three different shades.
- Reasonably stain resistant.
- Their thin material doesn’t impact the length or profile of the teeth.
- You can choose from three different shades for your veneers.
- Reasonably stain resistant.
Materials
We’ve already examined the quality of Shiny Smile and TruSmile’s materials. Now, let’s talk appearance. Durability is great, but sometimes it means sacrificing looks.
Luckily, this isn’t the case with Shiny Smile or TruSmile. Both use a co-polyester resin that is thin without sacrificing strength, so it won’t lengthen or thicken your teeth, and it prevents your lips from bowing outward.
Colors
Snap-on veneers are an opportunity for a full smile makeover. Some people want a smile that’s pretty white — and others want one that’s blindingly white. Both Shiny Smile and TruSmile give you three shades to choose between: a Hollywood white (great for photos and videos), a natural white (great for most situations), and a natural stain (for anyone wanting more subtle change). This makes it easy to get the look you want.
We picked the middle option with both companies, and we think they both strike a good balance between brightness and realism. They’re slightly whiter than natural teeth, but not so white that they stand out.
Natural Appearance
Probably the biggest fear with snap-on veneers is that they’ll end up looking less like cosmetic dentistry and more like part of a Halloween costume. Veneers from both companies mimic the look of natural teeth. According to customers, people can pick up on the change, but most just assume they’ve whitened their teeth or had cosmetic dental work — not that they are wearing snap-on veneers.
In our experience, Shiny Smile delivered slightly less noticeable veneers. However, that doesn’t mean TruSmile’s were obvious. We had to look closely in a mirror to notice any discrepancy in either one, so the difference is fairly small.
Tooth Division
Naturally, our teeth have space between them, even when it’s minimal. But snap-on veneers are one solid piece, so complete divisions aren’t possible, and this can give them away. Both Shiny Smile and TruSmile form the ridges between the teeth that are as deep as possible without sacrificing the integrity of the veneers. They also trim the veneers to match the gum line, allowing them to blend right in.
Missing Teeth
If you are missing teeth, you’ve got three options: dentures, implants, or deal with it. But snap-on veneers give you a fourth option: cover the gaps. The problem is that your veneers’ color can look different in the spots where you have gaps. Unfortunately, Shiny Smile and TruSmile don’t use placeholders to ensure color uniformity like some of their competitors.
Stain Resistance
Shiny Smile and TruSmile’s materials are fairly stain-resistant. Surface stains can build up, but a simple cleaning will remove them. However, the veneers can get discolored if you scratch their surfaces. Be sure to clean them gently and keep them safe when you aren’t wearing them to prevent damage.
Which Is More Convenient?
Snap-on veneers require some care. Yet they easily fit into your typical daily routine, making them highly convenient, no matter which brand you buy. But to understand just how convenient they are, you need to understand what it is like to use them, from taking your impressions to daily wear.
Shiny Smile Convenience
TruSmile Convenience
- They include detailed instructions and host video tutorials for the impression process.
- You should get your veneers about 3-5 weeks after you send in your impressions.
- You’ll need to clean your veneers twice a day when you brush your teeth.
- In addition to instructions and video tutorials, they’ll schedule a video call with you to help with the impressions.
- Your veneers arrive about 3-5 weeks after sending in your impressions.
- You’ll need to clean your veneers twice a day, whenever you brush your teeth.
Start-Up Process
The first step in getting snap-on veneers — besides placing your order — is taking your impressions. For most people, this is the hardest part because it’s tough to make molds of your own teeth.
Shiny Smile does a great job of making it less intimidating for their customers. They include detailed instructions in their kit and host a helpful video tutorial on their website. TruSmile does the same, only they take it one step further — you can video chat with a representative, who will walk you through the process.
Both companies also know that mistakes happen. So they include multiple sets of putty, taking some of the pressure off you to get it right the first time.
Shipping and Production Turnaround
If you’re considering veneers, you probably have some sort of deadline in mind — maybe a firm one, like a special event, or a more general timeline, like within the next couple of months. But regardless of your ideal deadline, each company operates on its own timeline.
Shiny Smile’s standard turnaround is 3-5 weeks from the day they receive your impressions. If this seems a little too long, you can pay extra for a turnaround of 2-3 weeks.
TruSmile also has a standard 3-5 week turnaround time. If you upgrade to express processing, however, you should receive them in around two weeks — slightly faster than Shiny Smile’s expedited processing.
Both companies manufactured our veneers around three weeks after they accepted our impressions, which is faster than some competitors. We didn’t experience any unexpected hiccups or delays throughout the impression and shipping process for either one.
Daily Wear Experience
Overall, there is nothing stressful about wearing Shiny Smile or TruSmile veneers. You’ll need to clean them at least twice a day — whenever you brush your teeth is good. And you don’t need to remove them to eat or drink, though TruSmile suggests it, especially if you are eating anything other than soft foods.
You should, however, keep your veneers away from sources of heat, which can warp them. So avoid hot beverages while wearing them, keep them out of the sun, and don’t leave them near a heater. Any time you’re not wearing or cleaning your veneers, keep them in their case. This keeps them safe and makes it harder to lose them.
How Well Do They Support Their Customers?
Since Shiny Smile and TruSmile are fully remote, customer support is crucial. From answering simple questions to helping you navigate a repair or remake, you need to know the company is going to back you up, and both companies have created a satisfactory customer experience.
Shiny Smile Customer Support
TruSmile Customer Support
- Their veneers come with a 15-month warranty.
- They emphasize customer education, with one of the best online libraries for snap-on veneers.
- You can contact customer support by email or phone.
- TruSmile has a 30-day warranty and satisfaction guarantee.
- They have fairly extensive customer education materials on their website.
- You can contact customer support by email or phone.
Guarantees
Shiny Smile includes a 15-month warranty on all of their veneers that covers color changes and structural damage. If your veneers stain or crack during this time, Shiny Smile will either repair them or provide you with a replacement.
TruSmile has a 100% satisfaction guarantee, which sounds great — but the details aren’t as impressive as you’d hope. Essentially, it covers one free remake of your veneers. But that’s only if they don’t properly fit your teeth; they won’t provide free remakes for any other reason.
TruSmile also has a 30-day warranty. During this period, TruSmile will replace veneers that have been fractured or broken. Some coverage is better than none, but their policy window is much more narrow than Shiny Smile’s.
Refund Policy
Shiny Smile does not offer refunds on their veneers. They’ll refund your money if they get your impressions and determine you are not a candidate. You can also get a full refund if you send your unopened impression kit back within 14 days of receiving it. If you are unhappy with your veneers, they will work with you to make them right, but you shouldn’t expect a refund.
TruSmile’s refund policy is a little more particular. First, they do not offer refunds on veneers and only accept returns for adjustments or remakes. Second, they offer partial refunds in the following cases:
- When the customer returns their unopened impression kit within 20 days of ordering (full refund minus shipping).
- When the customer returns an open and used impression kit within 20 days of ordering (partial refund that excludes the cost of the impression kit and shipping, plus a processing fee).
- When the customer escalates the refund request and the TruSmile billing department determines they have a case (refund is the cost of the purchase minus 25%).
Basically, if you are feeling any hesitation, don’t order until you feel confident that snap-on veneers are the solution you need.
Customer Education
There’s always a learning curve when you use a new product. Shiny Smile works hard to close that customer education gap. In addition to a video library that covers all the basics, their Ultimate Guide to Veneers is one of the most comprehensive snap-on veneers articles you’ll find.
TruSmile also places a lot of emphasis on customer education, though their video content is a bit lacking. However, they have guides on using snap-on veneers as alternatives to a wide variety of cosmetic treatments, making it easy to see how they can meet your specific needs.
Customer Service Responsiveness & Helpfulness
If you have questions or need help, you’ll have to turn to the customer support team, and unfortunately, both Shiny Smile and TruSmile have slightly limited availability.
You can reach Shiny Smile by phone or email on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT. TruSmile is only available by phone and email Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET. With that said, during business hours, both companies have friendly and knowledgeable staff that are happy to help with whatever you might need.
Our Overall Experiences With Shiny Smile and TruSmile
We tried Shiny Smile and TruSmile’s snap-on veneers for ourselves, and both delivered quality products that we’d have no problem wearing confidently out in public.
After approving our impressions, both companies manufactured and shipped our veneers in around three weeks, which is a pretty efficient turnaround. The veneers were each thin, discreet, and did a good job mimicking our real teeth. We think Shiny Smile looked slightly more realistic, but with either one, we had to look closely in a mirror to notice any differences.
Both veneers fit well and neither moved around at all. We felt some initial tightness and discomfort, especially with TruSmile, but that should subside with consistent wear.
Shiny Smile - Our Experience
Shiny Smile impression kit box, trays, and putty
Shiny Smile case and veneer side by side
Hand holding Shiny Smile veneer
Natural smile without snap-on veneers
Smile while wearing Shiny Smile Veneers
TruSmile - Our Experience
TruSmile impression kit box, trays, and putty
TruSmile case and veneers side by side
Hand holding TruSmile Veneers- Natural smile without snap-on veneers
Smile with TruSmile veneers
What Are Customers Saying?
For every snap-on veneer company we review, we start with customer testimonials. If the people with first-hand experience don’t have great things to say, we know the company isn’t worth your time or money. Here’s what Shiny Smile and TruSmile customers are saying.
Shiny Smile
Out of all the companies we reviewed, none were as beloved by its customers as Shiny Smile. Although not every reviewer was thrilled with their purchase, we struggled to find anyone genuinely unhappy with their experience. Over and over, we read about how impressed they were with the natural look, comfortable feel, and durability of their veneers.
Easily, the most common complaint was that it can take a while to adjust to the pressure of the veneers. Some people also said they had to file down the edges because they were a bit sharp. Besides that, customers haven’t cited any frequent issues with their veneers.
Interested in hearing it directly from the customers themselves? Here are some Shiny Smile reviews on YouTube we found to be extra helpful.
TruSmile
TruSmile’s reviews are more mixed. While testimonials still lean positive, it appears TruSmile has more room to grow than Shiny Smile. Customers often loved TruSmile’s affordable price, natural look, and color options. However, some people found their veneers far too loose to wear, and some said they struggle to get them corrected. Although, in most cases, it seems like TruSmile is ready and willing to help if anything goes wrong.
But don’t take our word for it; now is the time to hear from the customers themselves. Here are some helpful TruSmile reviews on YouTube.
Which Should You Choose?
Still not settled on which snap-on veneer company is right for you? Here are our thoughts.
Choose Shiny Smile if…
You want the best-reviewed veneers, quality customer support, and a natural-looking smile.
Choose TruSmile if…
A low price is top of mind for you, but you don’t want to sacrifice quality just to save.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I choose snap-on veneers over orthodontic treatment?
Three main reasons:
- They’re more affordable than most cosmetic treatments.
- You don’t need to take time out of your schedule to see a dentist for them.
- They are removable and don’t make permanent alterations to your teeth.
How hard is taking dental impressions?
We won’t lie; it can be hard at first. We suggest you watch multiple video tutorials first so you can see common mistakes and how to avoid them. Then, practice inserting the trays into your mouth without the putty. If your company offers video chat to walk you through it, take them up on it.
Can people of all ages use snap-on veneers?
No, anyone whose jaw is still growing or has baby teeth should not use snap-on veneers. If your jawbone is fully grown and all your baby teeth are gone, you might be a candidate for snap-on veneers.
When is it not a good idea to get snap-on veneers?
If you have active tooth decay or gum disease, snap-on veneers will make it worse. Additionally, some forms of cosmetic dentistry aren’t compatible with snap-on veneers. If you have veneers, bridges, or other forms of restorative or cosmetic dentistry, contact the snap-on veneer provider to see if their products will work for you.
Are there any extras I will need to purchase?
You’ll want to have a soft-bristled brush to clean your veneers, and possibly some effervescent tablets. If yours don’t come with a carrying case, you’ll want to buy one.
Do snap-on veneers straighten teeth?
No, they are not aligners. If yours are tight enough to change your alignment, they are damaging your teeth.
How soon will I need to replace my snap-on veneers?
This depends on which ones you buy and how well you take care of them. Most will last at least one year, and many have about a five-year lifespan. However, Removable Veneers USA claims their Superior model can last up to a decade.
Is there anything I can do to extend their lifespan?
Yes! First, follow the wear instructions precisely and never just leave your veneers lying around — keep them in their case. Second, try to remove them when eating as often as possible. Third, keep them away from heat sources, including hot beverages and soups.
Are there in-office snap-on veneers?
Yes, there is a company called Snap-On Smile. It is more expensive than at-home options, but you get more customization. If you are set on snap-on veneers for the long term, they’re worth considering.
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