Snap-on veneers have brought convenience and affordability to a form of cosmetic dentistry that was previously inaccessible to most people. These convenient, removable veneers are making it easier than ever to transform your smile. They are a great way to “try on” a smile before committing to permanent veneers, or for a weekend away or an important reunion. But how safe is this relatively new approach to veneer treatment?
In this guide, we’ll take a close look at snap-on veneers to give you a better sense of how safe this form of treatment really is.
Table of Contents
How Do Snap-On Veneers Work?
Snap-on veneers (sometimes called clip-on veneers) are removable cosmetic devices that can cover up oral imperfections and transform your smile. These veneers can hide discoloration, minor crowding and spacing, and chipped or missing teeth. Snap-on veneers aren’t attached to your individual teeth like traditional veneers. Instead, these removable veneers take the form of a tray — like a very thin mouth guard that gives you a smile you can feel proud of.
Snap-on veneers are priced per row of teeth (or “arch”) instead of by the individual tooth. Depending on your provider and the options you select, you can pay anywhere from $299-$2,495.00 for your snap-on veneers. In addition to affordability, snap-on veneers have also made veneer treatment more convenient. Snap-on veneers don’t require any visits to the dentist, or painful prepping of your teeth. In fact, the whole process can be done from the comfort of your own home.
To get started with snap-on veneers, order an impression kit from the provider of your choice. Be sure to read the reviews to make sure you choose a reputable company. Choosing a company with certified dental professionals on staff can make a world of difference in the quality of your snap-on smile.
Your completed impressions will help your company customize your set of veneers to fit your specific smile. If you’ve never taken an impression of your teeth, don’t panic — your provider will include a step-by-step guide on how best to approach this.
Mail in the completed impressions to your provider, and they will get started designing your veneers. Once your veneers arrive on your doorstep, you can pop them in right away and debut your new smile! These veneers typically last between 1-5 years, depending on how often you wear them, how durable the model you purchased is, and the steps you take to care for them.
Are There Any Health Risks Associated With Snap-On Veneers?
If you wear them as directed, snap-on veneers are considered relatively safe, although there are some risks. Since snap-on veneers sit in your mouth for hours at a time, they can present some complications when it comes to your oral hygiene. If these issues go unchecked, small oral health problems can escalate into bigger issues.
Most snap-on veneer providers permit wearing your veneers while eating meals, but even with a snug-fitting veneer, food particles, plaque, and bacteria can hide inside your snap-on veneers and gradually wear through your enamel, just as it can with braces[ 1 ] and clear aligners. It’s important to note this is an issue with poor oral hygiene and not caused by the snap-on veneers themselves.
Normally, saliva helps to wash bacteria and food particles away after a meal,[ 2 ] but snap-on veneers interfere with this natural process. Since saliva won’t be able to access your teeth as easily while you’re wearing your snap-on veneers, it’s very important you stay on top of your oral hygiene. If you don’t, you’ll be at a higher risk of enamel erosion and tooth decay due to the plaque buildup.
Plaque buildup doesn’t just affect your teeth; it affects your gums, too.[ 3 ] If plaque sits at the gumline for long enough, it can eventually cause gingivitis (gum inflammation), which can progress into gum recession and periodontal disease if left unchecked for long enough.[ 4 ]
Ill-fitting snap-on veneers can also present problems to your oral health. Similar to ill-fitting dentures, gum abrasion from a loosely-fitting snap-on veneer rubbing against your gums can cause the tissue to recede.[ 5 ] It’s important you don’t ignore any discomfort because, over time, a small problem can become a much bigger one.
In extreme cases, a poorly designed snap-on veneer can even alter your bite and alignment. If a snap-on veneer doesn’t fit properly, it can apply gradual pressure to your teeth. This can move them out of alignment, because they fit over your teeth, similar to a clear aligner. Tooth movements should not occur during snap-on veneer treatment. This can potentially cause more oral health problems down the line. If your veneers are too tight, inform your provider. You should never try to fix or change the fit of your veneers on your own. The fit should be snug, but comfortable. They shouldn’t poke your gums or feel “off” in any way.
Who Can Safely Use Snap-On Veneers?
Snap-on veneers should be avoided if you have a history of tooth decay or gum disease as these conditions can be exacerbated by snap-on veneer use. The best candidate for snap-on veneers is someone hoping to visually and temporarily transform their smile due to discoloration, mild crowding or spacing, and chipped or missing teeth.
The best way to know if you can safely use snap-on veneers is to talk to your dentist about your oral health before moving forward with a snap-on veneer provider.
How Can I Ensure the Safest Treatment Possible?
Now that we have a better understanding of the risks presented by snap-on veneers, let’s take a look at how to avoid these issues altogether.
Meet With Your Dentist
It’s important to have a dentist appointment prior to ordering snap-on veneers. Many oral health issues sneak by undetected in their early stages. Snap-on veneers can magnify oral health concerns that have gone untreated, so it’s important to be aware of any and all oral health issues you may be dealing with. Since these treatments are not suitable for people with tooth decay and gum issues, an appointment with your dentist can be a helpful step in determining whether or not this is a healthy choice for you.
Be sure to keep up with your dental cleanings throughout your snap-on veneer usage. If you continue your dental cleanings every 6 months, your dentist will be able to monitor how the snap-on veneers are affecting your overall oral health. In addition to the oversight of these appointments, these cleanings can also help you stay on top of your oral hygiene throughout your snap-on veneer usage. Win-win!
Maintain Great Oral Hygiene
Snap-on veneers can provide the conditions plaque needs to thrive, so it’s important to stay on top of your oral hygiene throughout your veneer usage. Most providers permit wearing your veneers during meals, so brush your teeth after consuming anything besides water. That way, your enamel won’t be exposed to bacteria for hours at a time — out of the reach of your mouth’s housekeeper, saliva.2
Since your snap-on veneers are made in one piece, you will need to remove them at least twice daily to floss and brush your real teeth. Flossing is an important element of overall oral health, and that’s no less true during snap-on veneer treatment. Flossing is your best defense against gingivitis, which can progress into gum disease if left untreated. If you develop gum issues, wearing snap-on veneers will no longer be advisable. Maintaining healthy gums is a great way to make sure you can continue wearing your snap-on veneers as long as you’d like.
Use the Right Tools
One way to protect your enamel further during snap-on veneer usage is to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Soft bristles prevent harsh abrasion against your enamel, and fluoride helps keep your enamel strong. Pack a bag with a toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss so that anytime you enjoy a meal away from home, you can brush right after and keep your teeth healthy.
Clean Your Veneers Often
Beyond just your teeth, your veneers themselves need to be clean too. Each provider will have their own advice for veneer upkeep. Typically it will involve rinsing your trays with water, brushing them with a soft-bristled toothbrush (without any toothpaste), and soaking your veneers in a cleansing solution a few times a week. Be sure to check your provider’s recommendations for specifics.
Speak Up
If you are experiencing fit issues with your veneers, address this with your provider as soon as possible. It’s important that your snap-on veneers aren’t putting pressure on your teeth or gums. Veneers are supposed to sit snugly on your teeth but should not be tight-fitting or uncomfortable. Talk to your provider about your concerns; they should work with you to find a solution.
Final Thoughts
Snap-on veneers can instantly transform your smile, but there are potential risks with this kind of treatment. If you stay on top of your oral hygiene and speak up to your provider if you feel you’re experiencing a fit issue with your veneers, you should be able to safely wear them. Talk with your dentist about whether or not you are a suitable candidate for this affordable, convenient approach to transforming your smile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a cavity filled if I have snap-on veneers?
If you get a cavity while you have snap-on veneers, get it cleaned and filled. Depending on the location of the cavity, this may affect the fit of your veneers. Since snap-on veneers are made based on impressions of your teeth, if a filling changes the shape of your tooth, your veneers may not fit the same way. Talk to your dentist/provider about what your options are if this happens.
Can I drink hot beverages while wearing my snap-on veneers?
You can drink warm beverages, but nothing hot, as this can warp the material of your veneers.
Will my insurance contribute to my snap-on veneers?
Snap-on veneers are a cosmetic option, so insurance will not typically contribute to the cost. If you choose an in-office treatment, like Snap-On Smile, it is possible that your dentist might be able to bill your insurance for part of the cost if the clip-on veneers are replacing missing teeth.
Can I use money from my FSA/HSA to pay for snap-on veneers?
The cosmetic nature of snap-on veneers prevents it from qualifying for FSA payments. However, you typically can use your HSA to cover cosmetic dentistry. Speak with the administrator of your account to learn more.
Should I continue to see my dentist for cleanings while I have my snap-on veneers?
It’s always very important to see your dentist for cleanings every six months, but especially while you have snap-on veneers. Since snap-on veneers affect your oral hygiene, it’s important to do everything you can to stay on top of your oral health — and dental visits are a big part of that.
I’ve never taken an impression of my teeth before; does that rule me out for snap-on veneers?
Absolutely not. Most people don’t have experience taking an impression of their teeth prior to ordering snap-on veneers. Impressions can be a little bit tricky to get the hang of, but most providers include a backup set of putty in your kit just in case the first set doesn’t go as planned.
Will snap-on veneers work for me if I am missing more than one tooth?
Though it varies from provider to provider, most snap-on veneers are still viable for people with up to four missing teeth per arch, depending on where the gaps are located.
Can I choose the shade of my snap-on veneers?
This depends on the provider and the model you purchase. Some only offer one shade, while others offer up to four. Whether you want the brightest white available or something a little closer to your natural shade, your veneer provider is likely to have the right shade for you.
Will my snap-on veneers stain?
Some providers offer more stain resistant veneers than others. With some, you may want to avoid highly staining foods and drinks like berries or red wine. Some providers offer a guarantee on the color of your veneers, which may be worth considering if staining is something you’re worried about.
Should I sleep in my snap-on veneers?
Sleeping in your snap-on veneers isn’t recommended as many people grind their teeth in their sleep without realizing it, which can cause unnecessary wear on your snap-on veneers.
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