There are more ways than ever to achieve the smile you’ve always wanted. With so many options, it can be challenging to determine which will be the best fit for your unique needs. We’re here to help you make sense of all these options and find the best fit for you.
In this guide, we’ll introduce you to snap-on veneers and explain how this form of cosmetic treatment works, helping you determine whether they’re a viable option for your unique smile.
Table of Contents
How Do Snap-On Veneers Work?
Snap-on veneers are thin removable trays you wear over your teeth to instantly transform your smile. Companies customize these veneers specifically for your teeth to cover up oral imperfections like discoloration, minor crowding and spacing, and chipped or missing teeth. Snap-on veneer treatment is even available from the comfort of your own home.
To get started with snap-on veneers, you’ll first choose a provider that best suits your individual needs. Next, you’ll need to order an impression kit from that provider. These impressions allow your remote snap-on veneer provider to examine your teeth and bite.
If you’ve never taken an impression of your teeth before, don’t worry — you’re in the majority. Your provider will send detailed instructions to make it as simple as possible. Most kits come with a backup set of putty in case your first set of impressions doesn’t go according to plan. Some providers even offer video call assistance during this process to give you direct support
Once you have an expertly executed set of impressions, you’ll simply mail them (your provider will include prepaid postage) to your provider so they can start building your customized snap-on veneers.
Just a few weeks later, you’ll receive a set of veneers on your doorstep. All you’ll need to do is pop them into place and start smiling bright!
Pros and Cons of Snap-On Veneers
Every treatment offers positives and negatives. It’s important to confront all aspects before determining whether it may be viable for your particular needs.
Pros
- Fast results: With snap-on veneers, as soon as you put them on, you’ll have a transformed smile.
- Works for missing teeth: Since snap-on veneers are trays, instead of individual coverings for each tooth, missing teeth doesn’t disqualify you from treatment like it would with traditional veneers.
- More affordable: Usually coming in at under $1,000, snap-on veneers are a significantly more affordable option than traditional veneers, which can cost up to $2,500 per tooth.
- No permanent damage: With traditional veneers, your dentist will typically file down your teeth to affix the veneer. Snap-on veneers save you from having to make this irreversible alteration.
- Single arch available: Snap-on veneers can treat just a single dental arch. This means you can choose one row of teeth for treatment, which can save you hundreds.
- Brighter smiles: You can choose the shade you’d like for your snap-on veneers — whether that’s the brightest white or a more subtle shade.
Cons
- Less durability: Snap-on veneers aren’t as long lasting as traditional veneers, so you’ll need to replace them more often (every 1-5 years on average).
- Purely cosmetic: Though snap-on veneers can offer an enhanced appearance, they cannot make any actual changes to your teeth or fix any severe bite or jaw issues — for that, you would need orthodontic treatment.
- Gum line abrasion: The top of the veneers can sometimes rub up against the gum line, which can cause discomfort and has the potential to result in gum recession over time.
- Oral hygiene challenges: Though many snap-on veneer providers permit eating while wearing your veneers, this can create a build-up of food particles and bacteria beneath your veneers. If you don’t stay on top of your oral hygiene while using snap-on veneers, you may suffer from tooth decay or cavities.
- Not quite as natural looking: Though snap-on veneer providers are always working to offer the most natural-looking veneers as possible, some people think these options don’t mimic the tooth’s natural surface closely enough.
How Much Do They Cost?
Snap-on veneers offer a significantly more affordable price than traditional veneers. Depending on the provider and options you choose, snap-on veneers can cost $299–$2,495.00 to completely revamp your smile. Traditional veneers can cost anywhere from $250 to $1,500 per tooth for composite and $925 to $2,500 per tooth for porcelain — that can add up pretty quickly for a full smile.
In addition to the comparatively low price of snap-on veneers, most providers offer convenient financing that helps break the total into smaller, more manageable payments. Depending on the provider you choose, financing can mean simply breaking your total into two payments, or spreading your cost across several months. Many providers have 100% approval, so you won’t be turned away because of a low credit score.
There are also ways to save money within the treatment itself. Snap-on veneers are priced by the arch (or row of teeth). So you can save some money by opting into single arch treatment if only one row of teeth is giving you stress.
Some snap-on veneer providers offer “occasional wear” options. This form of treatment is for people who only want to use their veneers for special occasions. These veneers are typically more affordable than “regular wear” veneers since they don’t need to be quite as durable.
How Natural Do Snap-On Veneers Look?
Snap-on veneers are relatively realistic, but their materials aren’t quite as natural looking as traditional porcelain veneers. That being said, it’s all about personal preference — and many people find their snap-on veneers achieve the exact balance between natural and too-perfect they are wanting to strike. Appearance is subjective, so be sure to choose the provider that offers the look you are seeking.
With snap-on veneers, you get to choose the particular shade of white you’d like your teeth to be. Some folks want the brightest white available, while others want a shade that’s a little more natural and closer to their original tone. Choosing the shade that works best for you can help your snap-on veneers look more realistic in the context of your smile.
Though snap-on veneers are relatively natural looking, since they’re full trays, there won’t be any gaps in between your teeth. These trays are specially made to give the illusion of spaces in between teeth, but some people do find this noticeable.
Since snap-on veneers don’t attach to your individual teeth, some customers report that it can look a little obvious where the veneer and gum line meet. Every provider showcases photos of their clients’ smiles on their websites, which can help choose the one that looks best to you.
What Are They Made Of?
Snap-on veneers are typically made of acrylic or resin. Though durability varies from provider to provider, typically these veneers can last 1–5 years.
The lifespan of your veneers largely depends on how frequently you wear them. Many providers permit eating soft foods while wearing your veneers. Though this is convenient, chewing while wearing your snap-on veneers applies significant force to your trays and may shorten their lifespan.
Many providers offer warranties on snap-on veneer tray breakage, particularly within the first year. Check your provider’s guarantees so you know what is available to you before you need it.
Are Snap-On Veneers Safe?
Snap-on veneers are considered a relatively safe option, but there are potential risks associated with this kind of treatment. Since these veneer trays sit on your teeth for extended periods of time, this gives plaque and bacteria a chance to wear through your enamel, which can eventually lead to cavities and gum issues if left untreated. Typically, saliva washes away plaque and bacteria after a meal, but the barrier of snap-on veneers interferes with this natural process.
You can get ahead of these issues by maintaining excellent oral hygiene while using snap-on veneers. Brush your teeth after every meal and be sure to follow your provider’s instructions for cleaning your veneer trays.
Additionally, it’s important to speak up if the fit of your veneers causes discomfort at the gumline. If you have an ill-fitting snap-on veneer and it brushes up against your gums, this abrasion can result in gum issues like recession over time.
Who Is A Good Candidate For Snap-On Veneers?
Snap-on veneers offer a complete transformation of your smile, with low cost and little inconvenience. This removable form of veneer treatment could be worth considering if you want to hide discoloration, minor gaps or crowding, and chipped or missing teeth. In fact, if you are someone with missing teeth, snap-on veneers offer a total cosmetic transformation that is thousands of dollars cheaper than medical alternatives like implants.
Because they complicate your oral hygiene routine, snap-on veneers are best suited for someone without a history of tooth decay or gum disease. Talk with your dentist prior to moving forward with a snap-on veneer provider to ensure you don’t have any dental issues that would rule out this form of treatment for you.
How Do They Compare to Traditional Veneers?
Snap-on veneers differ from traditional veneers in cost, convenience, durability, and appearance. As we mentioned previously, traditional veneers can run you $250–$2,500 per tooth, far more expensive than snap-on veneers.
Traditional veneers are a much more permanent decision than snap-on veneers, since attaching traditional veneers to your teeth requires “prepping” your teeth, AKA shaving down your tooth’s protective enamel. This means your tooth would be at risk of tooth decay without a veneer in place, so every time your veneers wear down, crack, or chip, you’d have to replace them.
Traditional veneers are much more durable than snap-on veneers. Depending on the material you choose for your traditional veneers, these can last 4–15 years.
Many people think traditional porcelain veneers are the most natural looking since porcelain can most closely mimic natural teeth surfaces. That said, snap-on veneers can also look pretty realistic. It all comes down to your personal preference.
Snap-on veneers can help people who are missing teeth, since these veneers come in tray form. Traditional veneers are attached to each individual tooth; if you have missing teeth, there’s nothing for the veneer to attach to. So if you’re missing teeth, snap-on veneers may be a better match for you than traditional veneers.
Best Snap-On Veneer Brands
There are many providers offering snap-on veneer, and each has their own unique products and prices. No matter what your priorities are for snap-on veneers, one of these companies will probably meet the criteria.
Shiny Smile
Our top pick, Shiny Smile, has seemingly endless rave reviews from customers. People love how natural they look, their price point, and the top-notch customer support.
Removable Veneers USA
If you want long-lasting veneers, Removable Veneers USA boasts a lifespan of up to ten years. They also have more experience than most competitors.
TruSmile
The most affordable snap-on veneers we have reviewed. If your budget is a priority, TruSmile might be worth considering.
Brighter Image Lab
Brighter Image Lab’s snap-on veneers are the most expensive mail-order option, but they offer the most flexibility and hand detailing.
What About Snap-On Smile?
Snap-On Smile is a removable veneer provider that is only available directly through a dentist. The good news is that Snap-On Smile is offered by many dentists across the country, so it’s possible the provider you already see for cleanings may be able to get you started.
These veneers are generally more expensive than mail-order snap-on veneers because they require professional oversight. Though it varies between providers, Snap-On Smile can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $3,500 per arch. However, Snap-On Smile is slightly more durable, lasting 3–5 years instead of the 1–5 year range offered by mail-order snap-on veneer providers.
Final Thoughts
Snap-on veneers can offer a rapid transformation of your smile at an affordable price — without invasive dentist appointments or lasting enamel damage. They can even work for people who are missing several teeth on each of their arches, a condition not often addressed by other cosmetic options.
If you have healthy gums and enamel but want a cosmetic update to your smile that doesn’t alter your teeth, then snap-on veneers may be a viable option for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will snap-on veneers alter my speech?
Many people report a small lisp when they’re adjusting to their snap-on veneers, but this typically fades after a few days. With Snap-On Smile, your dentist can shave down the inside of the veneers in the exact spot that is causing your lisp, so it is the one option that can avoid speech changes entirely.
Can I drink hot beverages like coffee and tea while I wear my snap-on veneers?
You can drink warm beverages while you wear your veneers, but nothing that is genuinely hot since it can warp the materials. If you’re someone who likes their tea piping hot, it’s probably best for you to remove your veneers during tea time.
Can I eat while wearing my snap-on veneers?
Most providers give the OK for eating while wearing snap-on veneers, but not all of them. Eating with your veneers will affect their lifespan since the more you wear your snap-on veneers the more quickly they will need to be replaced.
How long will my snap-on veneers last?
Snap-on veneers can last anywhere from one to five years.
What determines the lifespan of a snap-on veneer?
Primarily how much you wear them. If you wear your snap-on veneers all day every day, then they will likely need to be replaced more often than if you just wear them for special occasions.
Do snap-on veneers look fake?
Snap-on veneers look pretty real, though people often think traditional porcelain veneers are the most natural looking option.
Will snap-on veneers work if I have a missing tooth?
Snap-on veneers can work for missing teeth since these veneers come as a tray, instead of shells affixed to individual teeth like traditional veneers.
Can I get snap-on veneers for just my top teeth?
You can absolutely get snap-on veneers for just one arch. Most providers offer this service, and at a discount.
Will my snap-on veneers slide off while I’m wearing them?
Your snap-on veneers are customized to the shape of your teeth, so they shouldn’t slide around or fall off. If you find you’re having an issue with the fit of your snap-on veneers, then reach out to your provider.
Are there options for occasional wear?
Yes. Some providers offer snap-on veneer options meant for occasional wear. These veneers usually come at a significant discount, as they are less durable than everyday wear options. Occasional wear veneers may be a viable option for you if you’re only considering wearing your snap-on veneers to special events.
I want the best-looking veneers available; are snap-on veneers the right fit for me?
If veneer appearance is your sole concern, traditional veneers will offer a more natural appearance over snap-on veneers, but you’ll need to pay significantly more.
Are snap-on veneers comfortable?
Companies make snap-on veneers from impressions of your teeth, so they should sit very comfortably on top of them. That said, sometimes they can cause some abrasion at the gum line. Talk to your provider if you aren’t comfortable in your veneers to determine if it’s temporary or if your veneer is ill-fitting.
Can snap-on veneers cause any oral health problems?
Snap-on veneers can complicate oral hygiene, and if you neglect your homecare routine, it can cause oral health problems. It’s important to stay on top of your oral hygiene if you want to add veneers to your lifestyle. You can wear many snap-on veneers during mealtimes, which means food particles and bacteria can hide beneath them and turn into plaque on your teeth. If you brush and floss regularly, you should avoid most of these issues.
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