Veneers are thin shells that are applied to the front of your teeth. It is often done for various reasons, such as chipped teeth, staining, unevenness and more. Dental veneers are usually a permanent procedure and, depending on the type you get, can last for over 10 years. However, if you want to get the Hollywood smile you will get with traditional veneers through a simpler and non-permanent process, check out snap on veneers.
What are snap on veneers?
Snap on veneers are alternative dental appliances that are removable and often made from a thin layer of resin (tooth coloured). Depending on what you want, they can be ready-made or customised specifically to fit over your natural teeth and cover up tooth stains or alignment issues.
Snap on veneers, also referred to as removable veneers, home veneers, clip-on veneers, pop on veneers, and instant veneers, are perfect if you’re seeking a quick, simple, and affordable way to enhance your smile. To put them on, all you would need to do is simply slip the snap on veneers over your natural teeth and “snap” them into position. However, you may have to bond certain parts of the clip on veneers if your teeth are misaligned or have gaps between them. Still, even this bonding process seems simple when compared to permanent veneers. The most commonly used materials for the other types of veneers are porcelain or composite resin, both of which necessitate extensive preparation.
The differences between traditional and snap on veneers
Snap on veneers often get compared to their permanent counterparts, traditional teeth veneers. In the case of traditional veneers, the natural tooth usually has to be shaped in preparation for the instalment of the veneers. Although mostly painless, the process is irreversible and requires a strong commitment.
On the other hand, snap on veneers are removable and much easier to install. As such, there is no pressure of a long-term commitment if you decide to wear them. In addition, unless you’re getting a custom-made clip on veneers, there’s almost no preparation needed. For customised veneers, some imaging, and impressions of your teeth and mouth may be needed, but that’s all.
Another difference is how long do veneers last and dental veneers cost in Australia. For traditional veneers, depending on the type of veneers you get, they can stay for ten to twenty years. However, they are often much more expensive. On the other hand, snap on veneers have a much shorter lifespan (usually up to 12 months) but are more affordable.
The third difference between traditional and clip on veneers is the application. For permanent veneers, you cannot go through the installation process on your own and will need to seek medical advice. On the other hand, you can use removable veneers on your own in the comfort of your home.
Next, to create traditional veneers, your dentist will write a prescription for the dental technicians, who will then create a custom registered medical device from porcelain or other material. These materials are chosen for their durability, light-reflecting properties, and semi-transparency. Once they are done, your dentist will help you fit into them, and after they are on, the veneers can only be removed by a dentist.
Alternatively, with custom snap on veneers, you take the impressions of your teeth and mouth and send them off to the company that will make the moulds. Unlike for permanent veneers, the technicians don’t necessarily have to be qualified and registered as dental technicians.
Lastly, for snap on veneers, your custom-made mould will cover multiple teeth and won’t have any gaps between them, unlike traditional ones that can be made for individual teeth. In addition, over time, the snap on veneers may change shape and eventually become loose.
The two types of snap on veneers
There are mainly two types of removable veneers: Instant and custom-made
Instant clip-on veneers
Instant snap on veneers are ready-made and can be used immediately upon arrival. Oftentimes they already have glue attached to them. With instant clip on veneers, you don’t need to do much prior preparation or visit the dentist. Usually, you can get them at drug stores or order online. However, since they are not customised, the fit may not be perfect, and it may look somewhat fake.
Customised to teeth
You can ask a specialised company to make you personalised veneers. In this case, you will be asked to make impressions of your teeth and send them to said company. Once they receive the impressions, they will make your snap on veneers and send them to you. Such snap on veneers may be more expensive than the ready-made ones, but they often look more natural.
Are snap on veneers safe?
The simpler answer is yes and no.
Yes, snap on veneers are safe to use most of the time. Many of the materials used by the manufacturers when making the clip on veneers do not cause infections or tooth decay. However, it is important to brush and clean them regularly as food, and other things can build up inside and raise issues. Although quite uncommon, some of the used materials can also cause an allergic reaction.
In addition, depending on the components and design of some produced clip-on veneers, issues may arise in specific situations. Similar to permanent veneers, it is not advisable to use snap on veneers in the following cases.
- Tooth decay
- Fractured teeth
- Pregnancy/breastfeeding
- Gum disease
- Loose fittings/veneers/crowns
Therefore, if you decide to purchase snap on veneers, it will be good to first visit the dental office and get an evaluation of your oral health just in case. However, even if an issue arises, the good thing is that you can remove the teeth veneers and contact your supplier or dentist.
How much do they cost?
The cost of snap on veneers Australia can be different depending on the manufacturer of the product. In addition, most places also offer payment plans to make it more affordable for the consumers. Here are a few clip on veneers Australia that may be of interest to you:
- Instasmile Classic: $550 for a single arch, $850 for dual arches + extended warranty)
- Tru Smile Veneers: $299 for a single arch, $499 for dual arches + payment plan where you pay $259 upfront and $259 within a month.
- Shiny Smile Snap-On Veneers: $370 for a single arch, $570 for dual arches + impression kit, toothbrush, and protective case)
As is evident from the above list, the price of snap on veneers may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, often due to the materials used and the design. So make sure to research the company you want to buy the veneers from before ordering.
How to take care of snap on veneers
You can still eat and drink even when you are wearing snap on veneers. However, remember to always check the manufacturer’s instructions for your particular kind of snap on veneer. Additionally, if you don’t eat or drink anything other than water while wearing veneers, they will likely last longer.
Cleaning is essential for expanding the lifespan of your clip on veneers. Leftover food particles can eat away at the material and harm it if they remain on your veneers. Scratches on the surface can let stains penetrate the material and change the aligner’s colour. Long-term, it may affect how well the veneers fit, which will decrease their effectiveness. Most companies advise cleaning the veneers with a soft-bristled brush and storing them securely in the given container.
Although the specifics may be different from company to company, in general, you should:
- Remove them to clean your teeth
- Clean the veneers daily with a soft-bristled brush (especially the surface that touches your teeth
- Avoid using abrasive toothpaste
- For better results, you can use disinfecting tablets (like those used for dentures)
- Store the veneers in the provided storage case, so it is protected from the elements and unwanted damage
- Keep the veneers out of direct sunlight or very hot environments (the shape may get altered)
Final thoughts
Snap on veneers are considered as the removable alternatives to porcelain or composite veneers. The snap on veneers, otherwise referred to as clip on veneers, are much easier to wear and don’t require any prep work beforehand. However, similar to traditional veneers, they are not recommended for people with dental issues such as gum disease, or tooth decay. Depending on the material used and the design, it is also advised not to wear them during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Snap on veneers come in 2 types: instant and customised. If you’re looking for a well-fitted pair of snap on veneers, the custom option may be better for you as it uses the impressions of your own teeth. Still, if you want your veneers to last as long as possible, remember to clean them regularly and be conscious of your dental hygiene.
English (Australia)