Clip-on veneers, clip-on smiles, or snap-on veneers, have become a popular option for people with uneven or misshapen teeth. For the price-conscious, they offer a simple and vastly more affordable option than their traditional counterparts.
But for many considering clip-on veneers, many unanswered questions exist. Are they the right option for me? Will they mimic the appearance of natural teeth? How do I care for my clip-on veneers, and how long will they last?
In this blog, we give you all of the information you need to make an informed choice about selecting, purchasing, and caring for clip-on veneers. Are they the right option for you? Read on, and learn why more people are opting for this type of dental solution for the smile you’ve dreamed of.
What Are Clip-On Veneers?
Traditional or permanent veneers are a layer of material (porcelain or a composite) that are placed over the front of teeth. While veneers will likely have to be replaced at some point, with good care they can last anywhere between 7 and 15 years. They are fashioned to imitate the appearance of natural teeth.
The problem with traditional veneers is their expense. Each tooth can cost thousands of dollars piece, making them an expensive option for a perfect smile. While they can be a perfect fit for those with a single chipped tooth, veneers for your entire mouth can quickly grow unaffordable.
For this reason, clip-on veneers have become increasingly popular as an alternative to traditional veneers. They are typically made using a resin that creates a very thin but strong appliance that clips in naturally over your teeth. At a fraction of the cost, users can cover all of their front teeth with custom-fitted veneers that can be easily removed. Additionally, clip-on veneers don’t require wearers to grind down parts of their existing enamel to wear them.
Why Should I Choose Clip-On Veneers?
Do you have an uneven smile that can’t be fixed by solutions like braces? If so, clip-on veneers can provide you with the smile you’re looking for without emptying your wallet.
Clip-on veneers can offer an affordable dental solution for those experiencing:
- Stained teeth that can’t be whitened
- Chipped or worn teeth
- Gaps in teeth
- Crooked or misshapen teeth
The biggest downside to clip-on veneers is that they are removable, rather than semi-permanent fixtures in your teeth. This means that they must be regularly cleaned, and should be removed from your mouth before eating or drinking. Because they can be removed from your teeth, they can also be damaged or lost, requiring occasional replacement.
Between clip-on veneers vs. their traditional counterparts, they are significantly cheaper for those who require a more extensive aesthetic lift. They make an excellent alternative thanks to their affordable cost. Finding a partner like Dental Lab Direct can lower costs even further, without compromising quality or integrity.
How Long Do Clip-On Veneers Last?
The materials used to make clip-on veneers are designed for wear and tear. Those who use clip-on veneers daily should expect a product lifetime of around two years. People who wear them less frequently can expect a longer lifespan.
While the lifespan of traditional veneers is typically longer (around ten years) they still tend to be less cost-effective over time. It also requires more regular extensive dental work to be done before they are placed into your mouth. For those concerned with cost over time, traditional veneers are best for individual teeth, while snap-in veneers work better for a complete smile makeover.
Do Clip-On Smiles Look Real?
Yes, but they will look slightly different than natural teeth. Clip-on smiles are fitted to match existing teeth in your mouth. One key difference is their coloration – because of the material they are made of, they do not yellow in the way that teeth normally do over time. They also don’t attach to the base of your gums and do not have gaps in between teeth.
While they are not indistinguishable from real teeth, clip-on smiles can offer a vast improvement to your quality of life.
Clip-on veneers require a mold of your mouth to be taken before they are shipped to you. For this reason, it is important to find a partner who has a proven record of expertise.
Will Snap-On Teeth Damage My Existing Teeth?
A common misconception about clip-on smiles is that they damage existing teeth in the mouth. They don’t. However, they can lead wearers to ignore regular dental hygiene.
Teeth are built to last – covered in enamel, and they are resistant to average wear and tear. However, they also require regular maintenance to avoid decay. Failing to regularly clean your teeth can lead to gingivitis. When teeth aren’t cleaned, the rubbing of veneers against gums can lead to more bacterial growth and more painful eating.
Provided that you do not neglect cleaning your teeth regularly, snap-on veneers will not damage your teeth.
Care & Maintenance Guide
Food & Drink
While you can eat and drink certain foods while wearing clip-on smiles, it isn’t always recommended. Hard, crunchy, and hot foods can damage the integrity of your veneers. Additionally, chewy foods like gum and caramel should also be avoided, as they can get stuck in your veneers. Acidic foods and drinks like coffee can eat away at the material, shortening the lifespan of veneers.
In short: yes, you can eat food and drink liquids while wearing clip-on smiles. However, care should be taken in certain situations.
Oral Hygiene
Wearing removable veneers will make your smile aligned and bright, but is not a replacement for existing dental healthcare. Brushing and flossing your teeth every morning and night is highly recommended alongside the care of your clip-on smile. When surface bacteria is not properly removed, it can accumulate on your clip-on veneers, leading to a less precise fit.
Cleaning Your Clip-On Veneers
Aside from cleaning your teeth as normal, you should take care to maintain and clear your clip-on veneers every night. This is best paired with existing dental hygiene practices. Remove your veneers every night and leave them in a glass of water, best paired with denture cleaners to kill bacteria that may have accumulated on them during the daytime.
With good maintenance and cleaning, clip-on veneers can last longer. Keeping them in good condition is essential for keeping a bright smile!
Dental Lab Direct Offers At-Home Delivery for Clip-On Veneers
The decision between clip-on veneers and traditional veneers largely boils down to the question of cost. Traditional options require less maintenance and last longer but are significantly more expensive than their clip-on counterparts.
Having the smile of your dreams doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. At Dental Lab Direct, we offer clip-on veneers that you can order without leaving your home. Simply order an impression kit online, take the impression at home, and send it back to us. Within three weeks, a veneer will arrive on your doorstep, perfectly fit to the shape of your mouth.
Are you ready to get the smile you’ve dreamed about? Contact us today for more information about our services.
