Dental veneers are a convenient and easy solution for many chronic dental issues. Although they’re often used to fix minor cosmetic problems, veneers are also a great option for covering up and repairing long-term tooth damage. This makes them a versatile and practical choice for many patients.

There are two common types of veneers: clip-on veneers (also known as snap-on or press-on veneers) and permanent veneers (also known as porcelain veneers). We’ll explore the primary differences between these two options, and discuss the pros and cons each brings to the table.

No matter which veneer is right for you, there’s no doubt that veneers are a great way to boost confidence and improve your smile.

What is Clip On Veneers?

Clip-on veneers are non-permanent dental appliances fabricated to fit your teeth with precision. Like a retainer or a nightguard, clip-on veneers fit over your teeth, so you can remove them at any point. Clip-on veneers are typically made of a hard resin material, which is quite durable although may become worn over time. 

What is the Process Like to Get Clip On Veneers?

One of the biggest advantages of clip-on veneers is the ease of acquiring a custom-fit appliance. The process is quick and generally non-invasive. If you’re working with your dentist’s office, you’ll schedule a consultation to talk about treatment options. After taking an impression of your teeth, your dentist will send the imprints to a manufacturer who will create your custom veneers.

You can also acquire clip-on veneers through online dental appliance services. Once you receive your dental impression kit in the mail, it’s a piece of cake to make the impressions yourself in the comfort of your home. After allowing a few weeks for the manufacturer to create your appliance, you’ll receive your custom veneers in the mail.

What Issues Do Clip-On Veneers Address?

Clip-on veneers are commonly used to treat several minor dental issues:

• Missing Teeth: Veneers are excellent for covering up missing teeth. In this case, the veneer is molded to resemble the missing tooth, seamlessly filling the gap in your smile.
  
  
• Gapping Between Teeth: For disguising large gaps between teeth, a veneer fills in the negative space, creating a full appearance.
  
  
• Stained or Yellow Teeth: We all know that some whitening treatments don’t always yield the best results depending on the extent of the damage. For teeth that are severely yellow, discolored, or stained, veneers are fitted to cover visible teeth to create a brilliant smile.

Pros and Cons of Clip-On Veneers

To help you make your decision, here are a few of the common pros and cons associated with clip-on veneers:

Pros of Clip-On Veneers

• Price – Clip-on veneers are a much more affordable option when compared to permanent veneers. Like any dental product, they vary in price depending on style and customization requirements. Prices range from $100-$600 for custom clip-on veneers, with online services starting as low as $30 (dentaly.org).
  
  
• Ease of Use – Removable veneers are easy to take in and out of your mouth. Additionally, unlike permanent veneers, you won’t have to undergo any dental alterations in order to affix the appliance to your teeth.
  
  
• Results – Great for addressing minor dental issues, clip-on veneers offer quick, smile-brightening results at a fraction of the price.

Cons of Clip-On Veneers

• Disguise Underlying Issues – While it’s great in the short term to cover a cracked tooth, make sure you aren’t sweeping your dental issues under the rug. Clip-on veneers are not a “treatment” for things like gum disease, cracks, and cavities.
  
  
• Maintenance – Because they’re made of a resin material, clip-on veneers will age over time. This means you’ll likely need to replace them every few years. Additionally, without proper cleaning, clip-on veneers may show signs of wear and tear like staining and discoloration.
  
  

What are Permanent Veneers?

Just like the name suggests, permanent veneers are long-lasting dental appliances permanently affixed to your teeth. Permanent veneers are typically made out of porcelain but occasionally may be fabricated from a composite substance. Permanent veneers are durable and made to be worn for a long period of time.

What is the Process Like to Get Permanent Veneers?

Permanent veneers always require a visit to the dentist. After consulting with you to match the veneer with the exact color of your teeth, your dentist will shape the underlying teeth so the veneer fits and is flush with the gum line. If using a composite substance, your dentist will shape the tooth before molding the composite to fill-in, in or fix, the fundamental issue.

If you’ve opted for porcelain veneers, your dentist will likely need to take impressions and then send them to a manufacturer, similar to the process for clip-on veneers. Once your porcelain veneers arrive, you’ll visit the dentist again to have them installed and to ensure they are a perfect, snug fit.

What Issues Do Permanent Veneers Address?

Permanent veneers address a wide array of dental issues ranging from cracked teeth to discoloration.

• Cracked Teeth – As previously mentioned, make sure you consult with your dentist before using any veneers to permanently treat cracked teeth. This being said permanent veneers are a fantastic way to disguise and protect damaged teeth.
  
  
• Chipped Teeth – Fill in large chips and smooth over craggy edges with the help of permanent veneers. They look so natural that you’ll never notice they’re there!
  
  
• Irregular Teeth – Whether it’s oddly shaped teeth or teeth that are varying in size, permanent veneers turn irregular teeth into a cohesive smiles.

Pros and Cons of Permanent Veneers

Here are a few of the most notable pros and cons if you’re considering permanent veneers.

Pros of Permanent Veneers

• Long-Lasting and Durable – Permanent veneers are built to last. In fact, some permanent veneers can last between 10 and 15 years (yourdentistryguide.com). Additionally, they are stain-resistant and are built of robust material that won’t crack or chip easily.
  
  
• Ultra-Natural Look – Permanent veneers are made to look exactly like real teeth and are color-matched to blend in with your smile. This means they fit in seamlessly with your other teeth and are therefore more discreet.
  
  
• No Maintenance – Once your permanent veneers are installed, you don’t need to worry about taking them out, cleaning them, or fussing with them at all. They are meant to act like normal teeth.
  
  

Cons of Permanent Veneers

• Expense – Permanent veneers can be very pricey. The average veneers cost between $925 and $1500 per tooth. Although they last a long time, this means they are a serious financial commitment and require a big investment upfront.
  
  
• Underlying Alterations – Once you have permanent veneers, there’s no going back. Because they are fitted so precisely to each tooth, the underlying teeth need to be altered to accommodate the veneer. This means you need to be 100% certain before you commit to having permanent veneers.

Dental Appliances Made Easy with Dental Lab Direct

Looking for an easier option? Skip the trip to the dentist and order online. At Dental Lab Direct we provide high-quality nightguards, partial dentures, retainers, and more, all custom-made and shipped directly to your home. With DLD’s simple 3-step process, your custom dental appliances will be on their way to you in a matter of weeks. Dental Lab Direct is dedicated to making your mouth happy, so we only use top-notch FDA-approved materials in our products.

It’s time to transform your smile. With Dental Lab Direct you can have a brilliant and healthy smile for years to come.