Scrolling through Instagram and Tik Tok, it seems every influencer has an attractive, straight, bright smile. To attain that desirable look, patients with teeth that are chipped, misshapen, or discolored often seek cosmetic dental options to fix those flaws. Whitening can brighten teeth, while orthodontic treatment can straighten them. But sometimes, the best solution is to cover unsightly natural teeth with a material that mimics perfect teeth. 

That’s where veneers come in. 

We’ll take a look at two types of veneers: snap-on and permanent, and help you decide which option might be best for your needs and budget. 

What is Snap-on Smile?

Snap-on Smile is a brand of temporary veneers that snap on over natural teeth, similar to a retainer or Invisalign tray. They can be made to cover only a few teeth or the entire upper and lower arch. Because snap-on veneers are made of flexible acetyl resin that hugs the teeth tightly, they don’t affect speech, and patients can leave them in while eating and drinking. However, biting into sticky foods can dislodge the trays, while hard things like carrots and ice can cause damage. 

Although some pop-on veneers similar to Snap-on Smile are available in DIY kits, Snap-on Smile is only available in dental offices. This eliminates the possibilities of patients getting the wrong size trays for their teeth. Dentists carefully measure a patient’s bite and take impressions of natural teeth to determine the veneer size and shape that will look and feel best. After sending these specifications to the manufacturer, the trays are delivered to the dental office in 1-2 weeks. As long as the fit is right, the patient gets to leave the office with a new set of pearly whites.

What are Permanent Veneers?

Unlike Snap-on Smile, traditional veneers are permanently fixed to the teeth. Before placement, the dentist shaves off a thin layer of enamel to allow the veneers to bond securely and blend seamlessly with surrounding teeth. For this reason, if a permanent veneer gets damaged, it needs to be replaced right away since the health of the underlying tooth is compromised. 

There are two options for permanent veneer materials: Porcelain and composite. Porcelain veneers are fabricated based on a physical mold or 3D imaging, and they are made to fit the exact size and shape specifications of each tooth. Since the dentist applies each shell-like tooth cover individually, patients can opt for one veneer or a whole set. 

Composite veneers are made of a softer resin, and are painted onto the teeth in layers. The dentist can shape and mold them as they go until the desired size and shape is achieved. 

Differences Between Snap-on Smile and Permanent Veneers

Deciding which cosmetic dental option is best depends on a patient’s dental health, budget, and aesthetic goals. Here are a few key differences between temporary dental veneers and traditional veneers:  

	Snap-on Smile	Traditional Veneers
Tooth Altering	Placed over natural teeth, similar to putting in a retainer, and the natural teeth stay intact.	Requires the removal of a thin layer of enamel, which is irreversible. The affected teeth will always need to be covered by a veneer unless they undergo another protective process (such as getting a crown).
Durability	Can be left in while eating and drinking, but biting hard foods like raw veggies and nuts can cause cracks. Sticky treats and chewy candy can also cause damage. It’s best to remove the trays while consuming these kinds of foods.	Porcelain and composite veneers are made to become a permanent part of the tooth and are very strong, but hard foods and chewy foods like steak should be cut into bite sized pieces and chewed with molars.
Realistic Appearance	Comes all in one piece, so there are no visible gaps between the teeth — a telltale sign that the veneers are prosthetic.	Placed on each tooth individually, so gaps between them are still visible for a more natural look.
Affordability	Patients can expect to pay from $1,000 to $3,500 per arch, but they will likely need to be replaced every two to five years.	Customized veneers cost around $1,000 per tooth, so a full set could cost $12,000 or more.

When is Snap-on-Smile Not Recommended?

Snap-on veneers should only be an option for patients who have healthy teeth and gums. Those who have the following conditions will need to have other dental procedures done first before addressing cosmetic concerns:

• Existing decay. Cavities should be filled before wearing pop-on veneers, since bacteria from food and drinks can make its way under the trays and cause further decay. Patients who have severe cavities that require a root canal will need a crown instead of Snap-on Smile to protect the tooth.

• Cracked or chipped teeth. A tooth that is cracked or chipped might expose the underlying tooth structure, making the tooth vulnerable to decay and infection. If damage reaches the nerves, it can cause pain and sensitivity. A dentist will need to assess whether the chip or crack should be fixed to save the tooth and improve the patient’s comfort.

• Periodontal disease. It’s important for patients to have healthy gums before wearing temporary dental veneers, so any gum disease will need to be addressed first.    

Jaw misalignments. Jaw misalignments cannot be treated with Snap-on Smile (or any other veneers, for that matter). Any problems with TMJ issues should be addressed first, especially since teeth grinding and clenching can damage snap-on veneers. A dentist may suggest Invisalign treatment to fix TMJ, or wearing a mouthguard at night to prevent grinding.