Updated on October 2, 2024
6 min read

Snap-On Smiles: How They Work & Costs

NewMouth is reader supported. We may earn a commission if you purchase something using one of our links. Advertising Disclosure.

What is a Snap-On SmileĀ®?

A Snap-On Smile is a brand of snap-on veneers (also called “temporary” or “clip-on” veneers). It helps you achieve a “Hollywood smile” without undergoing complex dental procedures.

Wearing snap-on veneers provide you with an affordable smile makeover. For many, Snap-On Smile gives them self-confidence because they look similar to natural teeth.

These snap-on veneers are thin, durable, and made of hi-tech dental resin. Snap-On Smile is a comfortable alternative to help people avoid the discomfort of complex cosmetic dental treatments.

How Does Snap-On Smile Work?

The Snap-On Smile process takes place at a dental office. It takes two visits and consists of three steps:

  1. The dentist takes an impression of your teeth and sends it to a lab.
  2. The lab technicians make a custom-fitted set of Snap-On Smile removable veneers and mail them back to your dentist.
  3. The dentist makes sure the Snap-on smile fits your teeth

Depending on the patient, a Snap-On Smile can be a temporary or long-term cosmetic solution. The product is available for the upper and lower teeth.

Snap-On Smiles don’t require drilling, shots, or adjustments in tooth structure. Cleaning your device is also simple when using the brand’s proprietary cleaning solution.

Pros and Cons of Snap-On Smile

Here are the advantages and disadvantages of Snap-On Smile:

Pros

  • Cost-effective ā€“ Traditional veneers are quite expensive, but snap-on veneers can be a more cost-effective solution. They also require fewer dental visits as well, saving you time.
  • Painless ā€“ Snap-on veneers don’t require the removal of tooth structure before placement.
  • Removable ā€“ Since snap-on veneers are removable, they’re easier to clean. The easy cleaning process also aids in maintaining good oral hygiene.
  • Quick aesthetic improvement ā€“ Snap-on veneers can improve your smile’s appearance quickly. You can use them for special occasions or while waiting for other dental treatments.

Cons

  • Uncomfortable ā€“ Wearing snap-on veneers can be uncomfortable, and it can take time to adapt compared to traditional veneers.
  • Oral health issues ā€“ Not cleaning your snap-on veneers regularly can increase the risk of cavities and other oral health issues.
  • Durability ā€“ While snap-on veneers are durable, they should never replace necessary dental work and orthodontic treatment (like braces).
  • Eating and drinking limitations ā€“ You should avoid certain food and drink so you don’t stain or chip your snap-on veneers.

Cost of Snap-On Smile

Generally, a Snap-On Smile costs between $1,000 and $3,500 or more per upper or lower arch. Some dentists may charge as low as $500 to $1,000 per arch.

Snap-on veneers cost varies depending on the size, shape, and style of the teeth. Prices can differ significantly between dentists, even those in the same location.

Who Benefits From Snap-On Smiles?

A Snap-On Smile is an affordable solution that can address the following:

  • Stained teeth
  • Slightly crooked teeth
  • Chipped teeth
  • Missing teeth or gaps (fully healed)
  • Anyone with cosmetic removable partial dentures wants a more comfortable and modern alternative

Who Shouldn’t Get Snap-On Smiles?

People who need dentures or other dental restorations for medical reasons should never replace them with a cosmetic Snap-On Smile.

You shouldn’t get Snap-On Smile if you need extensive dental procedures for conditions like:

  • Cavities
  • Gum disease
  • Severely crooked teeth
  • Jaw misalignment issues
  • Damaged, chipped, or broken teeth
  • Other oral conditions

Do Snap-On Smiles Really Work?

A Snap-On Smile is an affordable and convenient way to ‘cover up’ dental problems, fix gaps, and improve aesthetics. However, these devices should never replace necessary dental work and orthodontics (like braces).

Risk Factors of Snap-On Smiles

If you choose Snap-On Smile treatment, remember that it can negatively affect oral health and natural teeth. Some of the risk factors of Snap-On Smiles include:

Increased Risk of Plaque

Due to the gap between snap-on teeth and natural teeth, dental plaque can spread easily from tooth to tooth.

Increased Risk of Decay

When wearing a Snap-On Smile, your saliva doesnā€™t wash away bacteria as quickly as it usually would. This leads to an increased risk of tooth decay due to the collection of bacteria trapped between your natural and snap-on teeth.

Discomfort

Sometimes Snap-On Smiles can feel uncomfortable when fitted in the mouth. Inserting and removing Snap-On Smile teeth can also be difficult.

Softening of the Snap-On Smile Teeth

You cannot consume hot liquids while wearing snap-on teeth. This is because the heat will soften the device. This can make snap-on teeth unusable during social events where users want to feel confident with their smiles.

Poor Quality

Snap-On Smiles wear down over time. They’re less strong, durable, and protective than professional dental restorations. Investing in high-quality restorations, such as dentures, is essential if you are concerned about quality. 

Alternative Removable Veneer Companies

If you’re looking for alternatives to Snap-On Smile, you can check out the following snap-on veneer companies:

The treatment process is similar to Snap-On Smile, but these companies ship you an impression kit at home. Your impressions still go to a professional dental lab, then the finished veneers are sent to your home.

Alternative Dental Treatments

A Snap-On Smile isnā€™t for everyone, and various alternatives exist to create a beautiful smile. These include:

Veneers 

Veneers are a cosmetic dentistry procedure that improves the appearance of teeth. They are thin, customized shells that cover the front of your teeth to change their color, shape, and/or size.

Dental veneers are made of either ceramic porcelain or composite resin. Porcelain veneers look more natural on existing teeth than composite veneers and Snap-On Smile.

Dental Bonding 

During a dental bonding procedure, a tooth-colored resin material is applied and hardened with a special curing light. 

This procedure ā€˜bondsā€™ the resin material to the tooth to restore or create a perfect smile.

Clear Aligners 

Clear aligners such as Invisalign, Smile Direct Club, Candid Co, and Byte straighten teeth gently and gradually using multiple sets of clear, thin, and comfortable devices that fit over your teeth.

Braces

If you have issues with your bite or the spacing of your teeth, you may need braces. Traditional metal braces correct bite problems, close gaps between teeth, and adequately align your jaw and teeth.

Metal braces adjust one tooth at a time using brackets attached to specific points on the teeth. Traditional braces can take up to two years to straighten teeth.

Teeth Whitening

A Snap-On Smile is a part-time or temporary solution for people with stained or discolored teeth. Many teeth whitening treatment options can help you achieve whiter teeth 24/7.

Dental Implants 

Dental implants replace missing teeth or are used for people who need teeth removed. They’re made of alloplastic materials implanted into the oral tissues found beneath the mucosa, periosteum, and/or through the jaw bone.

Dental implants offer retention and support for a fixed or removable dental prosthesis. 

Summary

Snap-On Smile is a great way to improve your smile without the commitment of braces or other treatments. It offers a fast and simple solution for short-term cosmetic improvement.

However, you should visit a licensed dentist for professional advice before investing in any type of cosmetic dentistry procedure.

Last updated on October 2, 2024
6 Sources Cited
Last updated on October 2, 2024
All NewMouth content is medically reviewed and fact-checked by a licensed dentist or orthodontist to ensure the information is factual, current, and relevant.

We have strict sourcing guidelines and only cite from current scientific research, such as scholarly articles, dentistry textbooks, government agencies, and medical journals. This also includes information provided by the American Dental Association (ADA), the American Association of Orthodontics (AAO), and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
  1. Snap On Smile, 2018
  2. Veneers, Health Direct, 2018, https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/veneers
  3. Tamer, Ä°pek et al., Orthodontic Treatment with Clear Aligners and The Scientific Reality Behind Their Marketing: A Literature Review., Turkish journal of orthodontics, 2019
  4. Gupta R, Gupta N, Weber KK. Dental Implants,Ā  StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2020 Jan
  5. Esquivel, Jonathan et al. ā€œThe utilization of snap-on provisionals for dental veneers: From an analog to a digital approach.ā€ Journal of esthetic and restorative dentistry : official publication of the American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry, 2020
  6. Alani, A et al. ā€œBalancing the risks and benefits associated with cosmetic dentistry – a joint statement by UK specialist dental societies.ā€ British dental journal, 2015
linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram