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Having a perfect smile is something many of us dream of. Unfortunately, sometimes a smile makeover can be expensive or unrealistic. For this reason, Snap-on teeth have seen a rise in popularity. They are removable, pain-free, and more affordable than braces or dentures while still hiding discolored teeth and chipped or missing teeth. With that being said, are they a good idea? Let’s find out together!
What Are Snap-On Teeth?
Snap-on teeth, also known as snap-on smiles, are designed to fit over your teeth to provide a natural smile. Think of them as a clear retainer; however, they are treated with a custom-shading to make them look like your natural teeth. The process is quite simple actually. You visit your dental professional so they can take an impression of your mouth, just like they do when you get braces. The impression is then sent to a dental laboratory so they can make your snap-on smile. Once the dentist receives the mouthpiece back from the lab, you return to the dentist’s office for your fitting and you go on your way, with a bright, natural-looking smile.
Please note: Sometimes you may see snap-on teeth being referenced as non-surgical veneers or snap-on teeth veneers; however, they are completely different. We will go into the detail of the differences in a moment, but for now, simply remember they are not the same.
What Are The Advantages of a Snap-On Smile?
In order to make any good decision, it is always wise to take a look at the pros and cons. When it comes to a snap-on smile, the decision-making process should be no different. The advantages of snap-on teeth are:
- Affordability – The cost of a snap-on smile is probably one of their biggest selling points. The cost of braces or veneers can put a hole in your pocket real quick whereas snap-on teeth average $1000-$3500 for a full set.
- Instant Results – As the name implies, snap-on teeth literally “snap” into place over your real teeth meaning it takes seconds to transform your smile.
- Non-invasive – Unlike other cosmetic dentistry options, acquiring a snap-on smile only requires a simple mold of your mouth and a couple weeks of patience while the lab produces your custom snap-on smile.
- Trial Run – If you are considering porcelain veneers, investing in snap-on teeth first can provide good insight as to how you may look with veneers.
- No Needles – For those who are wary of needles, snap-on teeth provide a great alternative. Many cosmetic treatments will require sedation, local anesthesia, or oral injections; however, a snap-on smile does not require any incisions or drilling meaning there is no need for needles!
- Pain-Free – Though some patients feel slight discomfort during their first fitting, a snap-on smile is virtually pain-free!
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What About Disadvantages?
Now that we have looked at the bright side of a snap-on smile, let’s take a look at the bad side of this dental work around. The disadvantages of snap-on teeth include:
- Uncomfortable – Since the teeth snap in place, there is no adhesive holding the arch of teeth in place which can make them uncomfortable to wear, especially while talking. Some users have even complained of the teeth interfering with the speech abilities as well as irritating to the gums.
- Not Very Durable – Unlike snap-on dentures or teeth implants such as veneers which can last upwards of 15 years or more, a snap-on smile will only last you 2 to 5 years. Though they may be cheaper initially, the cost to replace them every two years or so adds up quickly.
- No Food Allowed – Eating food (of any kind!) is completely off limits while wearing your snap-on teeth because the act of chewing can cause them to fall out. In addition, you should not drink hot liquids with them because it can “melt” the surface of the fake teeth. That means goodbye coffee dates!
- Not Regulated – Depending on where you purchase your snap-on smile, they are most likely not regulated. Do you really want something in your mouth all the time that isn’t regulated?
- Bad For Oral Health – Plaque can build up in the gap that is between your teeth and the snap-on teeth while you are wearing them. Additionally, they increase your risk of tooth decay since the bacteria gets trapped and your saliva is unable to wash it away.
- Not Covered By Insurance – Depending on the type of dental insurance you have, it is possible to have cosmetic dental procedures partially or fully covered by insurance. Unfortunately, this is not a possibility with a snap-on smile.
5 Alternatives To Snap-On Teeth
Though when you first hear the idea of a snap-on smile, you may think, “Wow, that’s a great idea.” Unfortunately, after weighing the pros and cons, you may decide that snap-on teeth are not right for you. There is no need to give up your hopes on getting that perfect smile you have been dreaming of. There are other options available to you, such as:
1. Dental Implants
One of the most common types of dental implants would be traditional or snap-on dentures. Traditional implants, also called all-on-four dentures, are permanent dentures that are held in place using four implants. Meanwhile, snap-on dentures are to be removed every night for cleaning. Every morning you then “snap” the dentures back in place using the 6-8 implants placed in your jaw. Though they snap in place, they can be worn while you eat or drink. Lastly, they typically do not cost much more than custom snap-on teeth and will last much longer. Partial dentures are an option as well depending on the type of dental treatment you need.
2. Veneers
Veneers are a permanent dental solution as well. This cosmetic dentistry procedure requires the dentist to place the customized shell to the front of your tooth thus changing the color, size, and shape of the tooth. The veneers are typically made of porcelain or composite resin. Veneers may cost more than a snap-on smile, but the veneers will always look more natural.
3. Traditional Braces
If you suffer from dental issues such as an overbite or crooked teeth, traditional braces may be the best option for you. The hardest part about having braces is they require frequent visits to the dental office for adjustments and rewiring which is part of why they are so expensive. However, if you have gaps or teeth that are not adequately aligned you may not be able to wear snap-on teeth.
If you are not a fan of having a “metal mouth” you are in luck! You can now transform your smile using clear aligners, typically known as Invisalign. Throughout the process, you will wear multiple clear aligners designed to gradually move your teeth. Regardless of your choice, we offer both orthodontic options here at Friendly Dentistry. If you have questions about which option is best for you based on your tooth structure, we are more than happy to meet with you and discuss any available options with you.
4. Dental Bonding
This is another dental procedure that is typically non-invasive. The dental bonding procedure is when a tooth-colored resin is applied to your tooth. The cosmetic dentist will then cure the resin material using a special curing light. The procedure is typically fairly quick and you can leave our dental practice that day with a radiating smile.
5. Teeth Whitening
If the color of your teeth is your main concern, taking the time to treat yourself to a teeth whitening treatment may be just what you need. In as little as one session you can see dramatic results revealing a refreshed smile.
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So in order to answer our question at the beginning, should you think twice about getting snap-on teeth, it would seem that there are plenty of other options that will last longer making them more worth your investment. Regardless of your idea of the perfect smile, the first step (and the safest step) to getting there is scheduling your free consultation with a member of our staff at Friendly Dentistry in Greensboro, North Carolina. We will assess your dental care situation and provide the best options for you!