Snap-On Smile is a prescription-only type of clip-in veneer that can improve the look of your smile without costing a huge amount. They also don’t require lengthy dental appointments and procedures requiring your teeth to be shaved down.
But does that mean that they look fake, and are they safe? Will they damage your natural teeth and gums?
We will answer all of these questions and more about Snap-On Smile, including:
- What is Snap-On Smile and how do you get them?
- What dental issues can be treated with these veneers?
- How much does Snap-On Smile cost in the UK?
- What are the pros and cons?
- What do Snap-On Smile reviews say?
If you are considering clip-in veneers, it’s worth doing a little bit of research first. While these snap-on veneers are prescribed by a dentist, they are still a cheaper alternative to tried and tested dental treatments.
Keep reading to learn more about these clip-in veneers to see if they are the right cosmetic dental treatment for you.
Table of contents
What is Snap-On Smile?
Snap-On Smile, as we mentioned above, is a type of clip-in veneer. These veneers are custom made and fit snugly over your teeth to cover any imperfections such as chips, gaps, stains and crowding. When worn, they should give you a temporarily whiter, brighter, and more confident smile.
Clip-in veneers are a more affordable alternative to dental treatments such as porcelain or composite veneers, dental crowns, or orthodontics. They may appeal to those that can’t afford dental treatment or don’t want to have their teeth shaved down for traditional veneers.
The difference between these clip-in veneers and others on the market is that Snap-On Smile must be prescribed by a dentist. They are made from a slightly flexible hi-tech dental resin material that fits over your teeth and allows you to eat, speak and smile when worn.
Snap-On Smile veneers are fully tooth-supported so they shouldn’t rub on your gums or the roof of your mouth. They come in varying shapes, colours and sizes, and your provider should be able to help you decide which ones work best for you.
Although these clip-ons are prescribed, they are not a replacement for proper dental treatments. They are purely superficial, and will not help treat the adverse health effects caused by damaged or missing teeth.
If you have missing teeth and are suffering from jawbone deterioration, then dental implants may be more suitable when it comes to your dental health.
How do you get Snap-On Smile?
Getting these clip-in veneers is not as simple in the UK as it is in the US. You can’t just go on their website and input your postcode to find your nearest provider.
You can, however, do a quick google search for dentists near you that offer Snap-On Smile, or you can check with your local dentist if you are eligible, and if they can recommend a provider.
Once you have found a provider, the process involves the following steps:
- Initial consultation to access your eligibility, and whether you would like the upper or lower arch (or both)
- The dentist will take impressions of your teeth to send them away to a dental lab so your custom snap-ons can be made
- In 4 weeks time, you will have a second appointment to fit your veneers so your dentist can make any minor adjustments needed
- Your dentist will show you have to put in and take out your clip-in veneers
The following video shows the full procedure, including how they are made and how adjustments are made.
How much does Snap-On Smile cost in the UK?
Snap-On Smile cost varies from dentist to dentist and between practices. It will also depend on whether you need an upper or lower arch, both, or just a partial arch. Your dentist will be able to assess your teeth and provide a quotation.
The average cost for one arch is roughly £1000, and £1,700 for both arches. Some places have been known to charge as much as £1,500 for just a single arch so it is worth shopping around.
While Snap-On Smile clip-in veneers are the most expensive on the market, they are the best. That is because they are the only snap-on veneers offered by a dentist, and made by dental technicians.
If you are looking for a cheaper alternative to Snap-On Smile you can buy ready-made ones online that can cost as little as £10. They don’t require a dental appointment before you buy them. Slightly ‘better' options like Instasmile and Secret Veneers slide in smile are those that require you to take impressions and cost between £250 and £600.
However, be very wary of any of these cheaper types of veneers as they can have detrimental effects on your teeth and overall dental health. If you are going to opt for clip-in veneers we recommend the gold standard, Snap-On Smile veneers, over any of these cheaper alternatives.
How does the price of Snap-On Smile compare to real veneers?
Snap-On Smile may seem expensive in comparison to other clip-ins, but if we compare them to real veneers, prices may surprise you. Porcelain veneers are much more expensive, as you may expect, with prices ranging from £400-£1000 per veneer. Composite veneers cost between £100-£400, which depending on how many veneers you need, may end up being a similar price to Snap-On Smile at £1,700.
Porcelain veneer prices may seem out of reach in the UK, but if we have a look at how much they might cost you abroad, they aren't much more than Snap-On Smile.
Abroad you can get a single porcelain veneer for as little as £120 in countries like Thailand or roughly £200 in countries like Poland or Hungary. So if you are only considering getting these clip-ins because they are more affordable than real veneers, consider getting porcelain veneers for a similar price abroad.
Is Snap-On Smile safe?
In comparison to other brands of clip-in veneers, Snap-On Smile are by far the safest. However, they are not a replacement for proper dental treatments. They are a superficial and temporary solution, to help you feel confident about your smile.
There is a possibility that if your clip-ins don’t fit perfectly they can rub on your teeth and gums. But, as they are dentist prescribed, your dentist should make sure your clip-in veneers fit perfectly in your final appointment.
You should also be mindful of your dental hygiene when wearing clip-in veneers, especially durable ones that you can wear when eating. If any food particles get trapped they can create a breeding ground for bacteria causing tooth decay. Ideally, you should brush your teeth, and clip-in veneers straight after eating or drinking sugary drinks.
If you plan to use these veneers to cover up issues like tooth decay, or chipped teeth, remember they are not a solution. Covering up an issue may only make it worse, and treatment could cost more in the long run. A single NHS treatment costs £282.80, which is much more affordable than any Snap-On Smile cost.
Snap-On Smile pros and cons
Snap-On Smile veneers are very much a temporary alternative to dental treatments. But that doesn’t mean that they don’t have their advantages. Let’s take a closer look at some of the Snap-On Smile pros and cons.
Pros
- Temporary – Allow you to try veneers before commiting to the procedure and costs involved.
- Semi-permanent – Durable enough to wear while eating, just remember to remove them while sleeping.
- Removable – Easy to remove and put back in whenever you like.
- No dental work required – If you are eligible for these snap-on veneers, you don’t need any work done on your teeth prior to getting them.
- Cost – Cheaper than permanent veneers.
Cons
- Increased risk of plaque and tooth decay – Plaque and bacteria can build-up between your teeth and the veneers and cause tooth decay and gum disease if you don’t maintain good dental hygiene.
- Damage to teeth and gums – If your veneers don’t fit perfectly they can rub and cause damage to your enamel and gum tissue.
- Superficial – Only cover-up dental issues, not treat them, which can make them worse in the long run if they are not addressed.
Snap-On Smile reviews UK
It wasn’t easy finding Snap-On Smile real reviews as so many of the reviews out there are of fake versions that you can buy online. So, be careful when buying these clip-in veneers as the real ones can only be prescribed by a dentist. They are not sold online and cannot be purchased over the phone.
With there being so many counterfeit versions, the best place to find reviews and Snap-On Smile before and after pictures is at your provider's dental practice. That way you know that the reviews and pictures you are seeing are of the official product.
We did, however, find some real reviews from the US and Canada that we will share.
Snap-On Smile is very bulky and uncomfortable at times. I can't talk with them in to save my life and your dentist will tell you that you can eat with them, but that's not true. $3500 down the drain, save your money and don't let your dentist make a quick easy buck, like I did.
-Snap-On Smile customer
The experience with the Dr was great, but a year and a [half] later (after the warranty expired) I started getting holes in my Snap-On smile. I called their office and I asked how to repair the holes. They told me they could not be repaired and my only recourse is to buy another – For $1875.
-Snap-On Smile customer
I am on my second set. I wore the first set nearly full time and both upper and lower surface wore through to where there were holes in the fixture in only five months. The second set had such thin areas it wore through at one point in six months despite only wearing when I was with friends or associates. Am seeking a better product.
-Snap-On Smile customer
Conclusion
Snap-On Smile is the gold standard when it comes to clip-in veneers, but they are still very much a temporary fix, not a substitute for proper dental treatment. They can cover up a range of different issues including stains, chips, gaps, crowded teeth, and in some cases, missing teeth. But, they are not without their disadvantages.
You must remember to maintain good dental hygiene and seek appropriate dental care for issues that may cause long-term detrimental effects on your overall dental health. With most treatments with the NHS being no more than £282.80, it would actually work out cheaper to get proper dental care.
However, because you need a dental assessment by a licensed dentist to be approved for Snap-On Smile they will likely pick up on any underlying issues that need treatment first. This is why they are our top recommendation if you are really set on getting clip-in veneers.
After looking at some of the Snap-On Smile bad reviews, it is really important that you make sure your dentist makes any and all adjustments needed. Otherwise you may end up with ones that look bulky and fake, or that feel uncomfortable to wear. Remember they don’t last forever, so you will need to pay for replacements eventually.
FAQS
Can you eat with Snap-On Smile?
Yes, it is possible to eat with these clip-in veneers. They are made from a hi-tech dental resin material that is slightly flexible and durable enough that you can keep them on while you eat.
Can Snap-On Smile replace missing teeth?
Yes, they can replace missing teeth, but only temporarily and not multiple missing teeth. The best way to replace missing teeth is to get dental implants and crowns. This will help to stop the deterioration of the jawbone and other issues associated with missing teeth.
How long does a Snap-On Smile last?
Snap-On Smile should last several years with the appropriate care. They can be used as a temporary or long-term solution depending on your individual dental health.
Can I buy Snap-On Smile online?
No, you cannot buy Snap-On Smile online or over the phone. There are many counterfeit versions on the market, but the real ones can only be prescribed by a licensed dentist.
BDJ. DIY dentistry: Clip-on veneer. Consulted 29th October 2021