The dangers of snap-on veneers: another TikTok oral trend

Due to the fast-paced nature of social media, online trends prioritize and perpetuate instantaneous results and satisfaction. We've seen it before on the dental side of TikTok: DIY braces, tooth gems, self-proclaimed "veneer techs" whose services are faster and cheaper than going to a licensed professional. Well, now people are turning to snap-on (or click-on) veneers for a completely new smile.

And while the results may look good initially, they can pose a serious threat to patients' oral health. Clinicians need to warn patients against this cosmetic procedure and encourage them to pursue safer alternatives done by a dental professional.

Teeth are not nails-you can't buy them "press-on"

What makes snap-on veneers so appealing to patients is that they're low-cost, easily applied, and don't require permanent reshaping of the teeth. They resemble traditional porcelain veneers but lack the quality, longevity, and natural appearance that comes with them.¹

Additionally, they can be purchased online (even through stores like Amazon) and can be applied at home within minutes. Snap-on veneers are typically made out of plastic, which means they can be softened with hot water. Once the veneers are pliable, they are placed over the teeth to harden.¹

Whereas porcelain veneers can cost upwards of $5000, most snap-on veneers fall between the $15 to $30 price point. Not only that, but they're commitment-free; patients don't have to sacrifice their enamel or make decisions about their smile that will affect them for the rest of their lives.

Many users seek them out to temporarily correct or conceal small imperfections, including missing teeth, gaps between teeth, short/worn teeth, discolored/stained teeth, and chipped teeth.²

Dangers of "dentist-free" veneers

But these snap-on veneers aren't as low-risk as they seem. Since they fit over existing teeth, they may attract and breed bacteria; if they are worn while eating, food particles and plaque can get trapped between a tooth's surface and the veneer. This may cause tooth decay to set in. Hard or sticky foods like candies, raw vegetables, nuts, and gum can break or damage the plastic and therefore should be avoided.²

They can also damage the enamel of the tooth or promote gum disease.

In conclusion: another useless trend

The rising popularity of snap-on veneers may be due to society's ever-increasing pursuit of perfection, which has been both normalized and perpetuated by social media. Cosmetic procedures-dental and otherwise-are on the rise. In fact, there has been a notable uptick of celebrities sporting new, picture-perfect pearly whites.³

If your patients are looking to correct their teeth, snap-on veneers are not the way to go. Educating them on safer, alternative solutions like composite or porcelain veneers can help them achieve the smile they're looking for. In fact, advancements in digital technology are making composite veneers easier to manufacture now more than ever.

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