Clip-On Veneers vs. Permanent Veneers
Choosing a veneer solution to improve your smile is an exciting but important decision.
Clip-on veneers and porcelain dental veneers are some of the most popular choices for people looking to transform the look of their teeth.
Deciding between them isn’t always simple - it can depend on cost, invasiveness, durability, and flexibility.
Keep reading for the key differences between each to help you see which option fits your lifestyle and budget.
Veneer Comparison
| Feature | Clip-On Veneers | Dental Veneers |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | £350–£600 | £300–£1,500+ per tooth |
| Invasiveness | Non-invasive, no surgery, no needles | Irreversible enamel removal needed for adhesion |
| Warranty | 14 day manufacturer's warranty and 2 year extended warranty with one remake free of charge | No guarantee on the outcome or warranty |
| Maintenance | At-home impression process | Regular dental visits needed |
| Flexibility | Removable | Fixed |
What are Clip-On Veneers?
Clip-on veneers are a removable, cosmetic option that sit over the top of our natural teeth and cover up and discolouration, chips, gaps, and minor misalignment.
They’re completely pain-free, and made custom to your teeth so they fit flush to the gums and stay in place without adhesives or preparatory procedures.
Benefits of clip-on veneers:
- More affordable compared to cosmetic dentistry
- Removable and reversible
- Covers a wide range of dental concerns
- No dental visit needed
- Remote process
What are Dental Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-made ceramic shells that bond to mask imperfections like stains, chips, gaps, or misalignment. They offer a natural, stain-resistant look, lasting 10-20 years with benefits including minimal invasiveness and boosted confidence.
However, it is an irreversible process: dentists file down 0.5-0.7mm of natural enamel (which doesn't regenerate), potentially causing sensitivity, decay risks if veneers fail. Lifelong maintenance or replacements are required at £300-£1,500 per tooth, so it’s recommended you consult a professional to weigh the pros against this permanent commitment.
Benefits of dental veneers:
- Natural-looking results when done properly
- Can cover stains, chips, and uneven tooth size
- Cemented over the natural teeth to stay in place without removal
Considerations:
- High cost per tooth
- Irreversible effects on the teeth
- No warranties or guaranties
- Expensive to replace and maintain
Cost Comparison
instasmile clip-on veneers include one low payment (or even smaller monthly payments using a finance option).
For the same amount of teeth with Porcelain Veneers you are looking at over £10,000 investment with irreversible damage to your natural teeth and no guaranties or warranties.
Durability and Maintenance
Both options offer durability in their respective sectors.
Dental veneers can last up to 15 years with proper care and maintenance. But, they will need to be replaced rather than removed, as your natural teeth will be thinner and more sensitive due to the reduced enamel. And, if they break before this, you’re looking at a high extra cost, added dental visits, and the possibility of difference in material or shade.
With clip-on veneers, as long as your teeth don’t change and you look after it as advised, they will last as long as you need them to.
To maintain dental veneers, advice given by your dentist must be followed. instasmile maintenance simply includes regular cleaning and correct storage.
Appearance and Comfort
Veneers have a reputation of looking fake, but it depends on where you get them done, who is doing the procedure, and what material they’re made out of.
Porcelain and composite veneers can look natural when done by an experienced professional, who takes time refining the result and reducing the damage done to the natural teeth. However, if quick fixes are rushed or poorly executed, the poor fit and bulky look can cause tension and discomfort on and along the gumline.
Clip-on veneers are made to fit the shape of your mouth, slotting into place without movement or pressure - giving the same natural appearance of porcelain veneers without the price tag.
Procedure and Commitment
Clip-On Veneers
One of the key benefits of instasmile is how they’re removable.
While many customers get clip-on veneers to wear every day, some choose to wear them for special occasions or when taking pictures to make them look like the best version of themselves.
The instasmile process is:
- Take the online smile assessment and order online
- Using the at-home impression kit, take a mould of your teeth
- Send pictures of your impressions to us for approval
- Our technicians will get to work 3D designing and making your your new custom made smile
- Once they’re ready to go (with 15 days) we’ll send them back to you
- Clip on your confidence and share your smile!
Permanent Veneers
Permanent veneers begin with an in-person smile assessment. Here, you will tell your dentist what kind of look you want to achieve and the problems you’re currently facing.
Once the next step is decided, you will be invited back for the installation of dental veneers.
Some enamel must be removed for proper adhesion and a slimline look. Some patients experience sensitivity or general weakness of the teeth as a result.
It’s important to note that they cause an irreversible alteration to the teeth, and if they are ever removed in the future, additional dental work is required to add strength and aesthetics.
Which Option is Right for You?
| Feature | Clip-On Veneers | Dental Veneers |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Lower cost | High, priced per tooth |
| Invasiveness | Non-invasive | Irreversible changes to your natural teeth |
| Guarantee | 3 years | None |
| Maintenance | Simple and done at home | Dentist required and comes with additional expenses |
| Flexibility | Removable | Fixed |