Finding a fast and simple solution can be quite tempting. Snap-on-veneers provide the instant gratification that many people seek. New dental labs now bypass the dentist with a cheap, “Do It Yourself” product.  These removable veneers cover the teeth to hide a world of dental health problems. This blog discusses Do-It-Yourself Dentistry.

Traditional dental veneers that are made in a dental office are a viable option in some dental situations. They are thin shells made of porcelain or composite resin that are bonded to the front of the teeth. These custom veneers improve the appearance of the teeth. They are purely cosmetic and do not provide support or coverage but simply hide imperfections.

Snap-on-veneers are a type of removable prosthesis that fit on top of the teeth to change their appearance.

Some dentists make snap-in-veneers. They can be a reasonable short-term solution in certain situations, provided that patients receive quality dental care and necessary treatment in a timely manner.

But there are now dental labs that attempt to cut out the dentist altogether and promote the idea that patients can successfully treat themselves “in the comfort of their own homes” with no dental visit. These labs advise the public not to fix their teeth, but instead, cover up the problem.

One company refers to their snap-in-veneers as “dental contrivances.” The definition of a contrivance is “a device that gives a sense of artificiality.” While an artificial appearance may be one drawback of these phony snap-in-teeth, there are other significant issues to consider.

Here are some of the problems that customers have been reported with Do-It-Yourself Snap-In Veneers:

• People have reported that the teeth keep falling out.
• Customers have discovered the teeth were the wrong shade.
• Some people cannot talk while wearing them.
• Others cannot eat with them.
• They have been referred to as “Joke Shop Teeth.”
• They sometimes curl at the gum line to expose the underlying natural teeth.
• The plastic material can be prone to degrade when exposed to UV radiation, such as sunlight.
• Some of the companies have been unresponsive to customer complaints.

These dental labs purport that these “contrivances” are affordable options; however, the long term cost of ignoring necessary dental care is economically expensive and unhealthy. Ignoring dental care can lead to periodontal disease and the loss of teeth, which in turn affect overall health.

“Do it yourself dental treatment can produce hazardous results”

Dr. Wolfinger states, “Do it yourself treatment can produce hazardous results. A proper diagnosis is essential prior to embarking on dental treatment. Dentists are properly trained to make a diagnosis and recommend treatment options. Overlooking disease to simply mask the problem could lead to more serious problems. Teeth may be discolored due to an abscess or decay. Teeth may be mal-positioned due to bone or gum disease. It is essential to do a thorough dental examination including radiographs and a clinical exam to fully understand the etiology of the problem and to determine the proper treatment.”

Lab technician, Toni Robinson, quipped, “Hiding decay and disease will eventually catch up to you … and usually at the most inconvenient time!” 

Please contact us if you have any questions about the appearance or health of your teeth.