Ways to Care for Your Minimal Prep Veneers

When you make an investment of your time, effort, or money into a cosmetic procedure, you want the results to last for as long as possible. While the longevity of certain treatments – like BOTOX® injections – can’t be extended, you do have some control over the outcome of others – like dental veneers. In this blog, top Manhattan cosmetic dentist, and owner of Cosmetic Dental Studios in NYC, Dr. Victoria Veytsman shares helpful tips on how to best care for your minimal prep veneers. With proper care, dental hygiene, and at-home habits, many patients are able to enjoy decades’ worth of a bright, beautiful, seamless smile with minimal prep veneers.

What are minimal prep veneers?

Minimal prep veneers are similar to traditional porcelain veneers in terms of their purpose and the potential results they offer. The primary feature that sets minimal prep veneers apart from traditional veneers is that minimal prep veneers can be placed with little to no removal of the patient’s existing tooth structure, allowing for a quicker process overall and the ability to retain as much of the natural tooth as possible.

What issues can be corrected with minimal prep veneers?

Like traditional veneers, minimal prep veneers are thin shells that are placed over the visible surfaces of the teeth to conceal flaws and create a more complete and beautiful smile. Common cosmetic concerns that lead patients to consider minimal prep veneers include:

• Stained teeth
• Tooth discoloration
• Dull or yellow teeth
• Chipped tooth
• Gaps between teeth
• Short or small teeth
• Uneven tooth length
• Unattractive tooth shape

How long do minimal prep veneers last?

Minimal prep veneers are extremely durable and designed to last for many years, but it is important for patients to remain committed to proper dental hygiene and healthy habits. With appropriate care, minimal prep veneers often last up to 20 years or longer. Should a veneer become damaged or lost, it can be easily replaced to restore the patient’s desired look.

How can I make my veneers last as long as possible?

Whether you have traditional or minimal prep veneers, you’ll need to properly care for them in order to extend their lifetime. Some of the most beneficial things you can do to keep your dental veneers strong and beautiful for as long as possible include:

• Avoid staining foods and beverages, like coffee, tea, and red wine
• When possible, brush or rinse right after consuming staining foods and beverages
• Brush, floss, and rinse twice daily
• Avoid sticky, gummy, crunchy, and overly hard foods
• Do not chew ice
• Do not smoke
• Wear a night guard to prevent clenching and grinding
• Wear a mouth guard while playing sports

In addition, patients should continue to visit the dentist twice yearly for in-office dental cleanings and exams. With these simple habits and routines, you can set yourself up for a lifetime with your stunning new smile.

Consider the convenience of minimal prep veneers in New York, NY

If you have thought about dental veneers but do not want to have a significant amount of your healthy tooth structure removed, you may be interested in the possibility of minimal prep veneers. For more information about the benefits of minimal prep dental veneers, call Cosmetic Dental Studios NYC to schedule your private consultation with one of New York’s premier celebrity dentists, Dr. Victoria Veytsman, today.