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Close-up view of a woman's smile showing before and after Dental Veneers by S&L Dental in Paradise Valley, AZ
Medically reviewed by Dr. David Ngo, DDS, Founder at S&L Dental

Dental Veneers

Are your teeth stained or discolored? Do you have embarrassing gaps between your teeth? Are some of them crooked or chipped? Dental veneers may be the perfect solution for you. Most people won’t even realize that you had work done! Dr. David Ngo is a cosmetic dentistry expert, and he’s pleased to offer his services to the residents of Scottsdale and Paradise Valley, Arizona. Click or call today to schedule your appointment at S&L Dental!

Porcelain, Composite or Prepless: Which Veneer Is Right for You?

We offer all three. Here is how they compare, so you can come to your consultation knowing the trade-offs.

Porcelain Veneers

Material: Lab-made porcelain

Tooth prep: A thin layer of enamel is usually removed

Visits: Usually two, a few weeks apart

Staining: Highly stain resistant

Lifespan: The longest of the three. One long-term study found 93.5% still in place at 10 years.

Best for: Bigger changes in color and shape, and the most durable result

Composite Veneers

Material: Tooth-colored resin, sculpted in the office

Tooth prep: Little or none

Visits: One

Staining: Can stain over time. Polished at cleanings.

Lifespan: Shorter than porcelain. 88% survival over two to eight years in a 2023 review. Easy to repair.

Best for: Chips, gaps, uneven edges, a same-day result and a lower cost

Prepless Veneers

Material: Ultra-thin lab-made porcelain

Tooth prep: None or minimal. Enamel is kept.

Visits: Usually two

Staining: Highly stain resistant

Lifespan: About 97% survival over two to nine years in a 2025 review of no-prep veneers

Best for: Small, worn or spaced teeth, and keeping your natural enamel

Survival figures come from published studies (Beier 2012; Lim 2023; Hameed 2025) and are not a guarantee for any one patient. Results depend on your bite, habits and care.

Veneers Q & A

What Are Dental Veneers?

Dental veneers are very thin sheets of tooth-colored porcelain that rest on the surfaces of teeth. They’re durable and custom-made to closely hug the contours of the tooth for a natural look and a comfortable fit. Veneers provide a long-term solution to imperfections in your teeth. Including staining or discoloration, chips, cracks, and wear. Porcelain veneers have a translucent nature, which gives them a very natural look. They’re also durable and don’t stain like the enamel of your natural teeth.

What Kinds of Cosmetic Issues Can Be Corrected With Veneers?

Dr. Ngo uses veneers to correct an array of cosmetic issues, like:

  • Uneven or very worn tooth edges
  • Teeth that are stained or discolored and can’t be corrected with whitening treatments
  • Teeth that appear too small or otherwise out of proportion with the rest of the teeth or with the smile overall
  • Spaces or gaps between teeth
  • Crooked teeth
  • Chipped teeth

Veneers can play an important role in improving smile aesthetics, and they can treat an individual tooth or several teeth. They’re also very strong and durable, and they resist staining, so they maintain their appearance and usability for a very long time.

How Are Dental Veneers Applied?

Dr. Ngo usually completes the application of a dental veneer in two visits. At the first visit, he removes a very small portion of the tooth surface material — just enough to make room for the veneer thickness so the restoration is flush with neighboring tooth surfaces.

Then Dr. Ngo selects the best tint for the veneer and makes an impression of the tooth, which he sends to a dental lab that specializes in state-of-the-art restorations. During this visit, he may place a temporary veneer on the tooth to protect it. The impression will allow the dental lab to produce custom-made veneers with the best possible look and fit.

At the second office visit, the temporary veneer is removed and the tooth surface is thoroughly cleaned. Then the veneer will be adhered to the tooth using a very strong bonding agent and buffed for a perfect fit. Once the application is finished, you can enjoy your new smile right away.

Why Do Patients Have Their Teeth Whitened Before Having Veneers Applied?

Veneers are very resistant to penetrating stains, and they’re also resistant to whitening agents. To ensure veneers match teeth when they look their best, many patients have their teeth whitened before having a veneer applied to ensure the veneer matches perfectly.

What Are the Advantages of Porcelain Veneers?

Veneers are an excellent solution for your dental imperfections for many reasons. Porcelain is well-tolerated by gum tissue, and its translucence makes it look more natural with your other teeth. Porcelain veneers also resist staining, so they keep their beautiful appearance. You can also select a color for your veneers that whitens darkened or discolored teeth.

Do Veneers Require Special Care?

Veneers are very easy to care for. All they require is regular brushing, flossing, and routine dental visits to make sure they stay in good shape.

However, like natural teeth, veneers can also be chipped. To make sure veneers stay in the best shape possible, avoid chewing on hard candy or ice, and don’t chew on pencils or other hard objects. Never use your teeth as prying tools (good advice for natural teeth, veneers, and other restorations).

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