Cosmetic Dentistry in Summerville, SC
Maybe it is a chipped front tooth you notice every time you look in the mirror, or a shade of yellow that whitening strips never quite fixed. Maybe it is a gap, a worn edge, or an old filling that no longer matches the teeth around it. Whatever the concern, cosmetic dentistry gives you real options, and the right plan starts with an honest look at what is possible for your teeth, your goals, and your budget.
At Old Trolley Dental Associates, Dr. Scott Kibler and Dr. Michael Skovira provide cosmetic dental care in Summerville, SC from a two-doctor private practice where both doctors are involved in treatment planning. Dr. Kibler has practiced in Summerville since 2006. Dr. Skovira completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency at the Medical University of South Carolina and joined the practice full-time in 2015. Together, they combine digital smile design, same-day restorations, and a no-pressure consultation so you can make decisions with confidence.
What Is Cosmetic Dentistry?
Cosmetic dentistry is dental care that improves how your teeth, gums, and smile look, including their color, shape, size, alignment, and overall balance. General dentistry keeps your mouth healthy and working well, while cosmetic treatment refines its appearance. In practice, the two often overlap. A porcelain veneer can protect a worn tooth, and straightening crowded teeth can make them easier to keep clean.
Because cosmetic work sits on top of your natural teeth, oral health comes first. If a cavity, a cracked tooth, or gum disease needs attention, Dr. Kibler and Dr. Skovira address it as part of your plan through our general dentistry services, so your results have a stable foundation.
Concerns Cosmetic Dentistry Can Address
Patients come to our Summerville office with a wide range of cosmetic concerns. Some of the most common include:
Many patients have more than one of these concerns. When that is the case, a combined plan often produces a more natural, balanced result than treating each issue on its own.
Cosmetic Dental Treatments at Old Trolley Dental Associates
Every treatment we offer was chosen for its reliability, its range of uses, and its ability to deliver natural-looking results. Each one can be done on its own or combined into a broader plan.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are ultra-thin shells custom-made to cover the front surface of your teeth. They can address discoloration, chips, cracks, gaps, and minor misalignment in a single treatment, and they are crafted to match the natural translucency of surrounding teeth. Our doctors use 3D digital smile design and printed mock-ups, so you can preview the shape and shade before treatment begins. With proper care, veneers routinely last a decade or longer.
Dental Bonding
Dental bonding uses a tooth-colored composite resin, shaped directly on the tooth, to repair chips, close small gaps, and correct minor shape irregularities. It can often be completed in a single appointment without removing enamel. For patients with an isolated concern and limited time, bonding is frequently the right first step.
Professional Teeth Whitening
Stains from food, beverages, tobacco, and aging are among the most common concerns we see. Our professional teeth whitening options include in-office treatment and custom take-home trays. Both use professional-grade whitening agents that go well beyond what over-the-counter products can achieve.
Smile Makeovers
A smile makeover combines two or more treatments, such as whitening, veneers, bonding, and crowns, into one coordinated plan. Dr. Skovira uses digital smile design to show you a preview of the possible outcome, which helps you and your doctor agree on the result before any work begins.
Invisalign and Clear Aligners
Clear aligners gradually straighten crooked, crowded, or gapped teeth using a series of removable, nearly invisible trays. They are a discreet option for adults who want a straighter smile without traditional braces. Patients who are still growing are referred to an orthodontist, so each patient gets the most appropriate care for their stage of development.
Gum Contouring
Sometimes the teeth are fine, but the gum line makes them look short or uneven. Gum contouring reshapes excess gum tissue to create a more balanced frame for your smile. It is often paired with veneers or bonding when the goal is a more even, proportional look.
Same-Day CEREC Crowns
When a tooth is too damaged for bonding or a veneer, a crown restores both strength and appearance. With in-house CEREC technology, our same-day crowns are designed, milled, and placed in one visit, with no temporary crown and no second appointment.
Overdentures
For patients missing most or all of their teeth, overdentures attach to dental implants for a more stable fit and a more natural-looking smile than traditional dentures. Implant placement is handled in-house, which keeps treatment coordinated under one roof.
Your consultation is the best place to compare these options side by side, since the right choice depends on your teeth, your goals, and how long you want the results to last.
How Dr. Kibler and Dr. Skovira Plan Your Cosmetic Treatment
Every cosmetic treatment at Old Trolley begins with a conversation. Dr. Kibler and Dr. Skovira take the time to understand what you would like to change, review the health of your teeth and gums, and walk you through the options that make sense for your situation. There are no pressure tactics and no one-size-fits-all recommendations. You leave with a clear understanding of what treatment involves, what it costs, and what results are realistic.
Our practice works almost entirely without traditional impressions, relying on digital scanning for greater precision and comfort. For veneers and smile makeovers, digital smile design lets you preview proposed changes before a single tooth is touched. The same planning helps keep cosmetic outcomes predictable and consistent from the first visit to the final result.
The Connection Between Your Smile and Your Well-Being
Choosing cosmetic dental care is not a matter of vanity. Research published in the CDC’s peer-reviewed journal Preventing Chronic Disease found that oral health and psychological well-being are directly linked, with self-rated oral health tied meaningfully to mental health outcomes. When you feel good about the way your smile looks, that confidence can carry into your daily interactions and your professional life.
For patients who have spent years covering their mouths in photos or holding back a laugh, addressing a long-standing concern can make a noticeable difference in how comfortable they feel smiling.
Cost, Insurance, and Financing for Cosmetic Dentistry
The cost of cosmetic dentistry depends on the treatment, how many teeth are involved, and whether any restorative work is needed first. Dental insurance generally does not cover treatment done purely for appearance. Procedures that also restore function, such as a crown on a damaged tooth, may qualify for partial coverage. We accept most major PPO plans and can review your benefits with you before treatment begins.
For costs not covered by insurance, we offer financing through Cherry and CareCredit. Patients without insurance can also join our in-house membership plan, which includes discounts on additional treatment. You can review every option on our financial options page.
What to Do if You Are Considering Cosmetic Dentistry
If you are thinking about improving your smile, a little preparation can help you get the most out of your first visit.
Start with what bothers you most. Notice when you feel self-conscious about your smile, whether it is color, a chip, spacing, or the shape of certain teeth. Saving a few photos of smiles you like can also help your doctor understand your goals.
Get your dental health checked first. Cosmetic results last longest on healthy teeth and gums. If it has been a while since your last exam, plan on starting there.
Ask about longevity and upkeep. Whitening, bonding, and veneers each have different lifespans and maintenance needs. Knowing that upfront helps you choose the option that fits your lifestyle.
Talk about budget early. Ask what insurance may cover and which financing options apply, so there are no surprises once treatment begins.
If you are anxious about dental visits, let us know. Our sedation dentistry options can help you feel more comfortable during longer or more involved appointments.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cosmetic Dentistry
Is a cosmetic dentist different from a general dentist?
The American Dental Association does not recognize cosmetic dentistry as a separate branch of dentistry, so most cosmetic treatment is provided by general dentists with additional training and experience. Dr. Kibler spends many hours each year in continuing education, and Dr. Skovira leads the practice’s digital smile design process.
Does dental insurance cover cosmetic dentistry?
Insurance usually does not cover treatment done only to improve appearance. Treatments that also restore function, like crowns on damaged teeth, may be partially covered. Our team can review your benefits and explain financing through Cherry and CareCredit.
How long do cosmetic dental results last?
It depends on the treatment and your habits. Whitening fades gradually and can be refreshed with touch-ups. Bonding may need repair or replacement over time. Porcelain veneers routinely last a decade or longer with good home care and regular checkups.
Is cosmetic dental treatment painful?
Most cosmetic treatments involve little discomfort. Bonding often does not require numbing, and some patients notice temporary sensitivity after whitening. For veneers and crowns, local anesthetic keeps you comfortable, and sedation is available for anxious patients.
Which cosmetic treatment is right for me?
The best option depends on your concern, the condition of your teeth, and how long you want results to last. A consultation lets your doctor examine your teeth and compare options with you before you decide.
Can I combine more than one cosmetic treatment?
Yes. Many patients combine treatments, such as whitening before bonding or veneers, so every tooth matches. When several treatments are coordinated into one plan, it is called a smile makeover.
Schedule Your Cosmetic Consultation in Summerville
Dr. Kibler has practiced in Summerville since 2006 and is a member of the Seattle Study Club, the American Dental Association, and the Academy of General Dentistry. He also mentors MUSC dental students in his practice. Dr. Skovira serves as adjunct faculty at the MUSC College of Dental Medicine and leads the practice’s digital smile design process. Our practice has earned over 1000 five-star reviews, and you can meet our doctors before you schedule.
If you have been thinking about changing your smile, we are ready when you are. Contact our office or call 843-376-6929 to schedule your cosmetic consultation with Dr. Kibler or Dr. Skovira in Summerville, SC.