Porcelain Veneers in Summerville, SC
Some dental concerns go beyond what whitening or bonding can fully address. Teeth that are heavily discolored, chipped, uneven, or slightly misaligned require a solution capable of transforming the entire appearance of the tooth, not just correcting a surface-level issue. Porcelain veneers are that solution, and for patients who want a dramatic, lasting improvement to their smile, few treatments come close.
At Old Trolley Dental Associates, Dr. Scott Kibler and Dr. Michael Skovira offer porcelain veneers as part of a full range of cosmetic dentistry services for patients in Summerville, SC. From the initial consultation through final placement, the process is personalized, collaborative, and designed to produce a result that looks natural rather than obviously dental.
What Porcelain Veneers Can Address
A veneer is an ultra-thin shell of dental porcelain custom-crafted to fit over the front surface of a tooth. Because each veneer is individually designed to match the specific shape, size, and shade goals for that tooth, the treatment is exceptionally versatile. Patients come to us with a wide range of concerns that veneers are well-suited to resolve.
Common reasons patients pursue veneers include:
- Severe discoloration: Staining that does not respond to professional teeth whitening, including intrinsic discoloration from medications or developmental factors
- Chipped or worn teeth: Minor chips and surface wear that affect the appearance and symmetry of a smile
- Gaps between teeth: Spaces that a patient wants closed without orthodontic treatment
- Uneven or irregular shapes: Teeth that appear too small, too wide, or inconsistently shaped relative to their neighbors
- Minor alignment concerns: Teeth that are slightly crooked or crowded in a way that affects the smile’s overall appearance
Veneers do not replace orthodontic treatment for significant alignment issues, but for patients whose primary concern is cosmetic and whose bite is otherwise healthy, they can achieve a remarkably complete transformation.
The Veneer Process at Old Trolley Dental Associates
The treatment process typically takes two to three appointments. The first is a thorough consultation where Dr. Kibler or Dr. Skovira evaluates your teeth, reviews your goals, and determines whether veneers are the right approach. One of the more distinctive aspects of treatment planning at Old Trolley is the use of 3D digital smile design and printed mock-ups. Dr. Skovira designs the proposed result on the computer using your photos, then prints a physical model that can be placed directly over your teeth so you can see what the finished smile will look like before any preparation begins. That kind of preview removes a great deal of uncertainty from the decision.
Preparation and Fabrication
Once the design is approved, a small amount of enamel is removed from the front surface of each tooth to create space for the veneer. Digital impressions are then taken and sent to the dental laboratory that will fabricate your custom porcelain restorations. The amount of enamel removed is intentionally conservative, and for patients whose teeth are already very thin, alternative options like dental bonding may be discussed. Temporary veneers are placed to protect the prepared teeth while the permanent restorations are being made.
Placement
When your permanent veneers are ready, you return for the seating appointment. Each veneer is checked for fit, shape, and color before being bonded permanently to the tooth surface. Minor adjustments are made as needed to ensure the bite feels natural and the result looks exactly as planned.
How Long Do Porcelain Veneers Last?
Veneers are a long-term cosmetic investment, and the clinical evidence behind them is strong. A 2021 systematic review published in the National Library of Medicine analyzed 6,500 porcelain laminate veneers across 25 clinical studies and found a 10-year cumulative survival rate of 95.5%. With proper care, including consistent brushing and flossing, routine dental visits, and avoiding habits like biting hard objects, veneers routinely last a decade or longer. Patients who have received dental crowns alongside veneers often find that coordinating both restorations produces the most cohesive and harmonious aesthetic result.
See Your Results Before Treatment Begins at Old Trolley Dental Associates
What sets the veneer process at Old Trolley apart is the level of collaboration involved before a single tooth is touched. Dr. Skovira designs proposed results digitally using patient photos, then produces a printed physical mock-up that fits directly over your teeth so you can preview the outcome before treatment begins. That kind of transparency is not standard at every practice, and for patients making a significant cosmetic investment, it matters. Dr. Kibler and Dr. Skovira have been practicing together since 2015, and cosmetic cases, including veneers, are a meaningful part of what they do. Financing through Cherry and CareCredit is available for cosmetic treatment; visit our financial options page for details.
If you are ready to find out whether porcelain veneers are the right fit for your smile, we would love to sit down with you. Contact our office to schedule your cosmetic consultation with Dr. Kibler or Dr. Skovira in Summerville, SC.