Do some of your teeth have small discoloration spots? Are minor chips, cracks, or gaps in your teeth making you more susceptible to dental decay? Tooth bonding allows Dr. Trinkner and Dr. Keefer to restore structure and balance to your teeth in a single visit. Composite bonding is a non-invasive treatment and financially smart approach to increase the longevity of your natural teeth.
Composite resin fillings are strong enough to provide patients with years of function, strength, and protection. Dental bonding is an excellent way to manage tooth trauma and aesthetic concerns in both kids and young adults.
About Tooth Bonding
Cosmetic dentistry has come a long way in the past two decades. The composite fillings we use in our Columbia dental office are wear-resistant and mimic the texture of your natural teeth. They are a strong restoration that will blend seamlessly with your mouth and provide you with long term protection from future tooth decay.
Best of all, our dentists can complete a dental bonding procedure in a single visit. Our dentists can use composite bonding to repair some functional and cosmetic dental concerns including:
- Tooth decay/tooth cavities
- Spaces between teeth
- Discolored teeth
- Chipped, broken, or worn teeth
- Misshapen teeth
Tooth Bonding Case
This young woman visited our Columbia dental office with concerns about the spaces between her teeth. Dr. Trinkner used composite bonding to close the gaps and give her a more beautiful smile.
Cosmetic Tooth Bonding vs. Porcelain Veneers
Cosmetic dentistry is not just for making your smile look pretty, but can also serve an important role in helping maintain a healthy smile. As we age, tooth structure weakens and can cause chipped and damaged teeth. This will eventually reduce the tooth enamel, leaving our teeth more vulnerable to breaking and cracking.
Porcelain veneers
Porcelain veneers are thin pieces of porcelain, custom-made to improve the appearance of your teeth. This cosmetic treatment provides strength and resilience to improve the shape, size, and color of your teeth. Our dentist applies porcelain veneers by first removing a small amount of the original enamel. This allows the veneer to properly fit within the mouth and provides a more natural result.
Porcelain veneers can improve many cosmetic features such as color, fractures, and gaps. Many patients enjoy veneers because they consist of high-quality porcelain. The compound makes it harder to tell the difference between a veneer and a natural tooth.
Veneers consisting of porcelain easily resist stains from coffee, tea, and smoking/tobacco products. Veneers can even make the darkest teeth appear bright and white. Because dentists must remove enamel to place a veneer, this treatment is not reversible. Your dentist can make adjustments, but you will not be able to return the tooth to its original condition.
Composite Bonding
Dental bonding is a popular, less-expensive cosmetic procedure. Affordable tooth bonding uses a high-density, composite resin and porcelain to perfectly match original teeth. Cosmetic bonding requires the dentist to strategically etch your tooth so that the resin can properly adhere to it.
When your dentist applies the resin, he will mold it to fill in cracks and chips present in your teeth. Then he will quickly harden it using a special UV light. This custom color-matched resin is virtually identical to your natural tooth enamel.
Cosmetic bonding works for many issues, but works best for repairing damaged teeth. Teeth bonding is a quick treatment, but the composite resin can stain over time from coffee, tea, and smoking.
While this treatment is less expensive than veneers, tooth bonding will only last around 10 years. On the other hand, porcelain veneers can last up to 20 years with good oral hygiene and dental care.
Every smile is unique. Both porcelain veneers and tooth bonding are great cosmetic treatments that can enhance your smile and improve your dental health. After discussing your cosmetic desires, our dentist in Columbia, SC, will recommend which treatment is best for you.
Dental Bonding FAQs
Does the tooth bonding process hurt?
No, the process of placing bonding material on your tooth does not hurt. We do not need to touch your sensitive gum tissue or significantly reduce your tooth to complete tooth bonding treatment. Patients do not need local anesthesia for this procedure, but it is an option for anyone.
Does bonding ruin your teeth?
Dental bonding poses no major risks to your teeth, gums and mouth. The composite resin isn’t as strong as your natural teeth, so the compound can chip or separate from the bonded tooth. This is uncommon and occurs less than it does with dental crowns, veneers, or fillings.
What if my tooth bonding was damaged?
Tooth bonding rarely chips or breaks, but it is still possible. We are able to repair your chipped or fractured tooth bonding in a single visit. Do not attempt to reattach any bonding material that broke off, and visit your dentist as soon as possible. Chipping or breaking doesn’t occur as often with alternatives such as a dental crown or porcelain veneer.
Schedule a Dental Exam Today
Discuss your dental concerns and learn more about composite bonding with Dr. Trinker and Dr. Keefer. Call us at 803-400-8729 to schedule a consultation. Patients from St. Andrews, West Columbia, Irmo, Oak Grove, Seven Oaks, and surrounding neighborhoods can request an appointment online.