Do you have small spots of discoloration on your teeth? Or maybe minor chips, cracks, or gaps that make you worry about tooth decay? Tooth bonding might be the perfect solution for you. Dr. Tom Trinkner can restore the structure and appearance of your teeth in just one visit.
Composite bonding is a simple, non-invasive treatment that’s also a budget-friendly way to protect and extend the life of your teeth. Composite resin fillings are strong and durable, giving you years of protection and a natural look. Dental bonding is a great option for fixing tooth damage, whether you’re a kid, a teen, or an adult.
What Is Tooth Bonding?
Cosmetic dentistry come a long way over the years. Composite bonding is one of the best examples. The composite fillings we use at our Columbia dental office will match the texture and color of your real teeth. They’re wear-resistant, blend in seamlessly, and provide long-term protection against future decay.
Dental bonding is quick and easy. Dr. Trinkner can usually complete the entire procedure in just one visit. No multiple appointments, no hassle. Just a quick fix that leaves you with a stronger smile.
What Can Tooth Bonding Fix?
Composite bonding is a versatile treatment that can address both functional and cosmetic issues. Here’s some of the most common problems we can solve with bonding:
- Tooth decay or cavities: Bonding can fill in small cavities and protect your teeth from further damage.
- Gaps between teeth: If you have small spaces between your teeth, bonding can close them for a more even smile.
- Discolored teeth: Bonding can cover up stains or discoloration that whitening treatments can’t fix.
- Chipped, broken, or worn teeth: Bonding can restore the shape and strength of damaged teeth.
- Misshapen teeth: If a tooth is uneven or oddly shaped, bonding can reshape it for a more balanced look.
Why Choose Tooth Bonding?
Tooth bonding is a great option because it’s fast, affordable, and effective. Unlike other treatments, it doesn’t need removing much of your natural tooth structure. Plus, the results look so natural that no one will even know you’ve had work done.
If you’re looking for a simple way to improve your smile and protect your teeth, composite bonding might be the perfect choice for you. Call Dr. Trinkner’s office today to schedule a consultation and see how tooth bonding can transform your smile.
With tooth bonding, you can enjoy a healthier, more confident smile in no time. Let’s work together to keep your teeth strong and beautiful for years to come.
Tooth Bonding Case
This young woman visited our Columbia dental office with concerns about the spaces between her front 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 isn’t 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 isn’t reversible. Your dentist can make adjustments, but you won’t 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.
Patient Review
Dental Bonding FAQs
Does the Tooth Bonding Process Hurt?
No, the process of placing bonding material on your tooth doesn’t hurt. We don’t need to touch your sensitive gum tissue or significantly reduce your tooth to complete tooth bonding treatment. Patients don’t need local anesthesia for this procedure, but it’s 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’s still possible. We’re able to repair your chipped or fractured tooth bonding in a single visit. Don’t attempt to reattach any bonding material that broke off, and visit your dentist as soon as possible. Chipping or breaking doesn’t happen as often with alternatives such as a dental crown or porcelain veneer.
How do Composite Fillings Compare to Silver Amalgam Fillings?
A lot of patients love our composite fillings because we can match them to the exact color of your teeth. This makes them way less noticeable than old-fashioned silver fillings. Plus, the dentist doesn’t need to remove much of your tooth during the process.
While composite fillings might not be quite as strong as silver ones, they’re still a durable and long-lasting option for fixing cavities or other tooth issues. If you take good care of them, they can last for many years. In some cases, we can even replace old metal fillings with composite ones. Dr. Trinkner will check your teeth and help you decide which type of filling is best for you.
How Long Does Tooth Bonding Last?
Tooth bonding typically lasts 3-7 years with proper care. It doesn’t last as long as veneers or crowns because the composite material can stain or wear down over time. You can extend its life by avoiding biting hard objects (like pens or ice) and keeping up with regular dental cleanings. When it does wear out, we can easily redo the bonding during a quick office visit.
Can Bonded Teeth be Whitened?
No, the bonding material doesn’t respond to teeth whitening treatments like your natural teeth do. If you whiten your teeth afterward, the bonded spots might look darker compared to your newly whitened teeth. That’s why we recommend whitening first if you’re considering it, then we’ll match the bonding color to your brighter smile. For already bonded teeth, we’d need to replace the bonding to change its color.
Is Bonding Good for Fixing Gaps Between Teeth?
Bonding works great for small gaps where braces might be overkill. We carefully build up the sides of teeth with composite material to make spaces disappear. It’s much faster than orthodontics because it can usually be done in one visit. However, for large gaps, veneers or orthodontic treatment might work better. Dr. Trinkner can advise what’s best for your specific gap size.
What Foods Should I Avoid with Bonded Teeth?
While bonding is pretty strong, it’s smart to be careful with:
- Hard foods like nuts and hard candy
- Sticky foods like caramel and taffy
- Foods that stain like coffee, tea, and berries
You don’t need to completely avoid these, but rinse your mouth after and don’t use bonded teeth to bite into really hard items. Using your back teeth for chewing tough foods helps protect the bonding.
Can I Get Bonding if I Grind My Teeth at Night?
You can, but we’ll likely recommend a night guard too. Teeth grinding, or bruxism, can wear down bonding faster than natural teeth. A custom night guard protects both your bonding and natural teeth while you sleep. Without one, you might need bonding repairs more often. Tell us if you notice jaw soreness in the mornings because that’s a common sign of grinding.
How Do I Clean Bonded Teeth?
Clean them just like your regular teeth. Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste. Floss gently around the bonded areas.
Avoid stiff-bristled brushes or gritty whitening toothpastes. They can make the bonding material dull over time. We’ll show you proper cleaning techniques during your visit to keep your bonding looking its best.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Tooth Bonding?
Many insurance plans cover bonding when it’s done for structural reasons, like repairing a chip. However, they might not cover the treatment if it’s for purely cosmetic reasons. Coverage varies by plan, so we’ll check your benefits before treatment.
Even if insurance doesn’t cover it, bonding is one of the most affordable cosmetic treatments. We can discuss payment options if needed.
Schedule a Dental Exam Today
Discuss your dental concerns and learn more about composite bonding with Dr. Trinkner. 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.