Tooth Bonding Columbia, SC

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 smile in a single visit. Composite bonding is a conservative treatment and financially smart approach to increase the longevity of your natural teeth. These resin-based fillings are strong enough to provide patients with years of function and durability and are an excellent way to manage trauma and aesthetic concerns in both kids and young adults.

Tooth Bonding Case

Before & After Photo Tooth Bonding By Columbia SC Dentist
This young woman visited our Columbia, SC dental office with concerns about the spaces between her teeth. Dr. Trinkner used composite bonding to fix the gaps and give her a more beautiful smile.

About Tooth Bonding

Composite dentistry has come a long way in the past two decades. The composite fillings we use in our Columbia, SC dental office are completely wear-resistant and mimic the texture of your natural teeth. They are a strong, durable restoration that will blend seamlessly with your smile and provide you with long term protection from future tooth decay.

Tooth bonding procedures can be completed in a single visit. Our dentists can use composite bonding to repair some health and functional concerns including:

  • Tooth decay/tooth cavities
  • Spaces between teeth
  • Discolored teeth
  • Chipped, broken, or worn teeth
  • Misshapen teeth

Cosmetic Tooth Bonding vs. Porcelain Veneers

Cosmetic dentistry is not just recommended for making over a smile, but can also serve an important role in helping maintain a healthy smile. As we age, tooth structure is weakened and can cause our teeth to become chipped and damaged. 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 smile. This cosmetic treatment provides strength and resilience to improve the shape, size, and color of your teeth. Porcelain veneers are applied by 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 are custom-made of high-quality materials, which makes it harder to tell the difference between a veneer and a natural tooth.

Veneers resist stains from coffee, tea, and smoking. Veneers can also make even the darkest teeth appear bright and white. However, because enamel must be removed to place a veneer, this is not considered a reversible treatment. Adjustments can be made but you will not be able to return to the original condition of the tooth.

Composite Bonding

Dental bonding is a popular, less-expensive cosmetic treatment. Tooth bonding uses a high-density, composite resin and porcelain to perfectly match original teeth. Cosmetic bonding requires your tooth to be strategically scratched so that the resin can properly adhere.

When your dentist applies the resin, it will be molded and hardened to fill in cracks or chips present in your teeth. This custom color-matched resin is virtually indistinguishable from your natural tooth enamel.

Cosmetic bonding can be used in many ways but works best for repairing damaged teeth. Tooth bonding is a quick treatment for a long-lasting smile. Unlike veneers, the composite resin can be stained over time from coffee, tea, and smoking.

While this treatment is less expensive than veneers, tooth bonding will only last around 10 years, while 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, goals, and budget, 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 go into your tooth to complete tooth bonding. Patients do not need to have their mouth numbed for this procedure, but it is an option for anyone.

Does bonding ruin your teeth?

There are no major risks with dental bonding. The composite resin used with dental bonding isn’t as strong as your natural teeth, so the bonding material can chip or separate from the bonded tooth. This is uncommon and occurs less than it does with crowns, veneers, or fillings.

What if my tooth bonding was damaged?

It is uncommon for tooth bonding to chip or break, but it does happen. If you chipped or fractured your tooth bonding, we can repair it in a single visit. Do not attempt to reattach any bonding material that broke off. Chipping or breaking doesn’t occur as often with alternatives such as a dental crown or porcelain veneer.

Schedule a Dental Exam Today

If you would like to discuss your dental concerns or learn more about composite bonding, call us at 803-400-8729 to schedule a consultation, or request an appointment online.