If you are dissatisfied with a chipped or misshaped tooth, but are hesitant to consider a costly cosmetic procedure, Dr. John Rink provides dental bonding at his Charleston, SC practice. Dental bonding is an easy, quick, and cost-effective way to touch-up minor tooth imperfections. Schedule your personal consultation today to learn how we can dramatically improve your smile with dental bonding.

What is dental bonding?

Dental bonding involves using a putty-like resin to correct or repair small cosmetic concerns. Bonding can improve the appearance of discolored enamel, repair chipped or cracked teeth, close spaces between teeth, change tooth shape, and protect exposed portions of tooth roots.

Unlike crowns or veneers, dental bonding does not have to be fabricated and customized at an off-site lab. The material can be applied and molded in the office during one visit. In some cases, dental bonding can be used as a temporary correction or be substituted as a cosmetic alternative for amalgam fillings. Since it is not as durable as other options, it is usually recommended for areas of low bite pressure, such as on the front teeth.

Before & After Dental Bonding

What are the advantages of dental bonding?

As a cosmetic treatment, dental bonding offers a number of distinct benefits:

No follow-up: Once applied, the material does not require any special care. Patients can simply continue to practice good oral hygiene to maintain the bonding. However, too much pressure can damage the material, so patients should avoid biting their fingernails or chewing on ice.
Affordability: Unlike crowns or veneers, dental bonding does not have to be fabricated and customized at an off-site lab. The material can be applied and molded in one visit to the office.
Anesthesia-free: Unless the dental bonding is being used as a way to place a dental filling, no enamel is removed and numbing is not required to apply the material.
Conservative treatment: A tooth that is being bonded does not need to be shaped or shaved to accommodate the bonding material. Dental bonding is a very conservative treatment, with little preparation necessary.

Why choose Dr. Rink in Charleston for teeth bonding?

As a dentist in Charleston, Dr. Rink provides a practice that is dedicated and focused on the client, delivering an outstanding, luxury experience free from discomfort and anxiety. Our innovative office features noise-canceling headphones. We work with the most advanced cutting edge technology that helps reduce treatment time and ensures long-lasting results.

From stunning restoration work with porcelain veneers, bridges, implants, crowns and other prosthetics to teeth whitening and full mouth restoration, the Charleston Center for Cosmetic Dentistry caters to patients seeking top-tier dental services in a spa-like environment.

Cost of Dental Bonding

The final cost of your treatment will depend on the number of teeth being addressed, your goals for treatment, and your location.

Elements to Consider When It Comes to Cost

While the cost of bonding varies from patient to patient, there are several factors that will largely influence the total cost of your treatment. These include:

Number of teeth being treated: Treatment for several teeth will cost more than a single tooth.
Size of treatment area: Filling in a small section of a tooth will cost less than resurfacing an entire tooth.
Location of the office: Dental offices located in larger metropolitan areas often have higher treatment costs.

Additional treatments: Complementary treatments can increase your expenses. If bonding is being incorporated into a smile makeover, talk to your dentist about potential discounts for bundled treatments.
Experience of the dentist: Though a highly reputable dentist may charge more for their services, they can help ensure you achieve your desired results without complications.

Factors Affecting the Cost of Bonding

The cost of bonding is impacted by the location of your dentist's office as well as the extent of treatment.

Protecting Your Investment

Composite resin is durable but there are certain precautions you can take to keep your smile looking healthy and radiant. You should refrain from:

Biting your nails
Using your teeth to open packages
Smoking or using tobacco
Consuming large amounts of dark foods and drinks such as coffee and berries

Patients who grind their teeth should also ask their dentist about protective measures. Mouth guards and splints can prevent your teeth from touching, and in turn, from excessive wear and tear.

Financing Your Treatment

As dental bonding is often considered an elective cosmetic procedure, it is generally not covered by insurance. However, if treatment improves areas of the smile that are compromised by decay or damage, insurance may provide partial or full coverage. Many dentists also work with third-party lenders, such as CareCredit®, who offer flexible financing with low-interest to make treatment more accessible.

What can I expect from my procedure?

Applying dental bonding is a straightforward procedure, typically taking about 30 to 60 minutes per tooth. Bonding requires very little preparation. Unless it is used as a dental filling, patients do not require anesthesia. Dr. Rink will use a shade guide to select the resin that most closely matches the color of your tooth.

To ensure that the material securely adheres to the tooth, Dr. Rink first roughens the surface of your tooth and applies a coat of conditioning liquid. The bonding is then applied to the tooth, where it is carefully molded and smoothed to the desired shape. Dr. Rink uses an ultraviolet light or laser to harden the resin. Lastly, he trims, shapes, and polishes the material until it precisely matches the sheen and texture of the tooth surface.

Dental Bonding