Trial Smile and Cosmetic Bonding Procedure

Cosmetic bonding, also known as dental bonding or composite bonding, is an affordable and reversible cosmetic dental treatment. It can be used to repair cracks, chips, and broken teeth, as well as to correct improperly shaped, sized, or spaced teeth. Composite bonding can also be used for a “trial smile”. A trial smile is when composite bonding is applied to the teeth to replicate another cosmetic dental treatment, such as veneers. This allows you to preview the results to determine if you want to move forward with the treatment. Since composite bonding is reversible, it can safely and easily be removed, unlike more permanent treatments. 

Did You Know?

Cosmetic bonding uses the same dental material as composite fillings. It is called composite resin and it is an affordable material that preserves and replicates the natural tooth structure. 

Frequently Asked Questions: 

Am I a candidate for cosmetic bonding?

Candidates for cosmetic bonding are those who are looking for an affordable approach to cosmetic dentistry. Cosmetic bonding can be used to address the following cosmetic concerns: 

  • Damaged teeth (chips or cracks)
  • Discolored teeth
  • Teeth with gaps between them
  • Overlapping teeth
  • Unevenly sized teeth
  • Oddly shaped teeth
  • Teeth that appear too small

However, cosmetic bonding is generally only recommended if the aforementioned concerns are mild. For more severe cases, different cosmetic treatments may be recommended for better results. Therefore, you should schedule a consultation with your Knoxville dentist to determine if cosmetic bonding is right for you. 

How does cosmetic bonding work?

The cosmetic bonding or trial smile process is minimally-invasive and preserves a good amount of your natural tooth structure. To start, your teeth are cleaned to remove excess plaque and tartar, then an acidic solution is applied to the enamel. This roughens up the surface of your tooth so that the composite resin can adhere better. The composite resin is then applied in layers and hardened one layer at a time. The final layer is then shaped and polished to achieve the desired results. 

How long does cosmetic bonding last?

The lifespan of your cosmetic bonding treatment will depend upon its location, the amount used, and whether this is a trial smile or not. Trial smiles are designed to be more short term, as they are then replaced by a more permanent restoration method. With that being said, most composite bonding treatments last an average of 5-7 years if properly cared for. 


Dr. Micheal Costa

Dr. Costa

Dr. Stephen Malone

Dr. Malone


Knoxville Smiles at Malone & Costa Dentistry offers a unique dental care experience to our patients in Knoxville, Tennessee, and the surrounding areas. The crew is committed to protecting and increasing the natural beauty of your smile by employing conservative, cutting-edge techniques that result in attractive, long-lasting smiles!

Our dedicated and experienced team of doctors includes Dr. Stephen Malone, D.M.D., University of Louisville, and Dr. Michael Costa, D.D.S., UNC School of Dentistry, M.H.A., UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health in Chapel Hill, NC. They are firm believers in continuing education to provide their patients with the finest possible care.

Drs. Costa and Malone see their patients as real partners in their service. Our team is committed to making your dental care journey as pleasant as possible.

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