Composite fillings: your complete guide

When you need a dental filling, you want to be strong and blend naturally with your smile. Composite fillings check both boxes. They’re strong, long-lasting and made to match the shade of your teeth for a seamless smile. 

At Aspen Dental, our dentists recommend composite fillings to patients of all ages looking for a natural-looking, reliable solution for tooth decay and small repairs. Whether you're treating your first cavity or replacing an older filling, your Aspen Dental care team is here to help, step by step. Schedule an appointment today. 

What is a composite filling?

Composite fillings are tooth-colored restorations used to fill cavities or repair minor tooth damage. Made from a mix of resin and glass particles, the material is shaped to your tooth, then hardened using a special curing light. 

Once placed, your filling blends in naturally with your smile.

Composite fillings are: 

• Molded to match the shape of your tooth

•  Color-matched for a natural appearance

• Durable and safe 

• A top choice by Aspen Dental dentists and patients alike 
  

How long do composite fillings last?

Composite fillings typically last 5-10 years, sometimes longer with good oral hygiene. Their lifespan depends on: 

• The size and location of the filling

• Your eating and chewing habits

• Whether you grind or clench your teeth

• Your commitment to brushing, flossing and routine dental visits 
  
  

If your filling ever wears down or cracks, make an appointment with your Aspen Dental dentist to evaluate what's going on. Plus, we offer same-day appointments at Aspen Dental so you can worry less and smile more. 

What to expect: the composite filling process

Getting a composite filling at Aspen Dental can vary in timelines, as each patient’s individual needs are unique. However, here is how the process generally works:

Here’s how it works: 

1. We numb the area.

Your Aspen Dental dentist uses a local anesthetic to ensure comfort. 

2. We clean the tooth

Any decay is gently removed and the area is disinfected. 

3. We fill and shape

The composite material is layered and shaped to match your tooth. 

4. We cure and polish

A curing light hardens the filling, and we refine the fit for a smooth finish. 

5. We check your bite

You’ll bite down to make sure everything feels just right. 

Benefits of composite fillings

They look natural

The material blends with your natural tooth color, so no one will notice you’ve had a filling.

They’re built to last

With proper care, composite fillings can last many years.

No insurance? No worries. We make it easier to save. 

If you’re not using dental insurance, Aspen Dental works with most major carriers. The Aspen Dental Savings Plan¹ gives you instant access to discounts on fillings.

_{Please note: Aspen Dental does not accept Medicaid. 
¹The Aspen Dental Savings Plan is NOT insurance. See full plan terms and conditions for details.} 

Save on dental fillings in 3 easy steps: 

1. Enroll online 

Choose your plan and pay one low annual fee. 

2. Schedule your visit 

Enjoy savings on exams, X-rays, fillings, cleanings, dentures, crowns, bridges and even implants. 

3. Smile and save 

Use your discounts right away—no waiting, no monthly fees. 

Save 15% on composite fillings with the Aspen Dental Savings Plan. ¹ Learn more and enroll today. 

¹_{The Aspen Dental Savings Plan is NOT insurance. See full plan terms and conditions for details.}

Composite fillings FAQs

How soon can I eat after getting a composite filling? 

Once the numbness wears off, usually within a couple of hours, you’re safe to eat. We recommend avoiding hard or sticky foods on the filled tooth for the rest of the day.

What dental filling material is best for me? 

That depends on your dental needs and goals. Composite is a great option for visible teeth or smaller cavities. Your Aspen Dental dentist will walk you through all the options. 

How long does the composite filling procedure take? 

Timing may vary based on how many fillings you need and the complexity of the case. 

Do composite fillings hurt? 

Your Aspen Dental dentist will use numbing medication to keep you comfortable. You might feel a little pressure, but pain is uncommon. Some patients notice mild sensitivity for a day or two after. 

Ready to restore your smile?

Cavities don’t fix themselves, but composite fillings make it easy to repair damage and get back to smiling. Whether you need one or a few, we’ll walk you through it at Aspen Dental.

Schedule appointment