Dra. Cléo Salustiano In this article
SummaryHow is a composite filling done?How long does composite resin last and how do you look after it?FAQRead nextComposite Resin on Teeth: What It Is, When It Is Used and How Long It Lasts
Quick summary of this article+
Composite resin is a tooth-colored material applied in layers and hardened with light to restore cavities, rebuild broken parts, close small gaps or make direct veneers. A filling is usually done in one visit. In everyday language, filling and restoration mean the same; technically, the Portuguese word "obturação" usually refers to sealing root canals. Resin has no fixed lifespan: it lasts longer with good hygiene, less sugar, care with hard foods and a night guard for grinders, and it may need polishing, repair or replacement. In Mooca, Dr. Cléo Salustiano (CRO-SP 170844) sees patients every day, from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Composite resin is a tooth-colored material that the dentist applies in layers and hardens with a curing light to restore a cavity, rebuild a broken part, close small gaps or change the shape of a tooth. It is the most widely used material in cosmetic fillings today because it bonds to the tooth and can mimic natural color and shine.
In clinical practice, many patients come in saying they want "resin on a tooth" without knowing that resin serves different purposes: treating a cavity, fixing a chipped corner, replacing a dark old filling or making direct veneers. The material is the same, but the indication, technique and care change with the goal.
Dr. Cléo Salustiano (CRO-SP 170844), a dentist in Mooca focused on cosmetic dentistry, explains what composite resin is, how it is placed, how long it usually lasts and what helps it last.
This article comes from Dr. Cléo Salustiano's dental office in Mooca, São Paulo (care in English, Portuguese and Spanish). See the general dentistry page to learn how the treatment is done here and book your assessment.
How is a composite filling done?
In most cases, a composite filling is done in one visit: the dentist removes the decay or damaged part, prepares the tooth surface with an etching step and adhesive, applies the resin in thin layers, cures each layer with light and, finally, adjusts the bite and polishes. When decay is deeper, local anesthesia is usually used.
The resin is matched to the tooth's color, and on front teeth the dentist may combine more than one shade to reproduce the natural transitions between the edge and the middle of the tooth. On back teeth, the focus is chewing resistance and good contact with the neighboring tooth so food does not get trapped.
Are "filling" and "restoration" the same thing? In everyday language, yes. In Brazil, the popular word "obturação" is also used for fillings, while technically it usually refers to sealing the canals in a root canal treatment. That is why dentists may use the terms in different contexts.
A "resin tooth" can also mean something else: the artificial teeth in some dentures and prostheses are made of acrylic resin, a different material from the composite used in fillings. If your question is about prostheses, see the options on crowns, bridges and dentures in Mooca.
| Situation | What resin does | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Cavity | Restores the tooth after decay is removed | Deep decay may need another treatment first |
| Chipped tooth | Rebuilds the missing part | A large break may need a crown |
| Dark old filling | Replaces it with tooth-colored material | Only replaced when indicated |
| Small gaps (diastema) | Adds material on the sides | Large gaps may need orthodontics |
| Direct veneer | Covers the front of the tooth to change color and shape | Needs polishing and check-ups |
How long does composite resin last and how do you look after it?
Composite resin has no fixed lifespan: it can last many years, but that depends on the size of the filling, bite force, hygiene, diet and habits such as grinding. Over time, it is common for resin to lose shine, stain at the edges or wear, and at check-ups the dentist assesses whether polishing, repair or replacement is needed.
Signs it is worth having a filling checked: a darkened or stained edge, a step you feel with your tongue, food getting stuck, new sensitivity or a chipped piece. A filling that falls out leaves the tooth exposed and needs care within a few days, as explained in filling fell out: what to do.
To make it last: careful brushing with fluoride toothpaste, daily flossing, fewer sugary snacks between meals, care with very hard foods and a night guard if you grind your teeth. Coffee, tea, wine and smoking can stain resin over time.
Resin is not a substitute for an assessment: on very damaged teeth, a crown or another type of restoration may be more appropriate, and only an exam can tell. Consult a dentist if you have questions about an old filling or a chipped tooth. In Mooca, Dr. Cléo Salustiano sees patients every day, from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., including Sundays and holidays; if you want to change the look of several teeth, the cosmetic dentistry in Mooca page shows the possible paths.
What is composite resin on teeth?
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It is a tooth-colored material applied in layers and hardened with light. It is used to restore cavities, rebuild broken parts, close small gaps and make direct veneers. Because it bonds to the tooth and mimics natural color, it is the most common material in cosmetic fillings.
Is a filling the same as a restoration?
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In everyday use, yes. In technical language, a restoration is the rebuilding of the visible part of the tooth, such as with composite, while sealing the root canals during a root canal treatment is a separate step that Brazilian dentists call "obturação".
Does getting a composite filling hurt?
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Usually not. When deeper decay must be removed, the dentist uses local anesthesia. For small repairs or closing gaps, anesthesia is often not needed. There may be mild sensitivity for a few days, which usually fades; if it persists, consult your dentist.
How long does composite resin last?
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There is no fixed lifespan. It depends on the size of the filling, the bite, hygiene, diet and habits such as grinding. Regular check-ups allow polishing, repairing or replacing the resin at the right time, before leakage or larger breaks appear.
Does composite resin stain?
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It can pick up stains over time, especially at the edges and in people who drink coffee, tea or wine or who smoke. Polishing at check-ups helps restore shine. Stains at the edge may also indicate leakage, so it is worth showing the dentist rather than trying to fix it at home.
Can composite resin be whitened?
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No. Whitening works on natural teeth, not on resin. If you want whiter teeth, whitening is usually done first and visible fillings are then adjusted or replaced to match the new shade. The dentist assesses the right order for your case.
Where can I get a composite filling in Mooca?
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In Mooca, Dr. Cléo Salustiano (CRO-SP 170844) assesses and places composite fillings at Rua Hipódromo, 1141, near Bresser-Mooca station. The office is open Monday to Sunday, from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., including holidays, via WhatsApp (11) 97409-7834. She sees patients in Portuguese, English and Spanish.
