Consult & Treatment Planning
Assessment & X-ray
Confirm the extent of decay or damage; discuss your goals.
Shade selection & plan
Match composite shade to neighbouring teeth.
Tooth Fillings & Bonding
A cavity caught early is a simple fix. A chipped tooth doesn't have to stay that way.
Modern fillings and bonding restore both function and appearance — without the metallic look of older materials.
- Matches your natural tooth shade
- Bonds directly to tooth structure for support
- Treats decay before it becomes something bigger
- Same-day treatment for most cases
Why treat decay early?
Left alone, a small cavity becomes a bigger problem. What starts as minor decay can progress to sensitivity, pain, and eventually the need for more invasive treatment like root canal therapy or extraction.
Modern tooth-coloured fillings let us treat decay while it's still straightforward — restoring both strength and appearance in a single appointment.
This treatment is ideal for:
- Repairing cavities without compromising aesthetics
- Chipped, cracked, or worn teeth
- Replacing old metal fillings with a natural look
- Closing small gaps between teeth (cosmetic bonding)
Why we use composite fillings
Traditional silver amalgam fillings are durable, but they don't bond to the tooth — they're held in place mechanically, which sometimes requires removing more tooth structure to create retention.
Composite resin bonds directly to enamel and dentine. This means we can often preserve more of your natural tooth whilst still achieving a strong, lasting repair.
The material is also matched to your tooth shade, so the result looks natural — particularly important for visible teeth.
Available treatments
Treatment options for Tooth Fillings & Bonding
Composite Fillings
The standard approach for treating cavities. We remove the decay, then restore the tooth with tooth-coloured composite that bonds directly to your enamel.
Cosmetic Bonding
Uses the same composite material to reshape teeth, repair chips, or close small gaps — without extensive preparation. Often completed in a single visit.
Amalgam Replacement
Replacing old metal fillings with composite — either for aesthetic reasons or because the old filling is failing. We assess each case to determine if replacement is warranted.
Inlays & Onlays
For larger cavities where a standard filling wouldn't provide enough support. These are custom-made restorations (often ceramic) that fit precisely into or over the damaged area — stronger than fillings but less invasive than crowns.
How Tooth Fillings & Bonding Treatment works
Note: For your broad understanding only — steps differ between patients. After consultation, your dentist will provide a detailed, customised treatment plan.
Active Treatment
Local anaesthesia (if needed)
Keeps procedure comfortable.
Decay removal & tooth prep
Remove decay, clean and shape the cavity.
Bonding & layering
Apply adhesive, layer composite resin, cure with light between layers.
Sculpting & polishing
Shape to natural contours and polish for seamless finish.
Bite check & adjustments
Ensure comfortable chewing; make corrections as necessary.
Most fillings are completed in 30–60 minutes in a single appointment.
Frequently asked questions
How long do Tooth-Coloured fillings last?
Typically 5–10 years or longer, depending on the size of the filling, where it is in your mouth, and your bite and oral hygiene habits. Smaller fillings in low-stress areas tend to last longest.
Are tooth-coloured filling as strong as metal fillings?
Tooth-coloured fillings are strong enough for most everyday needs, while also giving a much better, natural look. It is durable and strong, especially when used for small to medium restorations.
For larger cavities, crowns may be recommended for additional support.
Will Composite Bonding stain over time?
Bonding material can pick up stains over time, but good oral hygiene and regular professional cleaning will help maintain its colour.
Is Composite Bonding reversible?
Yes.
Cosmetic bonding is minimally invasive and can be modified or replaced if needed.
The bonding material (resin) is applied on top of the enamel and can be polished off or replaced if needed.
If any enamel was lightly roughened/etched to help the resin stick, that change is not reversible, but it’s minimal and usually doesn’t weaken the tooth.
Is the procedure painful?
No. We use local anaesthesia to numb the area, so you shouldn't feel anything during treatment. Some patients with very small cavities don't even need anaesthesia. You may have mild sensitivity for a day or two afterwards, but this typically settles quickly.
When would I need a crown instead of a filling?
If the cavity is large or the tooth has lost significant structure, a filling may not provide enough support. In those cases, we'd recommend an inlay, onlay, or crown to protect the tooth long-term. We'll discuss your options during the consultation.
Why Orchard Scotts Dental
A filling is a small procedure — but the difference between one that lasts and one that fails often comes down to technique: proper isolation, careful layering, and attention to how your bite comes together. We take the time to get it right.
Nearly 20 years dental aesthetics
- Smile design expertise applied to every procedure
- Trained eye for proportion and balance
- Commitment to durable, long-lasting results
Read about your Dentists
Patient-first experience
- Consultative, never rushed
- Support for anxious patients
- Rigorous sterilisation protocols
Explore your experience at OSD
Get in touch
Have your questions answered
Connect with our Concierge Manager for answers to your questions — whether it's treatment options, pricing, or booking an appointment.