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How Long Do Tooth-Colored Fillings Last?
Tooth-colored fillings blend in with your teeth and can last many years. Here is how long they usually last, what shortens their life and how to make yours last.
The short answer
Tooth-colored (composite) fillings usually last between 5 and 15 years. Small fillings and fillings in front teeth tend to last longer, while large fillings in back teeth wear faster. Good oral hygiene, a night guard if you grind, avoiding very hard or sticky foods and regular checkups help them last.
Key takeaways
- Most tooth-colored fillings last 5 to 15 years
- Large fillings and back teeth wear faster
- Grinding and hard foods shorten a filling's life
- Regular checkups catch worn fillings before they fail
Tooth-colored fillings are a popular choice because they blend in with natural teeth. They are a more natural-looking alternative to traditional silver (amalgam) fillings. One of the most common questions about them is: how long do tooth-colored fillings last?
How long do tooth-colored fillings last?
On average, tooth-colored fillings last between 5 and 15 years, depending on the factors below. Some last longer with good care, while others need replacing sooner.
| Type of filling | Typical lifespan |
|---|---|
| Large fillings or fillings in back teeth | About 5 to 7 years |
| Small fillings or fillings in front teeth | About 10 to 15 years |
These are general estimates. Regular checkups help your dentist keep an eye on your fillings and tell you when one needs replacing.
What affects how long a filling lasts
- Location: fillings in front teeth, which take less chewing pressure, generally last longer than fillings in back molars.
- Size: larger fillings usually don't last as long as smaller ones.
- Oral hygiene: brushing twice a day and flossing daily help keep fillings in good shape. Plaque and bacteria can cause new decay around the edges of a filling.
- Grinding and clenching: these put extra pressure on fillings and wear them down faster.
- Diet: chewing ice or hard candy can damage fillings, and sticky candy can pull on them. Acidic foods and drinks can weaken the bond between the filling and the tooth.
- Dental care: regular visits let your dentist repair or replace a filling before bigger problems start.
How to make tooth-colored fillings last longer
- Brush and floss every day: use fluoride toothpaste and clean carefully around the edges of fillings.
- Avoid hard and sticky foods: don't chew ice, hard candy or other hard objects.
- Wear a night guard: if you grind or clench your teeth, ask your dentist about a custom night guard.
- Limit acidic foods and drinks: cut back on soda and citrus, and rinse with water afterward.
- Get regular checkups: your dentist can spot wear early.
Have an old filling that feels rough or sensitive? Book a checkup.
Book a consultationWhen to replace a tooth-colored filling
Fillings don't last forever. Signs it may be time for a replacement include:
- Visible cracks or chips in the filling.
- New decay around the filling, which can mean the seal is breaking down.
- Pain or sensitivity to hot, cold or biting, which can mean the filling no longer fits well.
If you notice any of these, book a visit. A tooth with a very large or failing filling may need a crown instead. Read Porcelain, Metal, Zirconia and Composite Crowns.
Tooth-colored fillings in Tustin
We place and replace tooth-colored fillings for patients from Tustin, Irvine, City of Orange, Santa Ana and the rest of Orange County. Larwin Square Dentistry is at 604 E 1st St in the Larwin Square Shopping Center in Tustin. We're open Monday to Wednesday and Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, and every Saturday from 8:00 AM to 2:30 PM. Call (714) 505-9462 or book online.
Questions patients ask
How long do composite fillings last compared with silver fillings?
Silver (amalgam) fillings often last longer, but tooth-colored fillings look natural and bond to the tooth. With good care, composite fillings commonly last 5 to 15 years.
Can a tooth-colored filling fall out?
Yes, especially if it is old, large or under heavy biting pressure. If a filling falls out, call your dentist and avoid chewing on that side.
Do tooth-colored fillings stain?
They can pick up some staining over time from coffee, tea, red wine and smoking. Polishing at your cleanings helps.
How do I know if my filling needs replacing?
Cracks, a rough edge, new sensitivity or decay around the filling are common signs. Your dentist can check it at your next visit.
Keep your fillings in good shape
If a filling feels rough, sensitive or loose, book a checkup. Dr. Desai will check it and recommend the best way to protect your tooth.
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This guide is general information, not a diagnosis. Book a visit for advice about your own teeth.