Problem: Aging composite filling on upper left lateral incisor not blending with natural teeth
Solution: Chairside composite bonding
Treatment Time: ~75 minutes

A Natural Smile, Handcrafted by Dr. Angelique Freking, DDS

For this case, instead of recommending a veneer, which would’ve meant removing healthy tooth structure, Dr. Freking chose a more conservative, artistic approach: chairside composite bonding.

This method is less invasive, more affordable, and helps preserve the natural tooth, all while delivering beautiful, seamless results.

When this Brooklyn patient came to Park Slope Dentistry Seventh Avenue, they had an aging composite on their upper left lateral incisor. The old restoration had started to discolor and lift at the edges, casting a dark shadow that disrupted the balance of their smile.

With skill and a careful hand, Dr. Freking restored harmony without over-treating.

Treatment Breakdown

Step 1: Evaluation & Preparation

We examined the old filling and planned a conservative removal, aiming to preserve as much healthy tooth structure as possible.

The composite is breaking down and no longer blending with the natural tooth. Over time, older fillings can lift at the edges, making them more noticeable and less protective. Stains and bacteria can sneak in when a filling no longer seals the tooth properly.

Step 2: Gentle Numbing & Removal of the Old Filling

To keep the patient comfortable, Dr. Freking gently numbed the area before removing the old composite. This step ensures a completely pain-free experience. Once the tooth was numb, she carefully cleared away the old material, preserving as much of the natural enamel as possible.

Step 3: Handcrafted Composite Build-Up

Using a high-end, layered composite that matches the patient’s natural tooth shade, we rebuilt the surface entirely by hand. This included:

• Shade matching the base color to blend into the smile

• Adding subtle characterizations like white calcifications and light craze lines

• Sculpting texture and luster so the final result wouldn’t appear too flat or artificial

Note how the composite bond's anatomical contouring, color, and translucency matches the patient's natural tooth

Step 4: Final Smile

The restoration was completed chairside in a single visit, with careful layering and polishing to ensure a natural finish. Post-Op full smile shows natural-looking integration

Why Not a Veneer?

Some offices may recommend porcelain veneers for this kind of case, but veneers typically require irreversible enamel removal. And blending porcelain perfectly with adjacent natural teeth can be extremely challenging.

By using composite bonding, Dr. Freking preserved the patient’s natural tooth and achieved a result that looked truly organic.

See the Transformation

Notice how the flat, discolored surface in the “Before” becomes a multi-dimensional, lifelike tooth in the “After.” You can even spot small details like added white specks and texture that mimic natural enamel.

Patient Experience

The entire procedure took about 75 minutes, completed in a single visit with a brief follow-up. It’s a great example of how advanced cosmetic dentistry can be both minimally invasive and beautifully effective.