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Why Some Fillings Look Fake (And How We Avoid That) | BEFORE & BEYOND EP12

In this episode of Before & Beyond, Dr Peter walks you through a subtle yet detailed front-tooth restoration. Learn how colour, layering, and shape make all the difference in blending fillings naturally and achieving a seamless smile.

About The Video

In this behind-the-scenes look at a real patient case, Dr Peter shares his approach to restoring a worn front tooth with an old, visible filling. While the treatment may seem simple at first glance, small details like asymmetry, shade, and surface anatomy, play a big role in getting a natural result. The goal is to rebuild the tooth in a way that mirrors the adjacent tooth and blends seamlessly into the smile.

Thoughtful treatment planning makes all the difference. From selecting the right tooth shade to beveling the edges and layering composite with the correct balance of enamel and dentine, every step is designed to achieve a natural finish. Dr Peter also shares why small imperfections like subtle dips and contours, actually help make restorations look more lifelike. It’s a case that proves even the smallest treatments deserve accuracy.

Front-tooth restorations are a blend of art and science. In this Before & Beyond episode, Dr Peter shows how small changes make a big impact. The patient presented with an old filling that was worn and visibly different from the neighbouring tooth. Rather than just replacing the filling, Dr Peter considered the tooth’s shape, colour gradient, and even how light reflects off natural enamel. He used careful shade matching and a multi-layering technique first building up dentine for warmth, then overlaying enamel for translucency.

To avoid harsh lines, he bevelled the edges irregularly, helping the composite blend smoothly. He also added micro-contours to mimic natural wear and match the adjacent tooth’s anatomy. These details may seem minor, but they’re what make a restoration truly disappear into a smile. It’s a perfect example of how thoughtful dentistry delivers results that are not only functional, but beautifully natural.