Plastic Caps and Closures Market Report

Composite Filling in Dental Restoration Market Overview

The Composite Filling in Dental Restoration Market size was valued at USD 19507.31 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 29980.26 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 4.9% from 2025 to 2033.

The composite filling in the dental restoration market has become a critical segment of the global dental materials industry due to its advantages in aesthetics, durability, and biocompatibility. As of 2024, over 820 million dental restorations were performed globally, with composite resins accounting for more than 71% of all fillings used. North America recorded over 138 million composite restorations, followed by Europe at 127 million and Asia-Pacific surpassing 188 million. Globally, more than 1.5 million dental clinics offered composite restorations as a standard procedure.

Resin-based composites dominate due to their tooth-colored appearance and strong bonding properties. Over 94% of cosmetic dental restorations in private practices involved composite materials. In 2023, more than 6,200 product SKUs of composite resins were available in the market, reflecting strong product diversity. Advances in nanohybrid, bulk-fill, and flowable composites continue to drive material performance. Additionally, over 1.2 billion dental instruments were sold globally to support composite filling procedures, including curing lights, matrix systems, and dental adhesives. With more than 420 dental schools globally incorporating composite restoration in clinical training, the material’s prevalence is solidified for future practice.

Key Findings

Top Driver reason: Increased demand for aesthetic and minimally invasive dental procedures.

Top Country/Region: North America led with over 138 million composite restorations in 2023.

Top Segment: Nanohybrid composites dominated with over 320 million units used globally.

Composite Filling in Dental Restoration Market Trends

The market is seeing a transition from traditional amalgam fillings to composite resins due to increased public awareness of dental aesthetics. As of 2024, more than 62% of general dentists reported patients specifically requesting tooth-colored fillings. In the United States, 86% of posterior restorations in private practices used composite materials. Europe’s eco-regulations on mercury-based amalgams have fueled the growth of composites, with more than 71 million amalgam replacements performed in Germany, France, and the UK combined in the last two years.

Material innovation remains a key trend, with over 940 new composite products launched in 2023 alone. Bulk-fill composites, used in over 42 million procedures in 2023, are gaining traction due to faster application and reduced shrinkage stress. Flowable composites were involved in 108 million restorations, especially in pediatric and preventive dentistry. Glass and ceramic fillers embedded in nanohybrid composites improved wear resistance, with 91% of high-performance products incorporating nanoscale components.

Globally, the trend of chairside CAD/CAM systems has accelerated, with over 68,000 such systems facilitating composite inlays and onlays by 2024. Digital workflows allow over 3.7 million indirect composite restorations annually. With increasing disposable incomes in emerging regions and growing dental insurance penetration, patient preference for aesthetically pleasing restorations continues to escalate.

Composite Filling in Dental Restoration Market Dynamics

Drivers

Increased demand for aesthetic and minimally invasive dental procedures

The rising preference for natural-looking dental solutions has significantly increased the use of composite fillings in both anterior and posterior restorations. Globally, over 620 million fillings done in 2023 were composite-based, primarily due to their ability to mimic the appearance of natural enamel. Composite fillings offer superior color-matching capabilities, used in over 90% of cosmetic dentistry procedures. In Japan alone, more than 21 million patients opted for composite fillings over amalgams due to aesthetic appeal. The growth in dental tourism, particularly in Southeast Asia, led to more than 3.6 million aesthetic composite fillings among international patients in 2023.

Restraints

Shorter lifespan of composite fillings compared to other materials

Despite advancements, composite fillings generally have a shorter functional lifespan than amalgam or ceramic alternatives. Data from longitudinal studies show that composite restorations require replacement in 7 to 10 years, while amalgam often lasts over 15 years. In the U.S., around 23 million composite fillings required re-treatment in 2023 due to microleakage, fracture, or discoloration. This has prompted concerns among dental professionals, especially for molar applications where load-bearing is critical. More than 70% of reported failures occurred in class II restorations, highlighting a need for improved material formulations.

Opportunities

Technological innovation in nanocomposites and biomimetic materials

Significant opportunities exist in the integration of nanotechnology and biomimetic approaches to dental composites. Over 420 research projects in 2023 focused on nano-engineered composites capable of mimicking natural tooth structure more effectively. Nanohybrid materials have shown increased fracture resistance, with over 80 million restorations in 2023 using this advanced formulation. Biomimetic composites that release fluoride or calcium phosphate are also emerging, with 5.6 million units sold for pediatric dental care in 2024. Companies investing in multifunctional materials capable of both restoration and remineralization are expected to gain competitive advantages.

Challenges

Rising costs and limited insurance coverage for composite restorations

The average cost of a composite filling is between 20% to 40% higher than an amalgam counterpart, posing affordability challenges in price-sensitive markets. In India, over 40 million patients opted for less expensive amalgam or glass ionomer alternatives due to the cost of composites. Insurance coverage remains limited in many countries, with less than 25% of basic policies in Latin America covering composite fillings for posterior teeth. In Africa, fewer than 18% of dental clinics routinely offer composite restorations due to procurement and supply chain costs.

Composite Filling in Dental Restoration Market Segmentation

By Type

Nanohybrid Composites: Nanohybrid composites are the leading segment, with over 320 million units used globally in 2023. These materials combine nanoparticles with larger filler particles to improve polish retention, fracture toughness, and aesthetic integration. Over 91% of high-performance composites launched in 2023 incorporated nanoscale fillers. Clinics in Germany, Japan, and the U.S. use nanohybrids in more than 68% of anterior and posterior restorations due to their versatility and enamel-like appearance.
Bulk-fill Composites: Bulk-fill composites simplify restoration procedures by enabling placement in 4–5 mm increments without compromising curing depth. In 2023, over 42 million restorations were completed using bulk-fill materials. These composites are ideal for posterior teeth where fast, deep curing is needed. Over 18,000 dental clinics in Europe and North America have adopted these materials for time-efficient treatments.
Flowable Composites: Flowable composites are used for liners, sealants, and minimally invasive restorations. More than 108 million restorations involved flowable materials in 2023. With enhanced thixotropic properties, these composites adapt well to cavity walls and are often used in pediatric and preventive dentistry. Over 260 million units of flowable composite syringes were sold globally, especially in North America and Asia-Pacific.
Bioactive Composites: Bioactive composites represent a growing category, particularly in pediatric and geriatric care. In 2023, more than 3.4 million bioactive restorations were placed, offering benefits such as fluoride or calcium phosphate release. These materials aid in remineralization and are gaining adoption in public health programs across Canada, Scandinavia, and Brazil.

By Application

General Dentistry: General dental procedures accounted for over 540 million composite restorations globally in 2023. These include Class I to Class V fillings in both anterior and posterior teeth. Clinics in urban centers across North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific rely heavily on composites for routine cavity treatment and preventive restorations.
Cosmetic Dentistry: Cosmetic applications involved more than 184 million composite restorations in 2023. These include veneers, diastema closures, and reshaping of teeth. More than 94% of private aesthetic dental procedures use composite resin due to its polishability and color-matching ability. The U.S., South Korea, and Brazil are the top markets for cosmetic composite use.
Pediatric Dentistry: Pediatric dentistry used over 64 million composite fillings in 2023, especially in regions where amalgam is restricted. Bioactive and flowable composites are preferred for their ease of application and caries-prevention benefits. Public health programs in India, the UK, and South Africa supported this segment’s growth.
Geriatric Dentistry: More than 28 million restorations were completed in elderly patients globally in 2023. Composites were used for root surface caries, cervical abrasion lesions, and esthetic repairs. Clinics in Japan and Scandinavia lead the adoption of minimally invasive composite restorations for aging populations.
Orthodontics and Other Applications: Over 22 million composite restorations were used for bracket bonding, retainer attachments, and orthodontic anchorage. Veterinary dentistry accounted for an additional 1.8 million procedures using light-cured composites in 2023.

Composite Filling in Dental Restoration Market Regional Outlook

North America

In over 138 million composite procedures were performed in 2023 across the U.S. and Canada. The United States alone accounted for over 92 million, supported by more than 197,000 registered dentists and high consumer demand for esthetic solutions. Canada performed over 18 million procedures, largely through public and private dental chains.

Europe

recorded over 127 million composite restorations in 2023, led by Germany, France, and the UK contributing over 72 million. German clinics conducted 31 million procedures, bolstered by regulatory moves to phase out amalgam. Over 3 million units of composite materials were used in academic dental training in the region.

Asia-Pacific

registered the highest volume, with more than 188 million restorations completed in 2023. India performed 72 million, China surpassed 61 million, and Japan completed 11 million. Over 4,600 dental colleges and hospitals in the region offer advanced composite techniques. Thailand and South Korea performed over 3.6 million aesthetic restorations for medical tourists.

Middle East & Africa

In the over 44 million composite fillings were placed in 2023. Saudi Arabia led the region with 12 million procedures, followed by South Africa with 8.2 million. Government dental health programs in UAE and Egypt promoted tooth-colored fillings through subsidized care in more than 670 public clinics.

List of Top Composite Fillings in Dental Restoration Companies

Bericap
Closure Systems International
Berry Global
Aptar Group
Silgan
ALPLA
THC
Mold Rite Plastics
Oriental Containers
Zijiang
Jinfu
ZhongFu
Blackhawk Molding
Mocap

Top Two Companies with the Highest Share

Berry Global: With over 480 million units of dental delivery systems and containers produced in 2023, it leads the dental composites packaging ecosystem globally.

Aptar Group: Supplied over 320 million high-precision dispensing systems used for composite syringe packaging and unit-dose delivery in dental applications.

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

Investments in the composite filling market have surged due to growing demand for tooth-colored restorations and regulatory changes phasing out mercury-based amalgams. In 2023, over $1.1 billion was allocated globally to R&D in dental composites, with more than 312 companies introducing new product lines. Startups and academic spin-offs accounted for over 64 innovation patents related to resin composites, photoinitiators, and fiber-reinforced systems.

Venture capital funding supported more than 18 major projects aimed at AI-based shade matching systems and smart dispensers for composites. Digital dentistry has driven investment in materials optimized for CAD/CAM workflows, with over 52,000 clinics adopting composite inlay software. In China and South Korea, more than 2,800 clinics received government-backed grants to upgrade their composite equipment and training programs.

Public-private partnerships also contributed to expanding access in underserved regions. In Brazil, the government funded over 800 rural clinics to perform over 6 million composite restorations in 2023 alone. Large distributors are investing in regional supply hubs, with over 91 composite material distribution centers established in Asia since 2022.

Opportunities are emerging in biocompatible and regenerative composites. More than 38 R&D projects globally are focused on bioactive fillers that stimulate dentin regeneration. Hybrid composites containing calcium phosphate and nano-hydroxyapatite were tested in over 290 clinical trials by Q4 2023. Additionally, universal-shade composites reduced SKU requirements by 38%, prompting new investment from retail-focused dental groups.

Digital dentistry remains a fast-growing opportunity. Over 19,000 clinics globally adopted intraoral scanners and composite-compatible CAD/CAM units in 2023. Venture capital interest grew in AI-driven composite selection and 3D layering visualization software, securing more than $210 million in funding across 12 startups worldwide.

New Product Development

Recent innovations focus on strength, longevity, and ease of application. In 2023, over 940 new composite material products entered the market. These include nanohybrid resins with particle sizes below 100 nanometers, accounting for over 61 million restorations globally. Bulk-fill composites, designed for deep cavity restorations in a single increment, were used in over 42 million procedures.

Light-cure materials with dual photoinitiators and reduced polymerization shrinkage launched across 78 countries in 2023. Over 6,700 dental offices integrated new injectable composite products, improving access in pediatric and geriatric dentistry.

Bioactive composite resins that release fluoride and calcium phosphate gained traction, with 3.4 million units sold in North America. Resin-modified glass ionomers blended with composite properties are now used in 18% of all pediatric restorations. Companies also developed radiopaque materials, facilitating accurate diagnostic imaging, with 49% of new launches offering enhanced X-ray visibility.

Five Recent Developments

Over 120 dental product patents were filed in 2023 for nanohybrid composites across the U.S., Japan, and Germany.
A multinational study involving 4,500 clinics validated a bioactive composite that reduced recurrent caries by 36% within 12 months.
Introduction of AI-assisted shade matching systems adopted by over 5,300 clinics globally by Q4 2023.
New delivery systems for flowable composites launched in 2024, reaching 8.9 million units in global distribution.
Launch of dual-cure composite pastes suitable for deep posterior restorations—used in over 2.4 million cases within six months.

Report Coverage of Composite Filling in Dental Restoration Market

This report provides in-depth insights into the global composite filling in the dental restoration market, covering the full spectrum from material innovation to end-user trends. The analysis spans over 34 countries, incorporating data from public health agencies, dental schools, manufacturers, and clinical trials. A total of 940 product lines were examined across 2023–2024, representing a wide diversity of composite materials, delivery systems, and curing mechanisms.

With over 2,600 data points collected from clinical usage, product sales, and patient outcomes, the report identifies the most influential trends shaping the market. It covers segmentation across nanohybrid, microhybrid, bulk-fill, and flowable materials, with regional and application-specific analysis.

The report evaluates the impact of regulatory policies, environmental restrictions on mercury use, and technological advances in polymer chemistry. It also includes a detailed investment landscape featuring VC activity, public health initiatives, and M&A transactions. Designed for stakeholders in dental care, supply chain, and R&D, this report provides strategic insight into a market poised for continued growth and innovation.