Objective To evaluate the effect of three types of dental restoration materials on dental aesthetics in patients with anterior tooth defect. Methods A total of 150 patients with anterior tooth defect admitted to the Department of Stomatology, Xi'an Weiyang Deya Zhengshang Stomatology Clinic Co., Ltd. from March 2023 to December 2024 were selected as the research subjects, and they were divided into group A, group B and group C according to different restoration materials, with 50 patients in each group. Group A was restored with composite resin material, group B was restored with all-ceramic material, and group C was restored with metal-ceramic material. The dental aesthetics, satisfaction and complications were compared among the three groups. Results The color difference, transparency and gloss of group B were better than those of group A and group C (P <0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the marginal adaptation score among the three groups (P >0.05). The satisfaction score and total satisfaction rate of group B were higher than those of group A and group C (P <0.05). The incidence of complications in group B was lower than that in group A and group C, but the difference was not statistically significant (P >0.05). Conclusion The application of all-ceramic material in anterior tooth defect restoration has prominent aesthetic characteristics. Its effect in improving dental aesthetics is superior to composite resin material and metal-ceramic material, with better patient satisfaction. Clinically, restoration materials should be selected individually according to the restoration site and patient needs.