Objective To compare the effects of light-cured composite resin and glass ionomer filling on masticatory efficiency and aesthetic effect in patients with wedge-shaped defect. Methods A total of 62 patients with wedge-shaped defect treated in the Department of Stomatology, Nanjing Lishui District Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from March to November 2025 were selected as the research subjects. According to different filling materials, they were divided into the control group and the observation group, with 31 patients in each group. The control group received glass ionomer cement restoration, and the observation group received light-cured composite resin restoration. The periodontal health indicators, masticatory efficiency and aesthetic effect were compared between the two groups. Results At 3 months after treatment, the gingival index and plaque index in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P <0.05). At 1 month and 3 months after treatment, the masticatory efficiency of the observation group was higher than that of the control group (P <0.05). At 3 months after treatment, the grade A excellent and good rates of all aesthetic indicators in the observation group were higher than those in the control group (P <0.05). Conclusion Light-cured composite resin for wedge-shaped defect restoration can balance aesthetic effect, masticatory function and periodontal protection, which is more suitable for patients with high demands for aesthetics and function.