Methods for making dental crowns, bridges, inlays, onlays, veneers, fillings, and other restorations are provided. The methods involve using a two-phase light curing (TPLC) material. Preferably, the TPLC material used to form the dental restoration comprises a blend of polymerizable compounds; photopolymerization systems (a) and (b), and particulate filler materials (a) and (b). In a first light-curing step, curing light having a wavelength of greater than 420 nm is used to activate system (a). In a second light-curing step, curing light having a wavelength of less than 420 nm is used to activate system (b). The two step light-curing method is efficient and allows the dentist to make restorations having high mechanical strength and pleasing aesthetics.