What are white fillings, how much do they cost, and why should I get one?

What are white fillings?

White fillings, also known as composite fillings, are used to repair a hole in your tooth. These holes are most commonly caused by tooth decay. 

White fillings are made of a blend of resin and glass particles that closely match the natural colour of your teeth. Unlike metal fillings, they mimic the appearance of natural teeth and so are less likely to be noticed. 

White fillings are chemically bonded to your tooth using ultraviolet light. This technique can preserve more of the natural tooth compared to traditional metal fillings. However, white fillings are sensitive to moisture so are only suitable if your dentist can make your tooth clean and dry. This means that very deep fillings (such as those close or below the gumline), or teeth that are hard to access (such as wisdom teeth) can be unsuitable for composite fillings. 

 

Why do I need a filling?

 

There are several reasons why you might require a filling. These reasons include:

 

• Tooth decay. This is the most common reason for needing a filling. Tooth decay occurs because of sugar combined with inadequate oral hygiene. There are bacteria in the plaque in everyone’s mouth, but when this repeatedly mixes with sugar, it produces acid. This acidity eventually creates a cavity in the tooth. These holes grow bigger over time, and eventually need treatment to remove the decay and fill the hole. 

 

If left untreated, the cavity will continue to grow and might require more treatment in the future, such as a root canal or extraction.  

 

• Fractured teeth. Teeth can crack for a number of reasons. Fractures may be caused by dental trauma, by chewing something very hard, or by the enamel and dentine around existing fillings fracturing over time. 
  
  In these instances, a filling or crown can be used to restore the tooth to its original shape. 

 

How long will a white filling last?

 

White fillings generally last between five and seven years. They then need replacing or resurfacing. 

 

The lifespan of a white filling will vary based on its location in the mouth, the size of the filling, and how well they are looked after. 

 

White fillings can stain over time if they are not cleaned thoroughly, and they stain more easily than natural teeth. This does not impact their effectiveness but can cause them to become more noticeable.  

 

Are white fillings better than metal fillings?

 

White fillings can be a more aesthetic option than metal fillings as they blend in well with your teeth. They are colour-matched by a dentist to ensure they mimic the exact colour of your teeth. Metal fillings, otherwise known as amalgam fillings, are silver and are therefore more visible in your mouth. 

 

White fillings can save more of your tooth than metal fillings due to the bonding process of the composite material. This is particularly beneficial for smaller fillings when it is important to keep the original structure of the tooth. 

 

What are the disadvantages of white fillings versus metal fillings?

 

White fillings are not always considered clinically necessary on the NHS. White fillings on front teeth are generally offered on the NHS, but metal fillings are usually offered for back teeth. If you want a white filling on your back tooth, you might have to opt for private dental care.

 

White fillings can be more expensive than metal fillings when paid for privately.

 

White fillings often do not last as long as metal fillings. Metal fillings last an average of fifteen years, while white fillings typically last up to seven years. 

 

How much does a white filling cost privately?

 

How much you pay for a white filling will vary depending on the size of the filling required, the location of your dental practice, and the qualifications and experience of your dentist. 

 

In London, we have found the cost of a filling to vary from as little as £35 to as much as £450. 

 

The average starting price of a white filling in London is £142. 

 

You can sort dentists in your area by the price of a white filling. 

• Search your postcode on our homepage
• Order the search results by ‘Price’, and then select ‘White filling’
• Access each dentist’s contact information by selecting a dental practice

 

Are white fillings available on the NHS and how much do they cost?

 

White fillings are available on the NHS, but only when clinically required.

 

Dentists will usually offer white fillings on their patients’ front teeth, and metal fillings on their back teeth. If you would prefer to get a white filling, and have only been offered a metal filling, you might have to pay for private treatment. 

 

As of 1st April 2024, you will pay the Band 2 charge for a filling which is £73.50. 

 

Reviewed by Dr. Emily Black BDS(Bris) GDC 296586