White or Composite Fillings

What are composite fillings?

These are an alternative to conventional silver fillings.  In the right situation they are hard wearing and look like a natural tooth.

Advantages of composite fillings

• A moderate sized white filling can increase the strength of the remaining tooth making it less likely to fracture in the future.
• They look better than conventional silver fillings, in fact in some cases they can be virtually indistinguishable from natural tooth.
• In some cases the better thermal insulation provided by non-metal fillings can make a tooth less sensitive.

Disadvantages of composite fillings

• White fillings may not be suitable if the cavity is too big.
• Proper placement requires the site to be kept isolated of saliva.  This can be difficult in very large cavities near the back of the mouth.
• They are not suitable if the cavity is deep enough to go below gum level.
• White fillings take longer to place.

Our practice policy is to use white fillings in cases where we would expect them to last at least as well as a silver amalgam filling, but not if we feel the result may be compromised by moisture control or other clinical factors.  This sometimes means we have to make a final decision when the filling is placed.

An old silver filling replace by a white filling.

Price Guide

Small white filling in front tooth from £33

White filling in back tooth £70 - £93

Your monthly Denplan payment will cover the cost of white fillings where suitable.