Cosmetic, Implant and General DentistryWhite Fillings
White (composite) fillings repair a tooth affected by decay or minor damage using a tooth-coloured material, rather than the silver-grey amalgam traditionally used. They're a popular choice for teeth that show when you smile or talk, here in Luton as elsewhere.
From Cavity to Finished Filling, Step by Step
After removing any decay, your dentist cleans and shapes the cavity, then builds the filling up in layers using a composite resin, matched to the shade of your natural tooth. Each layer is set using a curing light before the next is added, and the filling is then shaped and polished so it blends in and feels comfortable against your bite.
White or Silver? Comparing Your Filling Options
Beyond the obvious cosmetic advantage, composite fillings bond directly to the tooth structure, which for smaller cavities can mean less of the natural tooth needs to be removed compared with some amalgam preparations. They’re a well-established, routine treatment, not experimental and suitable for the great majority of cavities we see, though your dentist will advise if a particular cavity is better suited to a crown instead.
Durability: What to Realistically Expect
Composite fillings are durable but, like any filling, can wear or need replacing over time, particularly on back teeth that take more chewing pressure. Regular check-ups let us catch and address this early, and if decay has reached the nerve, root canal treatment may be needed instead of a straightforward refill.
White filling fees
| Treatment | Fee |
|---|---|
| Composite Filling | £180 – £230 |
1. What are white fillings?
White fillings are made from composite resin, a tooth-coloured material used to restore teeth affected by decay or damage. They’re designed to blend in with your natural tooth colour, rather than being visible like traditional silver amalgam fillings.
2. How do I know if I need a filling?
You may need a filling if decay has caused a cavity or hole in a tooth. Many patients aren’t aware they need a filling until it’s picked up during a routine check-up, which is one reason regular examinations are so important. Left untreated, decay can allow bacteria to reach the inner tooth, potentially leading to infection, pain, or tooth loss.
3. What are white fillings made of?
The exact composition can vary, but white fillings are typically made from a mixture of glass particles, synthetic resin, and a setting ingredient. Our dentist can give you more detail about the specific material used for your treatment.
4. Why might I choose a white filling over a silver amalgam filling?
Many patients prefer white fillings because they blend in with the natural tooth, rather than showing when they laugh or smile. Composite fillings can also help preserve more of the natural tooth structure, depending on the type of restoration needed.
5. Are white fillings as durable as silver amalgam fillings?
White fillings were traditionally considered less long-lasting than silver amalgam, but modern composite materials have improved significantly and can offer comparable performance. How long a white filling lasts depends on factors such as its location in the mouth and the forces it’s exposed to when biting. Our dentist can advise on what to expect for your particular filling.
6. Can I have my old amalgam fillings replaced with white ones?
Fillings are generally only replaced when our dentist identifies a clinical need, such as an old filling that has failed or is at risk of failing. If a filling does need replacing, you can ask for it to be replaced with a tooth-coloured material. Replacement purely for cosmetic reasons is also possible on request — our dentist can discuss whether this is suitable for you.
7. Does having a white filling hurt?
As with most filling treatments, a local anaesthetic can be used to keep you comfortable during the procedure. Please let our dentist know if you have any concerns, and they’ll talk you through what to expect.
8. How do I look after a tooth with a white filling?
Caring for a filled tooth is much the same as caring for your natural teeth — brushing twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste, reducing sugary food and drink, and attending regular check-ups so our dentist can monitor the filling over time.
9. How much do white fillings cost?
Composite fillings at USmile Dental range from £180 to £230, depending on the size and complexity of the filling required. Our dentist will be able to give you a written estimate before agreeing to any treatment.