Examinations & check-ups
Routine exams to monitor teeth, gums and soft tissues.
Learn moreHow we work
White Fillings
Tooth-coloured restorations that repair decay while blending with the natural look of your smile.
Honest suitability
Is a white filling right for my tooth?
A white filling works best when there is sufficient healthy tooth structure remaining to support a conservative restoration. We assess the size of the cavity, bite forces and remaining enamel before recommending the simplest durable option, which may be a filling, an onlay or a crown.
Suitable if
- Small to medium cavities where enough tooth structure remains
- Visible teeth where a tooth-coloured repair is preferred
- Replacing older fillings that are leaking, stained or failing
- Patients wanting metal-free restorations when clinically suitable
May not be suitable if
- Teeth with insufficient structure for a filling alone
- Severe pain needing emergency assessment first
- Active gum disease without prior stabilisation
- When a crown is the more predictable long-term option
Patient benefits
Why choose white fillings
Tooth-coloured restorations match natural enamel, preserve more healthy tooth than older alternatives, and are our standard of care across the practice.
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Blends into the tooth
Shade-matched in natural light and polished to the right surface texture, a well-placed white filling is genuinely difficult to detect.
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Adhesive bond supports the tooth
Composite bonds to enamel and dentine, often reinforcing what remains rather than simply filling a hole.
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Conservative preparation
The adhesive technique typically requires less healthy tooth removal than older alternatives, preserving more of what is yours.
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Mercury-free restoration
Modern tooth-coloured materials restore decay or fractures without using amalgam.
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Assessment Examination and options
We check the tooth, take X-rays if needed, and confirm whether a filling, onlay or crown is most appropriate.
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Preparation Comfort and decay removal Local anaesthetic when required.
Decay and old filling material are removed carefully.
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Restoration Build and polish
The filling is layered, shaped to your bite and polished for a smooth, natural finish.
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Aftercare
Home care advice. Guidance on brushing, diet and when to return if you notice sensitivity or a high bite.
Clinical assessment
What we check before placing a filling
The right restoration for a tooth depends on how much healthy structure remains and what bite forces the filling will face. These are the factors we assess before starting.
- 01
Extent of decay or damage
We measure how much tooth structure is affected and whether a filling is still the right restoration.
- 02
Bite forces on the tooth
Heavy chewing loads on back teeth may mean a stronger material or crown is more appropriate.
- 03
Shade matching
Composite is layered to blend with your natural enamel so the repair is visually seamless.
- 04
Contact points and occlusion
The filling is shaped and polished so your bite feels natural and food does not trap between teeth.
Ask our principal dentist
Questions about fillings or replacing old restorations?
Dr Deb Ray
Typically replies during opening hours
Hi there 👋, send a short message about your treatment question and we'll reply on WhatsApp as soon as we can.
Guide fees
Treatment fees
| Treatment | Fee |
|---|---|
| White fillings - composite / glass ionomer (depending on complexity) | £140–£250 |
| The exact fee depends on tooth size, position and materials used, confirmed before treatment starts. | |
Balanced options
Alternatives to consider
Responsible dentistry means explaining every sensible option - not only the treatment you searched for.
Dental crowns
Protect and restore weakened teeth.
Learn moreRoot canal treatment
Save infected teeth with precision care.
Learn moreCommon questions
Frequently asked questions
How long do white fillings last?
With good care, many last years. Lifespan depends on size, bite forces and oral hygiene.
Will it hurt?
We use local anaesthetic when needed. Mild sensitivity for a few days afterwards is common and usually settles.
Can I replace all my silver fillings at once?
We plan replacements clinically, not for appearance alone. We advise which teeth benefit most from replacement.
Are white fillings as strong as metal?
Modern composites are very strong for small to medium cavities. Large loads may need a crown instead.
How much will mine cost?
Guide fees are £140–£250 depending on complexity. You receive a written estimate before we start.
Can children have white fillings?
Yes, glass ionomer and composite are commonly used in paediatric dentistry.
How do I book a white fillings consultation at Bridge Dental?
Use our online booking link or call reception. We will confirm appointment length, what to bring, and whether any preparatory steps are needed.
Are guide fees fixed before treatment?
We provide written estimates from our published fee guide. If your clinical needs change after assessment, we discuss any difference before proceeding.
What is the difference between composite and glass ionomer fillings?
Composite is a tooth-coloured resin we layer and bond into the cavity. It is strong, polishable and the usual choice for most adult fillings. Glass ionomer releases fluoride and bonds well in some situations, and is often used in children’s dentistry or specific clinical scenarios. We recommend the material that suits your tooth’s size, position and bite, and confirm the fee before we start.
When would I need an onlay instead of a filling?
When a cavity is too large for a simple filling but the tooth still has enough healthy structure to avoid a full crown, an onlay can be a stronger middle option. It is a custom-made piece that covers one or more cusps of the tooth. We assess this at examination and explain whether a filling, onlay or crown is the most predictable long-term choice.