Natural appearance
Shaded to blend with surrounding enamel. This helps us plan white fillings around your real starting point, rather than relying on a generic treatment pathway.
General dentistry · London Bridge
White Fillings
A well-placed filling should protect your tooth and disappear into it. At Bridge Dental, tooth-coloured restorations are crafted precisely, matched to your enamel, bonded for strength, and finished so they are genuinely difficult to spot.
30–60 minutes Treatment time
£140–£250 Guide price
1 visit Appointments
Decay & chips Suitable for
How we work
Natural-looking repairs
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
- Natural appearance - Shaded to blend with surrounding enamel.
- Conservative - Often less tooth removal than traditional alternatives.
- Bonded seal - Adhesive attachment can support the remaining tooth structure.
- Mercury-free - Metal-free material for patients who prefer it.
! 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.
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.
Conservative
Often less tooth removal than traditional alternatives. We explain what we find clearly, including where a more cautious or staged approach would protect the final result.
Bonded seal
Adhesive attachment can support the remaining tooth structure. Small details at this stage can change comfort, appearance and longevity, so we take time before recommending treatment.
Mercury-free
Metal-free material for patients who prefer it. The aim is a plan that feels considered, predictable and appropriate for your long-term oral health.
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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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Comfort and decay removal
Local anaesthetic when required. Decay and old filling material are removed carefully.
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Build and polish
The filling is layered, shaped to your bite and polished for a smooth, natural finish.
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Home care advice
Guidance on brushing, diet and when to return if you notice sensitivity or a high bite.
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.
Examinations & check-ups
Routine exams to monitor teeth, gums and soft tissues.
Learn moreDental crowns
Protect and restore weakened teeth.
Learn moreRoot canal treatment
Save infected teeth with precision care.
Learn moreCommon questions
Frequently asked questions
Answers about white fillings, materials, longevity, sensitivity and when a crown is the better option.
How long do white fillings last?
With good care, many last years. Lifespan depends on size, bite forces and oral hygiene. At consultation, we will give you a realistic timeline for your mouth rather than a one-size-fits-all answer.
Will it hurt?
We use local anaesthetic when needed. Mild sensitivity for a few days afterwards is common and usually settles. We will keep you comfortable, explain what is normal afterwards, and give you clear guidance on when to contact us.
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. We will talk this through with you carefully and make sure you understand the next step before making any decision.
Are white fillings as strong as metal?
Modern composites are very strong for small to medium cavities. Large loads may need a crown instead. We will compare the sensible options with you, including the quieter pros and cons, so you can choose without feeling rushed.
How much will mine cost?
Guide fees are £140–£250 depending on complexity. You receive a written estimate before we start. Before you commit, we will talk through the likely fee range and any choices that could affect the final plan.
Can children have white fillings?
Yes, glass ionomer and composite are commonly used in paediatric dentistry. We will talk this through with you carefully and make sure you understand the next step before making any decision.
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. If you are unsure what to book, our reception team can guide you gently to the right appointment.
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. Before you commit, we will talk through the likely fee range and any choices that could affect the final plan.
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.
Next step
Book a filling appointment
Repair decay or refresh ageing fillings with tooth-coloured restorations that actually look the part.