DATA-BACKED GUIDE · UPDATED JULY 2026
Are white fillings worth it? UK costs and how long they last
A white filling blends in with your tooth, which is why so many people choose one over a grey metal one. The tricky part is that composite is nearly always a private treatment on a back tooth, so you pay for the look. This guide weighs up whether that spend is worth it, and the real prices below show what dentists near you actually charge.
The quick version
- White (composite) fillings are tooth-coloured and bond to the tooth, so they look far more natural than amalgam.
- On the NHS a filling falls under Band 2, which is a fixed £76.60 in England from 1 April 2026, though front-tooth composites can be provided on the NHS where clinically needed.
- Private composite fillings are priced per tooth and vary with the size of the cavity and the number of surfaces filled.
- A well-placed composite typically lasts several years, but back teeth take heavy chewing forces that can shorten its life.
Published and surveyed prices
Why the price varies so much
The main thing that moves the price is how much tooth needs rebuilding. A small cavity on one surface is quick, while a large filling wrapping around three surfaces takes longer and uses more material, so it costs more. Where the tooth sits matters too, because a molar at the back is harder to reach and keep dry than a front tooth. Your dentist's location and whether the work is NHS or private also change the figure, and some cavities turn out to need a crown or root canal once the decay is cleaned out, which is a different price bracket entirely.
How to pay less
- Ask whether the tooth qualifies for an NHS filling, since a single Band 2 charge covers all the fillings you need in that course of treatment.
- Deal with a small cavity early, before it grows into a large filling, a crown or root canal work.
- Get a written quote that lists the number of surfaces, so you can compare like for like between practices.
- Compare the real prices below for a few local dentists rather than booking the first one you call.
Common questions
Can I get a white filling on the NHS?
Yes for front teeth, where a tooth-coloured filling is standard on the NHS. For back teeth the NHS usually provides amalgam, so a white filling there is normally a private choice you pay extra for.
How long does a white filling last?
It varies with the size of the filling, the tooth it is on and how well you look after it. Many last several years, but large fillings on heavily chewed back teeth tend to wear or chip sooner than small ones.
Are white fillings worth the extra cost?
If the tooth shows when you smile, most people feel the natural look is worth it. On a hidden back molar the case is weaker, so it comes down to whether appearance matters to you. Check the real prices below before deciding.