DATA-BACKED GUIDE · UPDATED JULY 2026
Replacing amalgam fillings with white composite: UK costs
Plenty of people reach a point where they want their old grey fillings gone and replaced with something tooth-coloured. Swapping a sound amalgam filling purely for looks is a cosmetic decision, so it sits on the private side of the fence. This guide explains when a swap is worth doing, what shapes the cost, and the real prices below show the going rate near you.
The quick version
- Replacing a working metal filling with white composite for cosmetic reasons is private-only work, not something the NHS funds.
- If the old filling is cracked, leaking or has decay underneath, an NHS replacement may be possible under Band 2, a fixed £76.60 in England from 1 April 2026.
- You pay per tooth, so replacing several amalgams at once adds up quickly.
- Removing an old filling can reveal more decay or a crack, which sometimes turns a simple swap into bigger treatment.
Published and surveyed prices
Why the price varies so much
Two things drive the price: how many fillings you want changed and how big each one is. A single small filling is straightforward, but many people have several old amalgams and want them all matched, which multiplies the cost. Larger fillings take more time to remove cleanly and more composite to rebuild. Your dentist may also charge more if the tooth needs extra protection after a deep old filling comes out. And because taking the metal out can expose hidden decay or a fracture, the plan can shift to a crown or root canal, which is priced differently from a straight filling swap.
How to pay less
- Replace fillings only when there is a real reason, such as a leak or crack, rather than swapping healthy ones on impulse.
- If a filling is genuinely failing, ask whether an NHS Band 2 replacement is appropriate before going private.
- Group several replacements into one visit where your dentist agrees it is sensible, to save on repeat appointment fees.
- Compare the real prices below across a few practices, since per-tooth rates differ a lot locally.
Common questions
Will the NHS replace my amalgam fillings with white ones?
Only when there is a clinical need, such as a broken or leaking filling, and even then a back tooth is usually refilled with amalgam. Swapping sound metal fillings for white ones on looks alone is private treatment.
Is it safe to have old metal fillings removed?
For most people a dentist can remove amalgam safely using suction and isolation. Removing a filling that is still doing its job is not usually recommended unless you have a good reason, so talk it through first.
How much does it cost to replace several fillings?
Because you pay per tooth, the total rises with each filling you change. Ask for an itemised quote, then check the real prices below to see what local dentists charge per tooth.