White (Composite) Filling
White (Composite) Filling — Cost Breakdown
Quick answer
A white (composite) filling on the NHS costs £76.60 in England (Band 2 — covers as many fillings as you need in one course of treatment) and £20 to £62 under the Wales legacy banded system. Private white fillings cost £90–£250 per tooth depending on the number of surfaces filled and the material grade. The UK private average has risen to about £129 in 2025 — up 23% since 2022 (myTribe Insurance survey).
Key facts
- NHS England (Band 2): £76.60 — covers unlimited fillings in one course
- UK private average: £129 per filling (2025 myTribe survey)
- 1-surface composite: £90–£160
- 2-surface composite: £130–£220
- 3+ surface composite: £180–£250
- Average lifespan: 5–10 years
- London premium: typically 30–50% above national average
Composite (white) fillings are bonded directly to the tooth and matched to its natural colour. They are available on the NHS for front teeth in all situations and for back teeth where clinically appropriate. The Band 2 charge covers as many fillings as you need in one course of treatment.
What is white (composite) filling?
A white filling — properly called a composite resin restoration — is the single most common UK dental treatment after the check-up. Patients search for the price because they want to replace an old amalgam filling, because a small cavity has been spotted, or because they have chipped a front tooth. The price varies sharply between NHS (one Band 2 fee covers as many fillings as needed) and private (per-tooth, per-surface).
Who needs this treatment?
- Anyone with a new cavity confirmed by examination or X-ray
- Patients with chipped or worn front teeth
- People wanting to replace silver amalgam fillings for cosmetic reasons
- Patients with cracked or fractured cusps that can still be saved
What does the procedure involve?
A composite filling takes 20–45 minutes per tooth. The dentist numbs the tooth with local anaesthetic, removes the decay with a high-speed drill, isolates the tooth with a rubber dam to keep it dry, etches and primes the enamel, and builds up the composite resin in 2 mm layers cured with a blue light. Final shaping and polishing make sure your bite is correct and the filling is smooth. Larger fillings on chewing surfaces can take 60 minutes.
Recovery time
You can eat and drink as soon as the local anaesthetic wears off (1–3 hours). Mild cold sensitivity for 1–2 weeks is normal as the nerve settles. If the bite feels high, return within a few days for a quick adjustment — leaving it can cause ongoing soreness.
How long does it last?
A well-placed composite filling lasts 5–10 years on average. Smaller front-tooth fillings can last 15+ years; large fillings on heavily loaded back teeth wear faster.
NHS Coverage
Falls under Band 2. On the NHS in England and Wales, you pay the single Band 2 charge regardless of how many fillings are placed.
| Nation | NHS patient charge |
|---|---|
| England | £76.60 |
| Wales | £62.00 (legacy) |
| Scotland | 80% of item-of-service fee |
| Northern Ireland | £12–£42 per filling |
NHS charges effective from 1 April 2026.
Private Cost Range
Private composite fillings have increased about 23% since 2022, averaging £129 in 2025 according to myTribe Insurance data.
| Option | UK average | Central London |
|---|---|---|
| Small composite filling (1 surface) | £90–£160 | £120–£220 |
| Medium composite filling (2 surfaces) | £130–£220 | £170–£280 |
| Large composite filling (3+ surfaces) | £180–£250 | £220–£320 |
Private fees compiled from UK clinic price lists and 2026 market surveys.
What Affects the Cost
- Number of tooth surfaces involved
- Whether a rubber dam is used (recommended for quality)
- Type of composite resin (premium nano-hybrids cost more)
- Whether sedation is needed
When is this treatment available on the NHS?
White composite fillings are covered by the NHS Band 2 charge (£76.60 in England and Wales) on all teeth where they are clinically appropriate. NHS dentists may decline a white filling on a back molar if amalgam is judged more durable for that specific tooth.
How to save money on this treatment
- Pay one Band 2 fee for all the fillings you need in a single course of treatment — England and Wales
- Use the NHS for back-tooth fillings even if you prefer the white look elsewhere
- Combine fillings with a check-up at the start of the course to fold in the Band 1 fee
- Ask if a sealant could prevent the next filling — covered under Band 1
Does dental insurance cover this?
Bupa Dental, Denplan and Simplyhealth typically reimburse 50–80% of private composite filling costs up to annual limits. Dental capitation plans cover at least basic restorative work at no extra charge.
Risks and side effects
- Post-operative sensitivity for up to 2 weeks
- Risk of needing a root canal (about 1 in 50) if the cavity was very deep
- Recurrent decay around the filling margin if home care is poor
- Possible cusp fracture in heavily restored back teeth
Red flags to watch for
- Quotes that escalate from £80 to £250 without a clear material upgrade reason
- “Cosmetic” premium pricing for what should be a routine restoration
- Repeated replacement of fillings within 2–3 years — suggests technique or material issues
Alternatives to consider
- Amalgam (Silver) Filling — Traditional silver amalgam — stronger but very visible; rarely first-choice in cosmetic practices.
- Inlays & Onlays — Lab-made composite or ceramic restoration — more expensive but lasts twice as long as direct fillings.
- Dental Crown — A crown is needed instead of a filling when 50% or more of the tooth is missing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a composite filling last?
A well-placed composite filling typically lasts 5–10 years. Larger fillings on chewing surfaces wear faster.
Why are private fillings more expensive than NHS?
Private dentists usually take longer, use higher-grade materials, use isolation (rubber dam) and offer a wider choice of shade matching.
Will a white filling match my tooth exactly?
Modern composites use layering of dentine and enamel shades. For visible front teeth, ask for a shade match in natural light before the dentist commits.
Can I have a white filling on a back tooth on the NHS?
Yes, the NHS funds white fillings on back teeth when the dentist judges them clinically appropriate. Some practices default to amalgam on heavily loaded molars.
Will my filling need replacing?
Yes, eventually. Plan to budget for replacement every 7–10 years for back teeth and 10–15 years for front teeth.
Is the X-ray needed before a filling?
Often yes — to see how deep the decay reaches and whether the nerve is at risk. A bitewing X-ray is the standard.