White fillings typically have a lifespan of 7 to 10 years or longer. However, their durability is influenced by various factors, such as your oral hygiene practices, your bite alignment, and the specific location of the filling within your mouth.
White Fillings at Westmount Dental
Discreet, Durable, and Tooth-Coloured Restoration
White fillings—also known as composite fillings—are a modern, natural-looking solution for restoring teeth affected by decay, minor cracks, or chips. Unlike traditional metal (amalgam) fillings, white fillings are designed to blend seamlessly with your teeth, providing both strength and aesthetics.
At Westmount Dental, we use advanced materials and techniques to ensure your filling is not only functional, but virtually invisible.
What Are White Fillings?
White fillings are made from composite resin, a blend of:
- Tooth-coloured resin – A durable plastic that mimics natural enamel
- Finely milled glass or ceramic particles – For added strength and shine
This composite material is colour-matched to your natural teeth, making the repair nearly undetectable. White fillings are ideal for both front and back teeth, offering a discreet alternative to metal fillings.
Benefits of White Fillings
- Natural Appearance
Custom-shaded to match your tooth, for an invisible restoration.
- Strong and Long-Lasting
Modern composites offer excellent durability and wear resistance.
- Mercury-Free
A safe alternative to amalgam, with no metal components.
- Preserves Tooth Structure
Less drilling is required compared to metal fillings.
- Versatile Use
Suitable for filling cavities, repairing chips, reshaping teeth, and closing small gaps.
What to Expect During a Filling Procedure
Your dentist may use a local anaesthetic to numb the area—this ensures your comfort during the procedure. Modern techniques make this step quick and minimally invasive.
- Removal of Decay
All decayed or damaged areas are gently removed using precise instruments. This step is crucial to prevent further decay beneath the filling.
- Tooth Preparation
The treated area is cleaned and shaped. If needed, the tooth surface is etched to improve bonding.
- Application of the Composite Material
The composite resin is applied in layers. Each layer is cured (hardened) with a special light, building a strong, stable restoration.
- Shaping and Polishing
Once the cavity is filled, the material is sculpted and polished to match the natural contour of your tooth—both in look and feel.
How Long Do White Fillings Last?
With good oral hygiene and regular check-ups, white fillings can last anywhere from 5 to 15 years or more. Their longevity depends on the size of the filling, its location in your mouth, and your oral care habits.
Restore Your Smile with Confidence
White fillings combine functional strength with natural beauty—giving you the confidence to smile, laugh, and speak without hesitation. Whether you need a new filling or want to replace old metal ones, Westmount Dental provides high-quality, personalised care.
Book your appointment today to learn more about composite white fillings and how we can help restore your smile with subtle, effective results.
Flexible Finance Options
We understand that investing in your dental health can sometimes be a significant expense. That’s why we offer flexible payment options to help make your treatment more manageable.
We’re pleased to now offer Pay in 3, allowing eligible patients to spread the cost of treatment across three monthly payments. Available for treatment plans between £100 and £1,000, Pay in 3 can be particularly helpful for routine and general dentistry, including patients on our practice plans who may prefer to spread the cost of additional treatment.
Flexible Finance for Larger Treatments
For treatment plans over £500, we also offer a range of flexible finance options designed to help you manage the cost of your treatment. Depending on your circumstances and eligibility, you can choose from interest-free and low-interest finance options over 10, 12, 24 or 60 months.
Whether you need routine dental care, restorative treatment or more complex treatment, our payment options can help you access the care you need while spreading the cost into manageable monthly payments.
Find a Payment Plan That Works for You
Use our dental finance calculator below to explore your potential monthly payments and find an option that suits your budget. If you have any questions about our payment options, our team will be happy to explain the available choices and help you understand which option may be suitable for your treatment.
Treatments
Monthly
Total Price
Composite Filling
N/A
OR
£200
Finance Calculator launch finance calculator
Finance is available for treatments up to £30,000. Credit decisions will be subject to your individual circumstances. You must be over 18 and earn an income to apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do white fillings last?
How long should I wait to eat or drink after getting a filling?
It is generally recommended that patients refrain from eating or drinking for at least one hour following a dental filling procedure. Additionally, it is advisable to avoid hard foods for a full 24 hours to ensure proper healing.
How long should my tooth be sensitive after getting a filling?
After receiving a white filling, any sensitivity typically subsides within a period of 2 to 4 weeks.
How much do white fillings cost?
The cost of white fillings tends to be higher than that of silver amalgam fillings due to the materials used and the meticulous process required to achieve a colour match with your natural teeth. Additionally, the price may fluctuate based on the size and type of filling, as well as the duration of the treatment.
Do my white fillings get stained?
Composite fillings can become discoloured when they come into contact with certain substances such as coffee, red wine, black tea, or tobacco. In contrast, ceramic fillings are more resistant to staining.
What are the advantages of white fillings?
White fillings demonstrate greater stability when subjected to temperature variations from hot and cold foods and beverages, and they can match the strength of amalgam fillings. Additionally, they provide a more visually appealing alternative compared to silver fillings.
How do I maintain white fillings?
To ensure the longevity of white fillings, it is essential to practice good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush at least twice a day. It is advisable to avoid abrasive toothpaste that could damage the fillings. Additionally, minimising the consumption of substances such as tobacco, coffee, and red wine can help reduce staining. It is also important to refrain from using mouthwashes that contain alcohol, as they may adversely affect the fillings.
Furthermore, one should avoid using teeth for tasks such as opening packages, biting on threads, chewing ice, or nail-biting, as these habits can lead to damage. Regular dental check-ups are crucial for monitoring the condition of the fillings and maintaining overall oral health.
Do you offer finance for dental treatment?
Yes, we offer interest-free and interest-bearing finance so that high-quality dental care is accessible to all our patients.
I’m embarrassed about coming in – can you help?
We understand that coming in to seek implant-based treatments is a huge life event. Our clinicians are compassionate people who encounter many patients who feel self-conscious about the condition of their mouths. We understand how debilitating lost teeth can be, particularly on your confidence levels and your everyday happiness. We are very happy to book you in for a practice tour or an appointment with our treatment coordinator in a non-clinical setting before your consultation.
Who performs my treatment?
Multiple members of the Westmount Dental clinical team will be involved in the planning and treating your dental care. This includes dentists, dental nurses, dental technicians and sedation dentists, who work seamlessly together to deliver predictable results.
Why choose Westmount Dental for my dental treatment?
As a specialist-led practice, we’re fortunate to have the talents of some extremely gifted and experienced dentists. With the latest technologies at our disposal, the planning and execution of your treatment journey will be seamless and precise. You can expect to be looked after by caring professionals who have a genuine passion for what they do. All of our dentists are continuously engaging in advanced training to remain the best in their field.
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