We'd like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum. This is to keep it a safe and useful space for MoneySaving discussions. Threads that are - or become - political in nature may be removed in line with the Forum’s rules. Thank you for your understanding.
We're aware that dates on the Forum are not currently showing correctly. Please bear with us while we get this fixed, and see Site feedback for updates.
White fillings on NHS

D4WNO
Posts: 610 Forumite


Hi everyone,
Does anyone know if I can have a white filling done on the NHS. I currently have a grey/silver one but it's visible when I smile and looks awful
Does anyone know if I can have a white filling done on the NHS. I currently have a grey/silver one but it's visible when I smile and looks awful

0
Comments
-
IIRC white fillings on back teeth are not available on the NHS. But they will do white front fillings.0
-
Cosmetic dentistry is not available on the NHS.
Having a filling replaced because it 'looks awful' is a cosmetic reason.How to find a dentist.
1. Get recommendations from friends/family/neighbours/etc.
2. Once you have a short-list, VISIT the practices - dont just phone. Go on the pretext of getting a Practice Leaflet.
3. Assess the helpfulness of the staff and the level of the facilities.
4. Only book initial appointment when you find a place you are happy with.0 -
Well it does need replacing as the tooth has actually cracked, I was just wandering if I could pay extra when it's done or anything. Looks like I'll have to go private0
-
My NHS dentist has done this for me. Every time a filling needs changing, I have it replaced with a white filling. He charges the NHS fee for the work and extra for the white filling.0
-
My NHS dentist has done this for me. Every time a filling needs changing, I have it replaced with a white filling. He charges the NHS fee for the work and extra for the white filling.
He could get into quite a bit of trouble for this if it were ever found out.
Technically he is claiming taxpayers money in order to provide cheap cosmetic dentistry for his patients.How to find a dentist.
1. Get recommendations from friends/family/neighbours/etc.
2. Once you have a short-list, VISIT the practices - dont just phone. Go on the pretext of getting a Practice Leaflet.
3. Assess the helpfulness of the staff and the level of the facilities.
4. Only book initial appointment when you find a place you are happy with.0 -
Well it does need replacing as the tooth has actually cracked, I was just wandering if I could pay extra when it's done or anything. Looks like I'll have to go private
If it needs replacing, then you could 'choose' to have it replaced privately with white filling. Better to do it this way than to have it all drilled out yet again really soon after it's been filled.How to find a dentist.
1. Get recommendations from friends/family/neighbours/etc.
2. Once you have a short-list, VISIT the practices - dont just phone. Go on the pretext of getting a Practice Leaflet.
3. Assess the helpfulness of the staff and the level of the facilities.
4. Only book initial appointment when you find a place you are happy with.0 -
Toothsmith, while your here, how much should a white filling be? A very shallow filling if that makes any difference.Just because you made a mistake doesn't mean you are a mistake.0
-
Yes my dentist did, I was a bit worried about the mercury as there is a strong incidence of early onset Alzheimers in my family and research I have read suggests (not necessarily proves) that mercury could be a risk factor, when I told her she let me pay extra for a white filling.Yesterday is today's memories, tomorrow is today's dreams0
-
How much material doesn't make a difference - that's not the expensive bit. It's how long it takes.
To do a white filling well takes a good half hour to 45min. Most dental practices run at a cost of about £200 ph. But dearer in dearer areas like city centres, probably a bit cheaper in more rural areas.
From that a cost of about £100 to £150 would be pretty reasonable - so long as the dentist really does spend a decent amount of time on it.
White filling is a very technique-sensitive material. If it's not done very well, then it really could harm the survival chances of the tooth. For that reason, I would always be very suspicious of cheap quick white fillings.
Amalgam is much more forgiving.How to find a dentist.
1. Get recommendations from friends/family/neighbours/etc.
2. Once you have a short-list, VISIT the practices - dont just phone. Go on the pretext of getting a Practice Leaflet.
3. Assess the helpfulness of the staff and the level of the facilities.
4. Only book initial appointment when you find a place you are happy with.0 -
Oh, I was given an estimate of £60 for a white filling but decided to go with NHS and get the normal silver one.
My work friend got a white filling for only £34 though so I actually thought my dentist must be expensive
Shows how much I knowJust because you made a mistake doesn't mean you are a mistake.0
This discussion has been closed.
Confirm your email address to Create Threads and Reply

Categories
- All Categories
- 348.3K Banking & Borrowing
- 252.1K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
- 452.4K Spending & Discounts
- 240.9K Work, Benefits & Business
- 617.2K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
- 175.7K Life & Family
- 254.1K Travel & Transport
- 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
- 16K Discuss & Feedback
- 15.1K Coronavirus Support Boards