What’s the Difference in Composite Fillings?
When you need a filling, your dentist may describe it as small, medium or large. These sizes suit different teeth, and they also affect the composite filling cost. In this guide, we explain what each one means in plain terms, so you know what to expect before your appointment.
Your dentist always confirms the size after looking at your tooth, so think of this as a helpful guide.
What Is a Composite Filling?
A composite filling is a white, tooth-coloured filling that repairs a tooth affected by decay, chips, cracks or wear. We make it from a blend of plastic resin and finely ground glass-like particles, and we match the shade to your natural tooth so the repair blends in. The material also bonds to the tooth, which gives better support and means we remove less healthy tooth structure than we would with amalgam. If you are comparing materials, our guide to teeth amalgam vs white fillings explains the differences.
How Does Filling Size Affect Composite Filling Cost?
We offer composite fillings in three sizes, and each has its own price. Your dentist decides which one suits your tooth.
Small Composite Fillings
A small composite filling repairs minor decay, such as a small cavity from early decay. We also use it for minor chips, cracks and worn areas. It works on both front and back teeth and copes with light and moderate chewing forces. The price is £150, or £135 for members.
Medium Composite Fillings
A medium composite filling restores a tooth with moderate decay. It handles moderate chewing forces, so it suits molars and premolars. We also use it to repair chipped, broken or worn teeth. The price is £200, or £180 for members.
Large Composite Fillings
A large composite filling is for teeth with significant decay or damage. It gives a strong, durable repair for teeth that take heavy chewing forces, and it suits molars and premolars. The price is £250, or £225 for members.
What Decides Which Size You Need?
Your dentist chooses the size after looking at your tooth, and they take a few things into account:
- How much decay or damage there is
- How much chewing force the tooth has to handle
- Where the tooth sits in your mouth
- What your X-rays show, if we need to take them
We will always tell you what to expect before you leave the chair.
What Happens at Your Composite Filling Appointment?
The steps are the same for every size. We assess your tooth, give you a local anaesthetic, then remove the decay and clean the area. Next, we place the composite in layers and harden each one with a special light. We finish by shaping and polishing the filling and checking your bite. In most cases, we can complete the whole treatment in one visit.
How Long Do Composite Fillings Last?
Composite fillings can last anywhere between 5 and 10 years, and sometimes longer. How long yours lasts depends on its size and location, your eating habits and how well you look after your teeth. Good oral hygiene and regular check-ups give you the best chance of a long-lasting filling. Our guide to the benefits of composite fillings covers this in more detail.
Not Sure Which Composite Filling You Need? Book With Us
If you have a damaged tooth or a filling that needs attention, we are here to help. Our family-run dental practice in Redditch has looked after local smiles for over 20 years, and we do our best to see emergency dental cases on the same day. We are open 9am to 5:30pm Monday to Thursday, and 9am to 5pm on Fridays. Contact us today to book your appointment and find out which composite filling is right for you.
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