General dentistry

White fillings

All our fillings are tooth-coloured composite. They blend in, they are strong, and in many cases they need less healthy tooth removed than the silver amalgam many of us grew up with. Just to be clear, we don't do black fillings.

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Colour-matchedcomposite
Bondedto the tooth
From £159.95white fillings

Dentist treating a patient under the surgical microscope

At the practice

Even routine work, done properlyA filling is a chance to restore a tooth well and make it look good in the process

About white fillings

Fillings that look like teeth

What white fillings are

A white filling is a composite resin, a mixture of fine glass particles and resin, colour-matched to your tooth. It is applied in layers, each set with a light, then shaped and polished to match the contours of the tooth. Done well, it is genuinely difficult to tell from the real thing.

Composite bonds directly to the tooth, which supports what remains rather than just filling a hole. It can be used for small cavities, chipped or worn teeth, closing minor gaps, and replacing failing old restorations.

What makes a good filling?

A good filling is well sealed, correctly packed, shaped to the tooth's natural anatomy and matched to its colour. Each of those steps takes time, and each one is what makes a filling last. Here is one from start to finish.

Before: decay in the fissures
Isolated with a rubber dam
The decay exposed
The finished filling

Should you replace old amalgam fillings?

We get asked this a lot, and the answer is honest rather than commercial. If your existing amalgam fillings are in good condition and not causing problems, there is no urgent clinical reason to replace them, and we will not recommend treatment you do not need. If they are failing, cracked, causing sensitivity, or you simply want to improve how your smile looks, replacing them with composite makes perfect sense. We show you what we find and let you decide.

How long they last

A well-placed composite filling, with good home care, can last many years. That depends on the size of the restoration, where it sits, your bite and how well you look after it. We will give you honest guidance on what to expect and when it might need reviewing.

Read the transcript

So what I really like about Clear Dentistry is just how professional they are, how approachable they are here and the level of service that you receive as well. The moment you watch through the door everyone's incredibly friendly. It doesn't really feel like your typical dental surgery, everyone's really approachable. There's always a great atmosphere. The decor is really homely actually but it's homely yet still professional and it's just got a really nice feel about it. Again as soon as you walk in you feel very comfortable. It's a nice space to relax before you go into see your dentist or hi-genist so it's a nice space to be in. Recently I came in for a feeling and Lee could actually show me on the screen a blown up image of the tooth which is the back of my mouth and of course I've never seen that part of my mouth before and it was really interesting to see really the state that the tooth was in and he could take me through step by step what he was going to do and it gave me a lot of confidence in the procedure they were about to perform on me. I would absolutely recommend Clear Dentistry in fact I have recommended the practice to a few of my friends already who come here and they're very very happy. They kind of approach their taking to dentistry it's something I really admire so I'll be one of their patients for a long time I'm sure.

Patient story · 1:34

“He could show me on the screen a blown-up image of the tooth, and take me through step by step what he was going to do.”

Donna came in for a filling and saw the tooth on screen before anything was done. She describes how that, and the atmosphere of the practice, gave her confidence.

Common questions

Are white fillings as strong as silver amalgam?

Modern composite materials are strong and durable, and in many cases need less healthy tooth removed than amalgam. A well-placed composite filling, with good home care, can last many years. Longevity depends on the size of the filling, its position and how well you look after it.

Should I replace my old silver fillings with white ones?

If they are in good condition and not causing problems, there is no urgent clinical reason to, and we will never recommend treatment you do not need. If they are failing, cracked, causing sensitivity, or you want to improve the look of your smile, replacing them with composite makes good sense. We will show you what we find and let you decide.

Will a white filling be noticeable?

Done well, it is genuinely difficult to tell from the real thing. The composite is colour-matched to your tooth, applied in layers, then shaped and polished to match the tooth's contours.

Clinically reviewed by Dr Leigh Knowles (GDC 76315), 14 October 2026.

Patient reviews

4.9

From 245 genuine Google reviews

Read all reviews

“Always excellent patient care from Kim and Anna on Reception and Leigh and Hannah in the surgery. (I’m sure all the staff are equally lovely but I haven’t met them all!) Leigh is exceptionally good at explaining dental “stuff” in a way which is tailored to different individual people.”
Jane · today
245 reviews from our patients on GoogleRead them all
“A truly excellent dentists. I feel lucky to have such a renowned practice so close to us in what is just a small market town. In my family of four, we all use Clear Dentistry, and I feel we’re in brilliant hands.”
Charlie Thompson · 2 weeks ago
“As always, a friendly and personalised service from reception to the dentist’s chair”
Paul Howden · 2 weeks ago
“I would highly recommend Clear Dentistry, Chis and his team are extremely professional offering the highest level of care and service.”
Kate Holroyd Smith · 3 weeks ago
“The team at Clear dentistry are great, but a special mention to Kim who is exceptional!”
Kirsty Tilley · 3 weeks ago
“Dental care is always superb. Every procedure is explained and gold standard. The before and after images are extremely informative.”
John Morris · 3 weeks ago
“I moved from another dental practice that I was with for 5 years on the recommendation of a relative and I’m very glad I did. Equipment is first class, everyone is extremely friendly and professional and make me feel a lot more comfortable than other dental practices I’ve used. They’re also able and willing to answer any and all questions I have and answer honestly instead of just trying to sell! Highly recommend.”
Max Coghlan · 6 weeks ago
“Truly the best dental practice I’ve been to. The receptionists, nurses and dentists are very professional, friendly and really seem to care. They make you feel very informed about your options and any treatments (if needed). Would highly recommend!”
Lizzie P · 6 weeks ago
“As always, my experience with Clear Dentistry today was great. On entering the building I see the reception staff. Three faces were smiling at me and I immediately relaxed. Dealing with Kim at the desk is always a pleasure. After a couple of information checks I went upstairs to see Luke. Luke has looked after me for many years. He is the best dentist I have ever had (and I had a few before I found him). Luke has an ability to put you at ease. He is professional, has a gentle manner and is extremely experienced. You do feel with Luke that it's not about the money, it's the care that's important. Keith Lines”
Keith Lines · 6 weeks ago