Can my silver fillings be replaces with white fillings on the NHS?
Q. Dear Dr Solanki,
I have 7 silver fillings mainly on my back teeth and every time I laugh or when im talking to somebody I am aware that people can see these and they have been bothering me more lately since starting my new job. Is it possible to get these replaced with white fillings on the NHS as I cannot afford to pay for these done privately?
G.T.
I have 7 silver fillings mainly on my back teeth and every time I laugh or when im talking to somebody I am aware that people can see these and they have been bothering me more lately since starting my new job. Is it possible to get these replaced with white fillings on the NHS as I cannot afford to pay for these done privately?
G.T.
A. I understand your issue about wanting to replace your silver fillings with tooth coloured (white) composite fillings. Unfortunately white fillings are not available on the NHS. Placing composite fillings when done correctly takes time and a great deal of artistic skill and time and this is why it is expensive. Your tooth contours the exact colour of your tooth needs to be matched, If the fillings are too large they can be replaced with porcelain fillings. It is important that your dentist safely removes the mercury (silver) fillings when replacing them, I personally use a special rubber damn to isolate the teeth when removing fillings. High quality cosmetic dentistry does come at a price but the effect that it can have on ones self esteem is often priceless. If you feel that you cannot afford to pay for the treatment that you require all up front, many practices offer 0% finance over as long as 2 years to help spread your payments.
I hope this helps
Dr Kailesh Solanki
Kissdental – UK Practice of the Year 2007
157 Woodsend Road, Flixton, Manchester, M41 8GN.
2 New Street, Altrincham, Cheshire, WA14 2QS.
13 Stanley Street, Manchester, M8 8SH.
Web: www.kissdental.co.uk Tel: 0161 748 5250
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Dr Solanki
Where is it written that composite (white) fillings are not available on the NHS? I cannot find anywhere a written confirmation from the NHS about this. On the NHS website Band B includes: “permanent fillings in amalgam, composite resin, synthetic resin, glass ionomer, compomers, silicate or silico-phosphate, including acid etch retention.” There is no mention of the NHS not covering white fillings? Band C treatment includes a list of a very wide range of treatments including crowns etc.
Why do dentists only do substandard work on the NHS?
White (composite) fillings are available on the NHS!
Please read “Handling Cases of Misleading Information about NHS Dental Services” provided by NHS.
The GDS Regulations specify that dentists must provide all proper and necessary dental care and treatment. You are simply very greedy.
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