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.

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 View My Profile Dr Solanki
February 18th, 2011 at 08:47 PM
Kate Says :

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?

December 23rd, 2011 at 08:47 PM
Jack Says :

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.

February 28th, 2012 at 08:47 PM
Philip Says :

I totally agree with Jack. Dr Kailesh Solanki is giving untrue information and he is not alone when it comes to dentists who are money greedy and happy to fleece their customers. They’d soon change their ways if their customer base suddendly vanished wouldn’t they?!!

May 28th, 2012 at 08:47 PM
Jaron Says :

Is it normal for a dentist to leave a gap between two teeth after geting a filling done. There was a small hole, which didnt really cause me any pain, It does not feel like a good filling as its chipping in my mouth, Teeth had no gap before and now its causing me alot of discomfort nd does not look right because of the gap. I really need your advise so i know not to go back to them and find a good dentist..

May 28th, 2012 at 08:47 PM
Samson Says :

I would advise you to go back tot he dentist who treated you first so that he or she can assess the situation and offer some solutions. Alternatively you could seek a second opinion. best wishes

August 6th, 2014 at 08:47 PM
megan Says :

Is it correct that if you need a filling which Is in your natural smile it can be done with a white filling? Please help

August 6th, 2014 at 08:47 PM
megan Says :

On the nhs I mean.

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