White fillings are generally more expensive than silver fillings. The two main types of dental fillings are amalgam (silver fillings) and composite resin (white or tooth-colored fillings). Amalgam is a durable mixture of metals, including silver, copper, and tin. Composite resin is a blend of plastic and fine glass particles.
Comparing the Initial Sticker Price
The base fee charged by a dental office shows a clear difference between the two materials. Amalgam fillings are typically the least expensive restorative option due to their lower material cost and quicker placement procedure. The average cost for a single-surface amalgam filling ranges from about $50 to $150 per tooth without insurance. In comparison, the list price for a composite resin filling is noticeably higher, often ranging from $90 to $250 for a single surface. The exact price for either material is heavily influenced by the size of the decay and the number of tooth surfaces that need restoration.
Why White Fillings Cost More to Place
The primary reasons for the price difference stem from the cost of the materials themselves and the complexity of the clinical procedure. Composite resin materials are inherently more expensive to manufacture and purchase than the raw metals used in amalgam. The specialized bonding agents and layering materials required for composite placement also contribute to the higher supply cost.
Placing a white filling is a technique-sensitive process that takes significantly more time and precision than placing an amalgam filling. The tooth must be kept completely dry and isolated from saliva throughout the procedure to ensure a strong bond. The dentist must apply etching, a bonding agent, and the composite resin in small layers, with each layer requiring curing using a specialized ultraviolet light. This multi-step process increases the labor cost, as the dental team spends more chair time per filling. Amalgam, conversely, is mixed, packed directly into the prepared cavity, and sets quickly without intricate layering or bonding steps.
How Insurance Affects Your Out-of-Pocket Expense
The largest factor determining a patient’s actual expense is dental insurance coverage, which often does not treat both materials equally. Many standard plans consider amalgam the “standard of care” for restoring posterior (back) teeth due to its historical durability. If a patient chooses a composite filling for a back tooth, the insurer may invoke an alternative benefit provision. This means the insurer only pays the cost equivalent to a cheaper amalgam filling. The patient is then responsible for the difference between the composite fee and the amount the insurance paid for the hypothetical amalgam.
There is a common exception for fillings placed on anterior (front) teeth. Composite fillings on the six front teeth are often fully covered because their tooth-colored nature is considered necessary for aesthetic reasons. For back teeth, the patient must often choose between the lower-cost amalgam that is typically covered or paying the financial difference for the composite.
Durability and the Long-Term Financial Picture
While the initial cost of a composite filling is higher, patients should consider the long-term financial picture, including durability and potential replacement costs. Amalgam fillings have historically demonstrated superior longevity, with some studies showing a median survival time exceeding 16 years. Modern composite technology has improved, but the median survival time is generally reported to be around 11 years. If a filling needs replacement sooner, the cumulative cost of multiple replacements can outweigh the initial higher expense of a longer-lasting option.
The way composite bonds directly to the tooth structure is a financial benefit. This often requires less removal of healthy tooth structure during the procedure. Preserving more of the natural tooth can save the patient from needing more extensive and expensive procedures, such as a crown, later in life.