For almost every cavity that needs filled there is a white, tooth coloured option.
The NHS allows dentists to place white fillings in the front six teeth of each jaw and also in the sides of back teeth.
However the NHS does not allow dentists to place white fillings in the biting surfaces of back teeth and this is one of the most common fillings required.
Nowadays, many patients needing a filling of this type opt to pay for it privately to get a tooth coloured filling done.
Some patients are deciding to have their metal fillings replaced with white fillings.