Composite Filling Cost: 2026 Prices for Tooth-Coloured Fillings
A composite filling costs $150 to $300 per tooth for most patients. The exact price depends on how many surfaces the cavity covers and whether your insurance plan downgrades composite to the amalgam rate.
Anterior (Front Teeth) Composite Costs
ADA codes D2330-D2335 cover composite fillings on front teeth (incisors and canines).
| ADA Code | Surfaces | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| D2330 | 1 surface | $170-$250 |
| D2331 | 2 surfaces | $200-$350 |
| D2332 | 3 surfaces | $250-$400 |
| D2335 | 4+ surfaces | $300-$450 |
Posterior (Back Teeth) Composite Costs
ADA codes D2391-D2394 cover composite fillings on back teeth (premolars and molars). These typically cost $20 to $25 more than anterior composites due to harder access and stronger material requirements.
| ADA Code | Surfaces | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| D2391 | 1 surface | $170-$275 |
| D2392 | 2 surfaces | $220-$375 |
| D2393 | 3 surfaces | $275-$425 |
| D2394 | 4+ surfaces | $325-$475 |
Why Composite Costs More Than Amalgam
Technique Sensitivity
Composite must be placed in a completely dry field. Any moisture contamination weakens the bond. Your dentist uses cotton rolls, suction, and sometimes a rubber dam to isolate the tooth. Amalgam is far more forgiving of moisture.
Layered Curing
Composite is placed in 2mm layers, each cured individually with UV light for 20 to 40 seconds. A 3-surface filling may need 4 to 6 layers. Amalgam is packed in one step. This layering process adds 15 to 20 minutes compared to amalgam placement.
Material Cost
Composite resin costs the dentist $15 to $30 per filling in materials, compared to $3 to $8 for amalgam. The bonding agent, etchant, and curing light add to overhead. Material cost is a small percentage of the total fee, but it contributes to the price difference.
The Price Difference
Composite typically costs $50 to $150 more than amalgam for the same cavity. For a 1-surface molar filling, that means $170 to $275 (composite) vs $75 to $150 (amalgam). Most patients consider the natural appearance worth the premium.
Insurance and the Composite Downgrade Clause
Many dental insurance plans have a "composite downgrade" or "alternative benefit" clause. When you choose composite for a back tooth, the plan only pays what it would have paid for an amalgam filling. You pay the difference out of pocket.
Worked Example: 2-Surface Molar Filling
Without the downgrade clause, you would pay 20% of $280 = $56. The downgrade nearly triples your cost. Ask your insurer whether your plan has this clause before choosing composite for back teeth.
Composite vs Amalgam vs Ceramic
| Material | Cost | Lifespan | Appearance | Strength | Visits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Composite | $150-$300 | 5-10 yrs | Tooth-coloured | Good | 1 |
| Amalgam | $75-$150 | 10-15 yrs | Silver/dark | Excellent | 1 |
| Ceramic | $250-$500 | 15-20 yrs | Tooth-coloured | Very good | 1-2 |
See all four materials compared including gold inlays and cost-per-year analysis.
How Long Do Composite Fillings Last?
Composite fillings last 5 to 10 years on average, with many lasting longer depending on the size, location, and your habits. Factors that shorten composite lifespan include teeth grinding (bruxism), large cavity size, poor oral hygiene, and excessive consumption of hard or sticky foods.
When a composite filling needs replacement, the cost is usually similar to a new filling. However, if decay has progressed underneath the old filling, the replacement will be larger (more surfaces, higher ADA code, higher cost). After 2 to 3 replacement cycles, there may not be enough tooth left for a filling, and your dentist will recommend a crown.
Full lifespan and replacement cost guideComposite Filling FAQ
Is composite as strong as amalgam?
Composite is strong enough for most fillings but not quite as durable as amalgam for large back-tooth restorations. Modern composites have improved significantly and handle normal chewing forces well. For a 1 or 2-surface filling on a molar, composite performs comparably to amalgam.
Can composite fillings stain?
Yes. Composite can absorb stains from coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco over time, especially in the first 48 hours after placement. Polishing during regular cleanings helps maintain appearance. Staining is cosmetic and does not affect the filling's structural integrity.
Should I replace my amalgam fillings with composite?
There is no medical reason to replace functional amalgam fillings. Removal costs $200 to $400 per tooth and exposes you to a small amount of mercury vapor during the process. Replace only if the amalgam is cracked, leaking, or causing symptoms, or if your dentist recommends it during regular care.
How long does composite filling placement take?
A single-surface composite filling takes 30 to 45 minutes. Multi-surface fillings take 45 to 60 minutes. The process involves numbing, drilling, etching, bonding, layering the composite resin, curing with UV light, and shaping. It takes longer than amalgam because each layer must be cured individually.