The era of silver amalgam fillings is over. Tooth-coloured composite resin restorations have replaced amalgam as the standard in Dubai’s cosmetic dental clinics — for new cavities, replacing old silver fillings, and repairing minor chips. This guide covers costs, what the procedure involves, and when cosmetic fillings are the right choice versus veneers or crowns.
Cosmetic Filling Cost Dubai 2026
| Filling Type / Size | Price Per Tooth (AED) | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| Small composite (1 surface) | AED 200–400 | Small cavity, minor chip repair |
| Medium composite (2 surfaces) | AED 350–600 | Moderate cavity, cosmetic bonding |
| Large composite (3+ surfaces) | AED 500–800 | Large cavity, replacing amalgam |
| Amalgam replacement (per tooth) | AED 400–800 | Remove silver filling, replace with composite |
| Composite veneer (front tooth) | AED 500–1,200 | Reshape or cover discoloured front tooth |
| Ceramic inlay/onlay | AED 1,200–2,500 | Large cavity where filling would be insufficient |
Composite Filling vs Ceramic Inlay — Which Is Right for You?
| Feature | Composite Filling | Ceramic Inlay/Onlay |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | AED 200–800 | AED 1,200–2,500 |
| Visits | 1 visit (1–2 hrs) | 2 visits |
| Strength | Good | Excellent |
| Aesthetics | Good | Excellent |
| Lifespan | 5–10 years | 15–20 years |
| Best suited for | Small–medium cavities | Large cavities, cusp replacement |
Cosmetic Fillings vs Veneers — When to Choose Each
Patients often ask whether they need a composite filling/veneer or a porcelain veneer. Here is a simple guide:
- Composite filling / direct composite veneer: Best for repairing a single chip, closing a small gap, or treating mild discolouration on one or two teeth. Reversible (no tooth enamel removal in most cases), completed in one visit, easily repaired. Lasts 5–8 years on front teeth.
- Porcelain veneer: Best for changing the shape, size, and colour of multiple front teeth simultaneously. More durable and stain-resistant than composite, but requires 0.3–0.5mm enamel reduction (irreversible) and costs 3–5× more per tooth. Lasts 15+ years.
- Crown: Required when more than 50% of the tooth is damaged or after root canal treatment. Fully encloses the tooth. Most durable option.
Amalgam Filling Replacement in Dubai
Many patients in Dubai choose to replace old silver amalgam fillings with tooth-coloured composite for aesthetic reasons. This is a routine procedure: the old amalgam is removed using isolation protocols (rubber dam, high-volume suction) to minimise mercury vapour exposure, and composite resin is bonded in its place. Cost: AED 400–800 per tooth. Replacing all back amalgam fillings typically takes 2–3 appointments. There is no medical requirement to replace functioning amalgam fillings, but many patients prefer the aesthetics and the fact that composite is mercury-free.
Insurance Coverage for Fillings in Dubai
Basic composite fillings are covered by most UAE health insurance plans (Daman, Bupa, AXA, MetLife) as “preventive” or “basic restorative” treatment, typically at 80–100% of the plan benefit. Ceramic inlays/onlays may be classified as major restorative and covered at a lower rate (50–80%) or excluded entirely. Always confirm pre-authorisation requirements with your insurer before the appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions — Cosmetic Fillings Dubai
How much does a tooth-coloured filling cost in Dubai?
Tooth-coloured (composite) fillings in Dubai cost AED 200–800 per tooth depending on size: small single-surface fillings AED 200–400, medium (2 surface) AED 350–600, large (3+ surface) AED 500–800. Amalgam replacement is AED 400–800 per tooth. Most health insurance plans cover basic fillings at 80–100% of the plan benefit.
How long does a cosmetic filling last in Dubai?
Composite resin fillings last 5–10 years on average. Fillings on back (molar) teeth experience more force and may need replacement sooner; front tooth composite veneers can last 7–10 years with good care. Ceramic inlays/onlays last 15–20 years. The Dubai heat does not affect filling longevity — material quality and placement technique are the key factors.
Should I replace my silver fillings in Dubai?
There is no medical necessity to replace functioning amalgam fillings. However, many patients in Dubai choose to replace them for aesthetic reasons (tooth-coloured composite blends invisibly) or because the old amalgam is cracked, worn, or causing secondary decay. If a filling is functioning well without decay, your dentist may advise monitoring rather than replacing. Removal does expose you briefly to mercury vapour, which is why proper isolation protocol (rubber dam) is essential.