Last updated: February 2026. Pricing verified from NHS.uk, myTribe Insurance survey of 483 practices, and leading UK dental sources.
With 13 million adults in England unable to access NHS dentistry and private dental prices rising 5-10% year-on-year, understanding what private treatment actually costs has never been more important. This guide covers every common dental treatment with verified NHS and private prices, so you can budget with confidence.
Private Dentist Prices at a Glance
Here is a quick summary of what you can expect to pay for the most common private dental treatments in the UK:
| Treatment | NHS Price | Private Price (UK Average) | London Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Check-up (new patient) | £27.40 | £60–£120 | £70–£150 |
| Check-up (existing patient) | £27.40 | £40–£70 | £50–£85 |
| Scale and polish | £27.40 | £60–£150 | £85–£150 |
| Composite filling | £75.30 | £90–£250 | £120–£300 |
| Root canal (molar) | £75.30 | £500–£1,000 | £800–£1,800 |
| Extraction (simple) | £75.30 | £100–£200 | £150–£300 |
| Crown (porcelain) | £326.70 | £500–£1,000 | £700–£1,200 |
| Dental implant (single) | Rarely NHS | £1,800–£4,200 | £2,500–£5,500 |
| Veneers (porcelain, per tooth) | Not NHS | £500–£1,200 | £700–£1,500 |
| Invisalign (full) | Not NHS | £3,500–£5,500 | £4,000–£6,500 |
| Teeth whitening | Not NHS | £300–£800 | £400–£1,000 |
Important: Private dental prices vary significantly between practices. London and the South East are typically 30-50% more expensive than the North of England.
How Much Does a Private Dental Check-Up Cost?
A private dental check-up is the most common appointment and your first cost to consider. Here is what to expect:
| Appointment Type | Private Cost | What Is Included |
|---|---|---|
| New patient examination | £60–£120 | Full examination, medical history review, treatment plan |
| Existing patient check-up | £40–£70 | Routine examination, oral cancer screening, advice |
| Single X-ray | £15–£40 | Periapical or bitewing X-ray |
| Full mouth X-rays | £40–£100 | OPG panoramic X-ray |
| CT scan (CBCT) | £100–£250 | 3D imaging for implants or complex cases |
"Routine check-ups have gone up from £48 to £55 over two years — that's about 14% more." — myTribe Insurance survey of 483 UK practices
What Is Included in a Private Examination?
A private check-up typically includes more than an NHS Band 1 appointment. Most private practices offer:
- Thorough examination of teeth, gums and soft tissues
- Oral cancer screening
- Digital X-rays (often included in the fee)
- Detailed treatment plan with written cost estimates
- Longer appointment times (20-30 minutes vs 10-15 minutes on the NHS)
- Same-day or next-day availability
Hidden Extras to Watch For
Some private practices charge separately for items that might seem included:
- X-rays: Some include them in the check-up fee, others charge £15-£40 per image
- Hygienist visit: Almost always charged separately (£60-£150)
- Treatment plans: Occasionally charged as a consultation fee for complex cases
- AirFlow cleaning: Premium stain removal treatment at £100-£180 on top of a standard clean
Tip: Always ask for a written treatment plan with full costs before agreeing to any work.
Scale and Polish / Hygienist Costs
Regular hygienist visits are essential for preventing gum disease and maintaining good oral health. Here is what private hygienist appointments cost:
| Service | Private Cost | London Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Standard scale and polish (30 min) | £60–£150 | £85–£150 |
| Extended hygiene session (45-60 min) | £100–£200 | £130–£250 |
| AirFlow cleaning | £100–£150 | £115–£180 |
| Deep cleaning (per quadrant) | £110–£200 | £150–£300 |
On the NHS, a scale and polish is included in a Band 1 appointment (£27.40) if your dentist considers it clinically necessary. Privately, it is always a separate charge.
Filling Costs: NHS vs Private
Fillings are one of the most common dental treatments. The cost depends on the type of material used:
| Filling Type | NHS Price | Private Cost | London Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amalgam (silver) | £75.30 (Band 2) | £80–£150 | £100–£200 |
| Composite (white) | £75.30 (Band 2) | £90–£250 | £120–£300 |
| Ceramic / porcelain inlay | £326.70 (Band 3) | £400–£800 | £500–£1,000 |
"The average cost of a white composite filling has climbed from £105 to £129 since 2022 — a 23% increase." — myTribe Insurance survey
Why the price difference? NHS fillings cost the same regardless of material (Band 2). Privately, white composite fillings cost more than amalgam because they require more skill and time to place. Ceramic inlays are the most expensive but last longest (10-15 years or more).
Regional variation: Composite filling prices vary dramatically. myTribe found that Watford charges £198 on average while Luton charges £70 — just 17 miles apart.
Root Canal Treatment Costs
Root canal treatment saves a tooth that would otherwise need extracting. Costs vary depending on which tooth is affected:
| Treatment | NHS Price | Private Cost | London Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Front tooth (1 canal) | £75.30 (Band 2) | £300–£600 | £400–£800 |
| Premolar (1-2 canals) | £75.30 (Band 2) | £400–£800 | £600–£1,200 |
| Molar (3-4 canals) | £75.30 (Band 2) | £500–£1,000 | £800–£1,800 |
| Specialist (endodontist) | Referral | £600–£1,500 | £900–£2,500 |
| Post and core (if needed) | Included in Band 2 | £150–£350 | £200–£450 |
"The median cost of an anterior root canal has risen by 14.29%, reaching £400 in 2024." — myTribe Insurance survey
Note: A root canal often needs a crown afterwards to protect the weakened tooth. This adds £500-£1,000 to the total cost privately, or £326.70 on the NHS (Band 3).
Tooth Extraction Costs
Whether you need a simple extraction or a more complex surgical removal, here is what to budget:
| Extraction Type | NHS Price | Private Cost | London Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simple extraction | £75.30 (Band 2) | £100–£200 | £150–£300 |
| Surgical extraction | £75.30 (Band 2) | £200–£400 | £250–£500 |
| Wisdom tooth (simple) | £75.30 (Band 2) | £200–£400 | £250–£500 |
| Wisdom tooth (surgical, impacted) | £75.30 (Band 2) | £300–£600 | £400–£800 |
| Multiple extractions (same visit) | £75.30 (Band 2) | £150–£400 per tooth | £200–£500 per tooth |
"Simple tooth extractions have had the steepest price rise of all common treatments — jumping from £105 to £139 (up 32%)." — myTribe Insurance survey
Good to know: On the NHS, multiple extractions in the same course of treatment still cost just one Band 2 charge (£75.30). Privately, each additional tooth is charged separately.
Crown and Bridge Costs
Crowns and bridges are restorative treatments used to repair or replace damaged teeth:
Dental Crowns
| Crown Type | NHS Price | Private Cost | London Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Porcelain-fused-to-metal | £326.70 (Band 3) | £400–£700 | £500–£900 |
| All-ceramic / porcelain | £326.70 (Band 3) | £500–£1,000 | £700–£1,200 |
| Zirconia | £326.70 (Band 3) | £600–£1,200 | £800–£1,500 |
| Gold crown | £326.70 (Band 3) | £700–£1,200 | £900–£1,500 |
| Temporary crown | Included | £100–£200 | £150–£250 |
Dental Bridges
| Bridge Type | NHS Price | Private Cost | London Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional bridge (3-unit) | £326.70 (Band 3) | £800–£2,000 | £1,000–£2,500 |
| Cantilever bridge | £326.70 (Band 3) | £700–£1,500 | £900–£2,000 |
| Maryland (adhesive) bridge | £326.70 (Band 3) | £500–£1,200 | £700–£1,500 |
| Implant-supported bridge | Not NHS | £2,500–£6,000 | £3,500–£8,000 |
Key point: NHS Band 3 covers all types of crowns and bridges for a flat £326.70. Privately, costs vary enormously based on material and complexity. A premium porcelain crown with specialist fitting can cost 3-4 times the NHS rate.
Veneer Costs
Veneers are thin shells placed over the front surface of teeth to improve their appearance. They are purely cosmetic and never available on the NHS:
| Veneer Type | NHS Price | Private Cost | London Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Composite veneer (per tooth) | Not NHS | £150–£400 | £200–£500 |
| Porcelain veneer (per tooth) | Not NHS | £500–£1,200 | £700–£1,500 |
| 4 teeth package (porcelain) | Not NHS | £2,000–£4,800 | £2,800–£6,000 |
| 8 teeth package (porcelain) | Not NHS | £4,000–£9,600 | £5,600–£12,000 |
Composite veneers are more affordable and can be done in a single appointment, but typically last 5-7 years. Porcelain veneers are more expensive but can last 15-25 years with proper care.
Dental Bonding Costs
Dental bonding uses composite resin to repair chips, gaps and discolouration. It sits between a filling and a veneer in both cost and longevity:
| Treatment | NHS Price | Private Cost | London Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single tooth bonding | Not NHS | £150–£350 | £200–£500 |
| 4 teeth package | Not NHS | £900–£1,195 | £1,100–£1,500 |
| 8 teeth package | Not NHS | £1,895–£2,395 | £2,200–£3,000 |
Bonding typically lasts 5-10 years and is a popular alternative to porcelain veneers for patients on a tighter budget.
Teeth Whitening Costs
Professional teeth whitening is a cosmetic treatment and is never available on the NHS. Only registered dental professionals can legally provide whitening in the UK:
| Whitening Type | Private Cost | London Cost |
|---|---|---|
| In-office whitening | £300–£800 | £400–£1,000 |
| Zoom whitening | £350–£600 | £450–£800 |
| Enlighten whitening | £595–£650 | £650–£800 |
| Take-home kit (dentist-supplied) | £200–£450 | £295–£600 |
| Combination (in-office + home) | £450–£900 | £600–£1,200 |
Warning: Whitening products sold by non-dentists (beauty salons, online retailers) with more than 0.1% hydrogen peroxide are illegal in the UK. Always use a GDC-registered professional.
Dental Implant Costs
Dental implants are the gold standard for replacing missing teeth. They are rarely available on the NHS and represent one of the most significant dental investments:
| Implant Treatment | NHS Price | Private Cost | London Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single implant (complete) | Rarely NHS | £1,800–£4,200 | £2,500–£5,500 |
| Bone graft (if needed) | N/A | £400–£800 | £500–£1,200 |
| CT scan | N/A | £150–£250 | £200–£350 |
| Multiple implants (2-3 teeth) | N/A | £3,500–£10,000 | £5,000–£14,000 |
| All-on-4 (per arch) | Not NHS | £10,000–£18,000 | £12,500–£22,000 |
| All-on-4 (both arches) | Not NHS | £20,000–£36,000 | £25,000–£44,000 |
Average cost: Most patients pay between £2,200 and £2,500 for a single dental implant across the UK.
The total cost of a single implant typically breaks down as:
- Titanium implant screw: £400–£800
- Abutment (connector): £200–£400
- Implant crown: £600–£1,200
- Bone graft (if needed, ~30% of cases): £400–£800
Denture Costs
Dentures remain a common and affordable solution for replacing missing teeth:
| Denture Type | NHS Price | Private Cost | London Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Partial acrylic | £326.70 (Band 3) | £450–£800 | £600–£1,000 |
| Full acrylic (per arch) | £326.70 (Band 3) | £500–£1,500 | £700–£2,000 |
| Chrome / metal partial | £326.70 (Band 3) | £800–£1,500 | £1,000–£2,000 |
| Flexible (Valplast) | £326.70 (Band 3) | £500–£1,200 | £700–£1,500 |
| Implant-retained (per arch) | Not NHS | £14,000–£18,000 | £16,000–£22,000 |
NHS vs private dentures: NHS dentures are clinically functional but typically use basic acrylic materials. Private dentures offer more natural-looking materials, better fit, and wider aesthetic options. The BDA has noted that the average NHS practice loses approximately £42 delivering a set of NHS dentures, which means NHS denture quality may be limited by economic constraints.
Orthodontic Treatment Costs
Braces and aligners straighten crooked teeth and correct bite problems. NHS orthodontics is generally only available for children with a clinical need:
| Treatment | NHS Price | Private Cost | London Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metal fixed braces | £326.70 (Band 3, if eligible) | £1,800–£3,000 | £2,500–£4,500 |
| Ceramic fixed braces | Not NHS | £2,500–£5,500 | £3,000–£6,500 |
| Lingual braces (behind teeth) | Not NHS | £3,000–£10,000 | £5,000–£12,000 |
| Invisalign Express | Not NHS | £1,200–£2,000 | £1,500–£2,500 |
| Invisalign Lite | Not NHS | £2,500–£3,500 | £3,000–£4,000 |
| Invisalign Full | Not NHS | £3,500–£5,500 | £4,000–£6,500 |
| Retainers (post-treatment) | Included | £100–£400 per set | £150–£500 |
Note: NHS orthodontic treatment is assessed using the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN). Most adult orthodontics is private only, regardless of clinical need.
Emergency Appointment Costs
Dental emergencies can happen at any time. Here is what emergency treatment costs privately:
| Emergency Service | NHS Price | Private Cost | London Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency consultation (daytime) | £27.40 | £75–£150 | £100–£200 |
| Out-of-hours consultation | £27.40 | £150–£350 | £200–£500 |
| Overnight emergency (12am-9am) | N/A | £300–£500 | £400–£600 |
| Temporary filling | Included | £80–£150 | £100–£200 |
| Emergency prescription | N/A | £15–£30 | £20–£40 |
Important: Emergency consultation fees typically do not include the actual treatment. X-rays, prescriptions and follow-up treatment are usually charged separately on top.
Dental Sedation Costs
If you experience dental anxiety, sedation can make treatment possible. Sedation is charged separately on top of treatment costs:
| Sedation Type | NHS Availability | Private Cost | London Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oral sedation (tablet) | Sometimes | £75–£150 | £100–£200 |
| Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) | Sometimes | £89–£200 per hour | £120–£250 per hour |
| IV sedation | Sometimes | £385–£600 per hour | £450–£700 per hour |
| General anaesthetic | Hospital only | £500–£2,600 | £800–£3,000 |
Why Do Private Dentist Prices Vary So Much?
Private dental fees are not regulated, and every practice sets its own prices. Several factors explain the wide range:
Regional Price Differences
Location is the single biggest factor affecting private dental prices:
| Region | Average Check-Up | Relative Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Central London | £85–£150 | Highest |
| South East England | £70–£120 | High |
| South West England | £60–£100 | Above average |
| Midlands | £55–£80 | Average |
| North West | £50–£75 | Below average |
| North East | £45–£65 | Lower |
| Scotland | £50–£95 | Varies widely |
"Central London clinics can be 30-50% more expensive than those in the North of England." — UrgentCare Dental
Other Factors Affecting Price
- Dentist experience and specialisation: Specialist dentists (endodontists, periodontists, prosthodontists) charge 20-50% more than general dental practitioners
- Materials and technology: Practices using CEREC same-day crowns, digital scanners and premium materials charge more
- Practice overheads: Rent, staffing costs and equipment vary significantly between locations
- Demand and competition: Areas with fewer dentists tend to have higher prices
Dental Inflation Is Real
Dental prices have been rising faster than general inflation:
- Dental sector inflation: 9.2% (vs general CPI of ~3%)
- Staff costs: Up 15% year-on-year
- Lab fees: Up 16.5%
- Extraction prices: Up 32% since 2022
"The dental inflation rate stands at 9.2%, with staff costs up 15% and dental lab fees up 16.5%." — BDA industry analysis
NHS Dental Charges: The Full Picture
Before deciding between NHS and private, here are the exact NHS charges across the UK:
England (from 1 April 2025)
| Band | Cost | What Is Covered |
|---|---|---|
| Band 1 | £27.40 | Examination, X-rays, advice, scale and polish if needed |
| Band 2 | £75.30 | Everything in Band 1 plus fillings, root canals, extractions |
| Band 3 | £326.70 | Everything in Bands 1 and 2 plus crowns, dentures, bridges |
| Urgent | £27.40 | Emergency examination and immediate treatment |
"NHS dental charges from 1 April 2025." — NHS.uk
Regional Variations
| Country | Examination | Maximum Charge | System |
|---|---|---|---|
| England | £27.40 (Band 1) | £326.70 (Band 3) | 3-band fixed charges |
| Wales | £20.00 (Band 1) | £260.00 (Band 3) | 3-band fixed charges |
| Scotland | FREE | £384 (80% cap) | Percentage-based |
| Northern Ireland | FREE | £384 (80% cap) | Percentage-based |
Who Gets Free NHS Dental Treatment?
You qualify for free NHS dental treatment if you:
- Are under 18 (or under 19 and in full-time education)
- Are pregnant or have had a baby in the past 12 months
- Receive certain benefits including Universal Credit (with no earnings or earnings below the threshold), Income Support, Jobseeker's Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance, or Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
- Hold a valid NHS Low Income Scheme certificate (HC2 full help, or HC3 partial help)
- Are an NHS inpatient and the treatment is provided by the hospital dentist
"You can check your eligibility for free NHS dental care on the NHS website." — NHS.uk
How to Make Private Dental Treatment More Affordable
If you need private treatment, several options can spread or reduce the cost:
Monthly Dental Plans
Dental plans work like a subscription — you pay a monthly fee and receive routine care plus discounts on additional treatment:
| Plan | Monthly Cost | What Is Included |
|---|---|---|
| Denplan | £13–£22/month | Varies by oral health assessment; typically includes check-ups, hygiene visits and some treatments |
| Bupa Smile Plan | From ~£15/month | 2 check-ups, 2 hygiene appointments plus additional benefits |
| Bupa (under 18s) | £8.99/month | Youth plan pricing |
Note: Denplan fees are personalised and set by your dentist based on your individual oral health and likely treatment needs. Fees vary significantly between patients.
0% Finance and Payment Plans
Most private practices now offer interest-free finance:
- 0% APR terms: Typically up to 12-24 months
- Extended finance (with interest): Up to 60 months
- Minimum borrowing: Usually £250-£950
- Maximum borrowing: Up to £25,000-£50,000 depending on provider
- Eligibility: Must be 18+, UK resident for 3+ years
This makes expensive treatments like implants (£2,000+) or orthodontics (£3,500+) manageable through monthly payments.
Dental Insurance
Dental insurance reimburses a portion of your treatment costs:
| Level | Monthly Premium | Annual Benefit Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | £10–£15/month | £150–£250/year |
| Mid-range | £15–£30/month | £400–£800/year |
| Comprehensive | £30–£50/month | £1,000–£2,500/year |
Important: Most dental insurance works as cashback (you pay upfront and claim back), not direct payment. Pre-existing conditions typically are not covered for 12-24 months, and cosmetic treatments are usually excluded.
When NHS Might Be Better Value
NHS treatment offers significantly better value for:
- Crowns, bridges and dentures (Band 3): £326.70 vs £500-£2,000+ privately
- Root canals and extractions (Band 2): £75.30 vs £300-£1,500+ privately
- Check-ups and fillings (Bands 1-2): £27.40-£75.30 vs £50-£300+ privately
- Anyone eligible for free treatment: Savings of hundreds or thousands of pounds
The challenge is finding an NHS dentist accepting new patients. According to BDA data, 96.9% of people without a dentist who tried to access NHS care were unsuccessful.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a private dentist check-up cost in the UK?
A private dental check-up costs £40-£120 depending on whether you are a new or existing patient. New patient examinations cost £60-£120, while routine check-ups for existing patients cost £40-£70. London prices are typically 20-30% higher.
Is private dental treatment worth the extra cost?
It depends on your situation. Private dentistry offers shorter waiting times, longer appointments, a wider choice of materials and cosmetic treatments unavailable on the NHS. For routine check-ups and basic fillings, the NHS offers excellent value. For complex restorative or cosmetic work, private treatment gives you more options.
Why are private dentists so expensive?
Private dental prices reflect the true cost of delivering care, including staff salaries (up 15%), lab fees (up 16.5%), equipment, materials and premises costs. The NHS pays dentists a fixed fee per treatment that the BDA argues does not cover the actual cost of delivery — particularly for complex treatments like dentures.
How can I find a cheaper private dentist?
Compare prices between practices in your area, as costs vary significantly even within the same town. Ask about dental plans (from £13/month) for routine care, enquire about 0% finance for larger treatments, and consider practices slightly outside city centres where overheads are lower.
Do private dentists charge for consultations?
Most private dentists charge £40-£120 for an initial consultation. Some offer free initial consultations to attract new patients, particularly for cosmetic or implant treatment. Always confirm consultation fees when booking.
Is dental insurance worth it in the UK?
Dental insurance makes sense if you want predictable costs and regularly need treatment beyond check-ups. Basic policies cost £10-£15/month with annual limits of £150-£250. For comprehensive cover (£30-£50/month), annual limits reach £1,000-£2,500. Calculate your typical annual dental spend to decide whether a policy offers good value for you.
Can I get dental implants on the NHS?
Dental implants are very rarely available on the NHS. They may be offered in exceptional circumstances, such as replacing teeth lost through head and neck cancer treatment, or when conventional options are clinically unsuitable. In most cases, dental implants are private only, costing £1,800-£4,200 per single implant.
Why do dental prices vary so much between practices?
Every private practice sets its own fees. Prices depend on location (London is 30-50% more expensive), dentist experience and specialisation, materials used, technology available, and practice overheads. The myTribe Insurance survey found that two practices just 17 miles apart charged £198 and £70 for the same composite filling.
Looking for a dentist near you? Use our search to find and compare dental practices in your area, including pricing information and patient reviews.
