Question 1

How much does a dental check-up cost in London?

Accepted Answer

An NHS dental check-up costs £26.80 (Band 1). Private dental check-ups in London typically range from £40 to £120, with the average being around £65. Prices vary significantly by borough — expect to pay more in central and west London areas like Westminster and Kensington & Chelsea, and less in outer boroughs like Barking & Dagenham and Bexley.

Question 2

What is included in NHS Band 1?

Accepted Answer

NHS Band 1 (£26.80) covers dental examinations, diagnosis, X-rays, scale and polish (when clinically necessary), preventive advice, and planning for further treatment if needed. It is a single charge regardless of how many of these services are performed in one course of treatment.

Question 3

Are dental implants available on the NHS?

Accepted Answer

Dental implants are very rarely available on the NHS. They are generally only provided in exceptional circumstances, such as when teeth are lost due to oral cancer treatment, facial trauma, or congenital conditions. For most patients, dental implants are a private treatment costing between £1,500 and £3,500 per implant in London.

Question 4

How can I get free dental treatment?

Accepted Answer

Free NHS dental treatment is available if you are: under 18 (or under 19 in full-time education), pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 months, receiving Income Support, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Pension Credit Guarantee Credit, Universal Credit (meeting income criteria), or hold a valid NHS HC2 certificate. You must show proof of eligibility at each appointment.

Question 5

What is the average cost of teeth whitening in London?

Accepted Answer

Professional teeth whitening in London typically costs between £200 and £700, with the average around £400. In-surgery treatments (such as laser whitening) tend to be at the higher end (£400-£700), whilst take-home kits provided by a dentist usually cost £200-£400. Teeth whitening is not available on the NHS as it is considered a cosmetic treatment.

Question 6

Is private dental treatment worth the cost?

Accepted Answer

Private dental treatment offers several advantages over NHS care: wider choice of materials (e.g. white fillings, porcelain crowns), access to cosmetic treatments, shorter waiting times, longer appointments, and often more modern facilities. However, NHS treatment covers all clinically necessary procedures at significantly lower cost. Many patients use a combination — NHS for essential work and private for cosmetic or elective procedures.

Question 7

How much do braces cost in the UK?

Accepted Answer

Fixed metal braces typically cost £1,500 to £4,000 privately. Clear aligners (such as Invisalign) range from £1,800 to £5,500. NHS orthodontic treatment is available free for under-18s when clinically necessary, though adults are not eligible for NHS orthodontics except in very specific clinical circumstances. The total cost depends on the complexity and duration of treatment.

Question 8

What happens if I cannot afford dental treatment?

Accepted Answer

Several options exist if you are struggling to afford dental care: check your eligibility for free NHS treatment or the NHS Low Income Scheme (HC2 certificate) which covers full costs. Many dental practices offer payment plans or interest-free finance for larger treatments. Dental schools often provide reduced-cost treatment performed by supervised students. In an emergency, NHS 111 can direct you to urgent dental care.

Borough	Category	Check-up	Filling	Crown	Implant
Barking & Dagenham	Affordable	£45	£90	£500	£1,800
Newham	Affordable	£48	£95	£520	£1,900
Bexley	Affordable	£50	£100	£540	£1,950
Havering	Affordable	£50	£98	£535	£1,920
Waltham Forest	Affordable	£50	£100	£550	£2,000
Croydon	Affordable	£52	£105	£560	£2,050
Enfield	Affordable	£52	£102	£555	£2,020
Sutton	Affordable	£55	£108	£570	£2,100
Lewisham	Moderate	£55	£120	£600	£2,200
Greenwich	Moderate	£58	£125	£620	£2,250
Haringey	Moderate	£58	£122	£610	£2,230
Brent	Moderate	£60	£130	£640	£2,300
Hackney	Moderate	£60	£128	£635	£2,280
Lambeth	Moderate	£62	£135	£660	£2,400
Southwark	Moderate	£65	£140	£680	£2,450
Tower Hamlets	Moderate	£65	£138	£675	£2,420
Islington	Moderate	£65	£142	£690	£2,500
Ealing	Moderate	£60	£130	£650	£2,350
Hounslow	Moderate	£58	£125	£630	£2,280
Hillingdon	Moderate	£57	£122	£620	£2,250
Harrow	Moderate	£60	£130	£650	£2,350
Redbridge	Moderate	£55	£118	£600	£2,200
Bromley	Moderate	£62	£135	£660	£2,400
Merton	Moderate	£65	£140	£680	£2,480
Barnet	Moderate	£65	£142	£690	£2,500
Wandsworth	Moderate	£68	£148	£710	£2,550
Camden	Premium	£75	£160	£780	£2,800
Kingston upon Thames	Premium	£72	£155	£760	£2,750
Richmond upon Thames	Premium	£78	£165	£800	£2,900
Hammersmith & Fulham	Premium	£80	£170	£820	£2,950
Westminster	Premium	£90	£185	£900	£3,200
Kensington & Chelsea	Premium	£100	£200	£1,000	£3,500

Dental Cost Calculator

Select Your Treatment

Dental Check-up

Dental X-Rays

NHS Dental Bands Explained (2025/26)

Private Dental Costs by London Borough

How to Reduce Your Dental Costs

Choose NHS When Possible

Join a Dental Plan

Do Not Skip Check-ups

Check Your NHS Eligibility

Consider Dental Schools

Compare Prices Across Boroughs

Need Emergency Dental Care?