Key facts about private dental costs in 2025
- Private dental costs vary significantly by location and practice, with London typically 30-50% more expensive than other regions
- A private check-up ranges from £40-£100, compared to NHS Band 1 at £26.80
- Dental implants (private only) cost £2,000-£3,000 per tooth on average
- Composite fillings cost £80-£250 privately vs £73.50 for multiple fillings on NHS Band 2
- Private dental plans can help spread costs, starting from around £15-£25 monthly
If you're considering private dental treatment in the UK, understanding the costs involved is crucial for making an informed decision. Private dentistry can offer faster appointments, more treatment time, and access to procedures not available on the NHS — but it comes at a price.
This comprehensive guide breaks down exactly what you can expect to pay for private dental treatment in 2025, how these costs compare to NHS charges, and whether going private represents good value for money.
How much does a private dental check-up cost?
A routine private dental examination typically costs between £40 and £100 in 2025, depending on your location and the practice you attend. London and the South East tend to sit at the higher end of this range, whilst practices in the North of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland often charge less.
This compares to NHS Band 1 treatment, which covers an examination, diagnosis and preventive advice for £26.80. However, many patients struggle to find an NHS dentist accepting new patients, which is why private check-ups remain popular.
Most private dentists recommend check-ups every 6-12 months, meaning annual costs for examinations alone could range from £80 to £200. Many practices offer membership plans that include regular check-ups and hygienist appointments for a monthly fee.
Private costs for common dental treatments
Fillings
Private composite (white) fillings cost between £80 and £250 per tooth, depending on the size and complexity. Amalgam (silver) fillings are slightly cheaper at £60-£150, though many practices now exclusively offer composite options for aesthetic reasons.
On the NHS, both types of filling fall under Band 2 treatment at £73.50 — and this covers any number of fillings, plus extractions and root canal treatment if needed during the same course of treatment.
Crowns
Private dental crowns typically cost £500-£1,000 per tooth. Porcelain crowns sit at the higher end, whilst metal or porcelain-fused-to-metal options may be cheaper. Premium all-ceramic crowns in central London can exceed £1,200.
NHS crowns fall under Band 3 at £319.10, which also covers bridges, dentures and other complex work completed in the same treatment course.
Root canal treatment
Root canal therapy costs £350-£800 privately for front teeth, and £500-£1,200 for molars. The variation depends on the number of root canals in the tooth and the expertise required.
On the NHS, root canal treatment is covered under Band 2 (£73.50) if it's the only treatment you need, or Band 3 (£319.10) if you also require a crown afterwards.
Extractions
Simple tooth extractions cost £75-£200 privately, whilst surgical extractions (including wisdom teeth) range from £200-£600 per tooth. Complex cases requiring specialist oral surgery can cost considerably more.
NHS extractions fall under Band 2 at £73.50, regardless of how many teeth are removed in the same treatment course.
Treatments only available privately
Some dental procedures aren't available on the NHS except in exceptional circumstances. These include:
Dental implants
Implants are the most expensive common dental treatment. A single tooth implant, including the post, abutment and crown, costs £2,000-£3,000 on average. In London, expect to pay £2,500-£4,000. Full mouth implant reconstruction can exceed £20,000.
Teeth whitening
Professional teeth whitening costs £300-£600 for in-practice treatment, or £200-£400 for home whitening kits provided by your dentist. Laser whitening treatments can cost £500-£1,000.
Cosmetic orthodontics
Invisalign and other clear aligner systems cost £2,000-£5,500 for a full treatment course. Traditional private braces range from £1,500-£3,500. NHS orthodontics is only available for under-18s with severe clinical need.
Veneers
Porcelain veneers cost £500-£1,200 per tooth. Composite veneers are cheaper at £200-£600 per tooth but less durable.
Regional variations in private dental costs
Private dental fees vary considerably across the UK:
London and South East: Expect to pay 30-50% above national averages. A routine check-up might cost £80-£100, and a crown £800-£1,200.
Major cities (Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Cardiff): Prices sit around the national average, with check-ups at £50-£70 and crowns at £600-£800.
Rural areas and smaller towns: Often 20-30% below major city prices. Check-ups may cost £40-£50 and crowns £500-£700.
These variations reflect differences in rent, staffing costs and local competition. If you're prepared to travel, you could save significantly — though factor in travel costs and time.
Are dental plans worth it?
Many private practices offer dental membership plans, typically costing £15-£40 monthly. These usually include:
- Two annual check-ups
- Two hygienist appointments
- Discounts on treatment (typically 10-20%)
- Emergency cover
For patients needing regular care, these plans can offer better value than pay-as-you-go treatment. You can compare dental plans across the UK to find options that suit your budget and treatment needs.
However, if you only need occasional check-ups and rarely require treatment, paying per visit might work out cheaper. Calculate your expected annual costs both ways before committing.
NHS vs private: which offers better value?
The NHS offers exceptional value for routine and essential treatment. The NHS dental charges are fixed at Band 1 (£26.80), Band 2 (£73.50) or Band 3 (£319.10) — regardless of how many procedures you need within each band during a single course of treatment.
For example, if you need three fillings, a root canal treatment and two extractions, this would all fall under Band 2 at just £73.50. The same work privately could easily cost £1,500-£2,500.
However, private treatment offers advantages:
- More appointment availability and flexibility
- Longer appointment times
- Access to cosmetic treatments
- Choice of materials (ceramic vs metal crowns, etc.)
- Continuity of care with the same dentist
For cosmetic work or implants, private treatment is your only option. For routine care, NHS treatment provides far better value — if you can access it.
Finding affordable dental care in 2025
Whether you choose NHS or private treatment, start by researching your options. You can search for an NHS dentist near you to check availability in your area. Many practices offer both NHS and private treatment, giving you flexibility depending on your needs.
For urgent issues, use our dental symptom checker to understand whether you need emergency care or a routine appointment.
If you're struggling with dental costs, ask practices about:
- Payment plans that spread costs over several months
- Dental membership schemes with monthly payments
- Discounts for students, seniors or families
- Alternative treatment options that cost less
Remember, the cheapest option isn't always the best value. Quality dental care prevents more expensive problems developing later.
Get started with your dental search today
Understanding dental costs helps you make informed decisions about your oral health. Whether you opt for NHS or private treatment, finding the right dentist matters just as much as the price.
Start your search today by exploring available dentists in your area. DentistSearch makes it easy to find NHS dentists accepting new patients, compare private practices, and understand your treatment options — all in one place. Taking control of your dental health begins with finding the right care at a price you can afford.