Many patients are confused about the difference between NHS and private treatment (especially prices), so we have outlined some of the important differences below. The common assumption is that private dentistry is more expensive but this may not always be the case.
Generally the service and treatment outcome you receive with private care is better and less restricted than on the NHS.
Cosmetic treatments (including teeth whitening) and Invisalign are not available on the NHS and are for private patients only. Other orthodontic treatments are also not available on the NHS for patients over the age of 18.
Private treatment will always give you the best possible functional and cosmetic result. You can request your treatment to be performed by a specialist and be given quick and easy access to treatment (eg. for a difficult extraction or a complex root canal treatment).
Your dentist will discuss your treatment options and costs and give you a written estimate before you commit to any treatment. Private appointments are available at anytime during practice opening hours.
Appointments are generally longer to allow plenty of time to complete your treatment at a more relaxed pace.
Private treatment allows us the freedom to provide the very highest standard of treatment and materials. We have no funding restrictions and can focus purely on quality of the treatment.
Private work such as dentures, crowns, bridges and implants are usually sent to different laboratories where named experienced technicians hand-make the items. Items are generally returned quicker from a private laboratory.
NHS patients are treated with the same level of care as our private patients, though the government does impose some restrictions and fixes patient charges nationally. Please note that once the practice reaches its NHS limits, we may not be able to offer any more NHS treatment until more funding has been given to the practice.
Treatment available on the NHS is to restore patients’ function and to treat what is clinically necessary, not for cosmetic reasons. Treatments such as cosmetic crowns and fillings, dental implants, teeth whitening and hygienist services are not available on the NHS.
Stain removal/ polishing off teeth is also classified as cosmetic treatment and is not available with a NHS clean. We must follow the government guidelines on recalling patients, which means you may not be entitled to a check-up or clean as often as you want.
Specialist referral on the NHS may not always be available and you may have to be placed on a waiting list if accepted.
Your dentist should always give you a choice of NHS and private treatment options, enabling you to make decisions that are right for you. You should always then be given a written treatment plan so that you can see the work required and the likely cost involved.
In summary, NHS dentistry is designed to be functional - whereas private dentistry is usually both functional and cosmetic. Each treatment plan is bespoke and it is best to discuss the available NHS and private options with your dentist.
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