One of the first questions patients ask before booking an appointment is: How much does a private dentist cost?
Private dental treatment offers shorter waiting times, flexible appointment availability, modern technology, and a wider range of cosmetic and restorative treatments compared to standard NHS care.
However, costs can vary depending on:
- The type of treatment
- Your location in the UK
- The dentist’s experience
- The complexity of the procedure
- Whether specialist treatment is required
Ready to Book a New Patient Check-Up?
If you’d like a personalised treatment plan and transparent pricing, book a new patient consultation with our experienced dental team.
- New Patient Check-Up: £50
- Comprehensive oral assessment
- Digital X-rays if required
- Treatment recommendations tailored to you
Book your appointment today to receive expert private dental care in a comfortable environment.
In this guide, we’ll break down the average cost of private dental treatments in the UK so you know exactly what to expect before booking.
Average Private Dentist Costs in the UK
Treatment |
Average Private Cost |
|---|---|
| New Patient Check-Up | £50 |
| Routine Examination | £50 |
| Children’s Examination (0–6 years) | £20 |
| Children’s Examination (7–12 years) | £30 |
| Children’s Examination (13–18 years) | £45 |
| Emergency Dentist Appointment | £70 |
| Small Dental X-Ray | £10 |
| Panoramic Dental X-Ray | £60 |
| 3D CBCT Scan | £160 |
| Routine Dental Hygiene (30 min) | £83 |
| Composite White Fillings | £170 – £240 |
| Tooth Extraction | From £220 |
| Root Canal Treatment | From £580 |
| Dental Crown | From £750 |
| Teeth Whitening | £399 |
| Dental Implants | From £2,400 |
| Invisalign Treatment | From £2,500 |
These prices are estimates and may vary depending on the clinic and your treatment requirements.
How Much Is a Private Dental Check-Up?
At our clinic, a routine private dental examination costs **£50**, while a new patient check-up is currently available for a **limited-time offer of £50**.
During the appointment, your dentist may:
- Examine your teeth and gums
- Check for cavities or gum disease
- Screen for oral cancer
- Assess previous dental work
- Recommend preventive treatment
A new patient consultation is usually more expensive because it includes:
- Full dental history
- Comprehensive oral assessment
- Treatment planning
- Initial X-rays if required
Private Dental X-Ray Cost
Many users searching online specifically want to know:
- Private dental X-ray cost
- Dental X-ray charges
- Cost of dental X-rays
Our private dental X-ray prices include:
X-Ray Type |
Cost |
|---|---|
| Small X-Ray | £10 |
| Large Panoramic X-Ray | £60 |
| 3D CBCT Scan | £160 |
Dental X-rays help dentists diagnose:
- Tooth decay
- Bone loss
- Infections
- Impacted teeth
- Root problems
- Jaw issues
Advanced scans such as CBCT imaging are commonly used before dental implants, oral surgery, or Invisalign treatment.
How Much Does a Filling Cost Privately?
Private filling prices depend on the material used and the size of the cavity.
Filling Type |
Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Composite (White) Fillings | £170 – £240 |
| Children’s Fillings | From £80 |
| Composite Veneers | From £300 |
Composite white fillings are more popular because they blend naturally with your teeth.
Cost of Private Root Canal Treatment
Root canal treatment is one of the most variable dental costs because molars are more complex to treat.
Tooth Type |
Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Incisor/Canine Root Canal | From £580 |
| Premolar Root Canal | From £580 |
| Molar Root Canal | From £680 |
| Re-Root Canal Treatment | Additional £150 |
The final price may increase if:
- A specialist endodontist is required
- Retreatment is needed
- Additional scans are necessary
How Much Does a Dental Crown Cost?
Dental crowns are used to restore damaged or weakened teeth.
Crown Type |
Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Dental Crown | From £750 |
| Dental Veneers | From £750 |
| Bridges (Per Unit) | From £650 |
Higher-end materials generally offer:
- Better durability
- Improved aesthetics
- More natural appearance
Private Teeth Whitening Prices
Professional teeth whitening is one of the most requested cosmetic dental treatments.
Typical prices include:
Whitening Type |
Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Boutique Tooth Whitening (Home Whitening) | From £399 |
| Whitening Top-Up Syringes | From £45 |
Professional whitening is safer and more effective than over-the-counter alternatives.
How Much Does Invisalign Cost?
Our Invisalign treatments start from **£2,500**, with several treatment options available depending on complexity and whether treatment is for single or dual arches.
The cost depends on:
- Case complexity
- Treatment duration
- Number of aligners needed
- Whether retainers are included
Some clinics offer monthly finance plans to spread the cost.
Emergency Private Dentist Costs
Emergency dental appointments are typically more expensive because they require urgent care.
Emergency Treatment |
Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Emergency Appointment | From £70 |
| Simple Extraction | From £220 |
| Surgical Extraction | £300 |
| Wisdom Tooth Extraction | From £300 |
Same-day appointments may cost more depending on availability.
Why Are Private Dentists More Expensive?
Private dentistry often includes:
- Longer appointment times
- Modern dental technology
- Advanced cosmetic options
- Faster treatment availability
- More personalised care
- Access to specialists
Many clinics also invest heavily in digital scanners, 3D imaging, premium materials, and patient comfort.
Is Private Dental Treatment Worth It?
For many patients, private dentistry offers significant advantages:
Benefits of Private Dentistry
- Shorter waiting times
- Flexible appointment scheduling
- Access to cosmetic treatments
- More treatment choices
- Advanced technology
- Greater continuity of care
However, NHS treatment may still be suitable for routine dental care depending on availability and eligibility.
How to Reduce Private Dental Costs
You may be able to reduce treatment expenses by:
- Booking regular check-ups to prevent major problems
- Joining a dental membership plan
- Comparing treatment plans between clinics
- Using 0% finance options
- Maintaining good oral hygiene
Preventive care is almost always cheaper than emergency treatment.
Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Private Dentist
Before starting treatment, ask:
1. What is included in the quoted fee?
2. Are X-rays charged separately?
3. Is follow-up care included?
4. Are payment plans available?
5. Will a specialist perform the treatment?
6. What happens if additional treatment is required?
Transparent pricing helps avoid unexpected costs later.
Final Thoughts
The cost of a private dentist in the UK depends on the type of treatment you need, the clinic you choose, and the complexity of your dental care.
Routine appointments may cost as little as £40, while advanced treatments such as implants or Invisalign can cost several thousand pounds.
The best approach is to book a consultation, discuss your options, and request a detailed treatment plan before committing to treatment.
FAQ Section
How much is a private dental check-up in the UK?
A private dental check-up typically costs between £40 and £90.
How much does a dental X-ray cost privately?
Private dental X-rays usually cost between £10 and £80 depending on the scan type.
Are private dentists better than NHS dentists?
Private dentists often provide shorter waiting times, more treatment options, and advanced technology, although NHS dentists can still provide excellent routine care.
Why are private dentists expensive?
Private clinics invest in modern equipment, specialist training, premium materials, and longer appointment times.
How much does an emergency dentist cost privately?
Emergency private dental appointments generally cost between £80 and £250 before additional treatment fees.