Guide
What dental treatment costs in the UK
What 1,617 UK dental practices charge privately for 13 common treatments, how far their prices spread, how prices vary by region, and what each treatment involves.
At a glance
- 12,237 private prices published by 1,617 UK dental practices on their own websites, behind every price on this page.
- £750 the middle starting price for a crown. A quarter of practices start at £650 or less and a quarter at £894 or more.
- +18% how far starting prices in the South West sit above the UK middle, the highest of any region. London as a whole is level with the UK middle.
Prices here are private prices that practices publish on their own websites. They are a guide to what to expect, not a quote. Your dentist will tell you what your own treatment costs before it starts.
Why our listings do not show prices
A practice's page on Dentist Locator does not show prices unless the practice adds them itself, on a managed listing. Prices matter so much to patients that we do not want to get them wrong, and a practice's own figures are the only ones that should appear beside its name.
We have, though, analysed every price we hold, and on an aggregated basis this is what they show. No practice is named, and no price on this page belongs to any one practice.
How prices vary by region
For each region, how far a typical starting price sits above or below the UK middle price for the same treatment, taking all 13 treatments together.
| Region | Typical starting price | Practices | Prices |
|---|---|---|---|
| South West | 18% above | 103 | 629 |
| North East | 8% above | 35 | 191 |
| Yorkshire and the Humber | 3% above | 119 | 692 |
| London | Level with the UK middle | 370 | 2,475 |
| South East | Level with the UK middle | 310 | 1,694 |
| East Midlands | Level with the UK middle | 115 | 675 |
| East of England | Level with the UK middle | 169 | 1,085 |
| North West | 2% below | 165 | 979 |
| West Midlands | 4% below | 116 | 746 |
| Scotland | 7% below | 57 | 277 |
| Wales | 8% below | 46 | 267 |
| Northern Ireland | 14% below | 12 | 58 |
London as a whole sits level with the UK middle. Central London is the exception: at the 30 practices in the W1, WC, EC and SW1 postcode districts, a typical starting price is 23% above the UK middle. Across the other 340 London practices it is level with the UK middle.
Several published price guides put London prices 25% to 50% above the rest of the country. Among the practices we read, that holds for central London only. Figures for Northern Ireland rest on few practices and are the least certain.
The treatments practices offer most
The number of practices, out of 8,721, whose website lists each treatment. A practice that does not list a treatment on its website may still provide it.
Each practice is counted once per treatment, however many versions of it the practice lists. Select a treatment to see the practices that offer it.
The NHS treatment people in England have most
The NHS publishes a yearly count of the dental treatment it provides in England. It measures treatment in courses: a course usually begins when a dentist examines a patient and agrees treatment is needed, and covers the examination, the assessment and any treatment that follows.
- 37.6m NHS courses of treatment in England in the year to March 2026.
- 61% of those courses were band 1: check-ups and simple treatment, such as an examination, x-rays and advice.
- 28% of adult courses of treatment included a scale and polish.
- 57% of children's courses of treatment included fluoride varnish.
Source: NHS Dental Statistics for England, 2025/26, NHS Business Services Authority, published 27 August 2026. These figures cover NHS treatment in England only. To find a practice providing NHS treatment near you, see our NHS dentists by town.
Treatment by treatment
For each treatment: what it usually involves, what to ask or do beforehand, and the starting prices practices publish. The price range is the middle half of practices: a quarter list a lower starting price and a quarter a higher one.
What it involves
- By law, whitening can only be carried out by a registered dentist, or by a registered dental hygienist, dental therapist or clinical dental technician working to a dentist's prescription.
- It should only follow an assessment by a registered dentist, because whitening can permanently change the structure of your teeth.
- For home whitening, the practice makes thin trays to fit your teeth. You fill them with whitening gel and wear them as instructed, usually for one to two weeks.
- Whitening at the practice takes one appointment of about an hour. Your gums are protected and the gel is applied to your teeth.
- Results can last several years, but this varies. Smoking, tea, coffee and red wine can bring staining back sooner.
Before you go
- Check that the person treating you is on the General Dental Council register.
- Ask which types of whitening are available, what the risks are and what result to expect.
- If you have crowns, veneers or dentures, ask whether whitening will work on them.
Sources: Tooth whitening and illegal practice (General Dental Council); Considering tooth whitening? (General Dental Council); Tooth whitening (Oral Health Foundation)
Home teeth whitening
£349 to £438
One home whitening kit, as each practice prices it.
What it involves
- A dental hygienist removes hardened plaque, called tartar or scale, and polishes away surface stains. This is often called a scale and polish.
- Tartar cannot be brushed away at home. Only the dental team can remove it.
- The hygienist can show you how to clean your teeth and gums properly at home.
Before you go
- Expect to be asked about your diet and about habits such as smoking and drinking.
- If you have gum disease, treatment often includes a cleaning routine to follow at home as well as cleaning at the practice.
Sources: Visiting a dental hygienist or therapist (Oral Health Foundation); Preventive care and oral hygiene (Oral Health Foundation); Patient FAQs (British Society of Periodontology)
Hygienist appointment
£70 to £90
One hygienist appointment. Appointment lengths vary between practices.
What it involves
- Most crowns take two visits.
- At the first, the tooth is shaped and impressions or scans are taken. A temporary crown protects the tooth while the permanent one is made in a dental laboratory.
- At the second, the permanent crown is checked for fit and comfort, then cemented in place.
- Some ceramic crowns can be designed by computer and fitted on the same day.
Before you go
- Crowns are made in several materials, including all-porcelain, ceramic, porcelain bonded to metal and gold. Ask which your dentist suggests for your tooth.
- Ask how long your crown is likely to last. With good care, crowns can last many years.
Sources: Crowns (Oral Health Foundation)
Crown (porcelain or ceramic)
£650 to £894
One porcelain or ceramic crown on one tooth.
What it involves
- Treatment happens in stages, starting with a consultation where the dentist examines your mouth and checks your jawbone.
- Implants are usually placed under local anaesthetic. Sedation may be available if you are anxious.
- The implant is usually left to heal for around four months before the replacement tooth is attached. In some cases a tooth can be fitted the same day.
- If there is not enough bone to hold the implant, a bone graft is sometimes needed.
Before you go
- Any gum disease or other dental disease needs to be treated before implants are placed.
- Ask for a written treatment plan that explains each stage.
- Implants are long-term but not permanent. With care, they may last 10 to 20 years before further treatment is needed.
Sources: Dental implants (Oral Health Foundation); Patient FAQs: dental implants (British Society of Periodontology)
Single implant with crown
£2,500 to £2,950
One implant to replace one tooth. Some practices include the crown in this price and some do not.
What it involves
- Dentures are made from an impression of your mouth, taken with a tray of soft material that sets in a few minutes or with a small digital scanner.
- Eating with new dentures takes some getting used to. Soft food, small pieces and chewing slowly on both sides help.
- Dentures are usually best taken out at night, cleaned and kept in a little water so they do not dry out.
- Your mouth changes over time, so dentures often need replacing every five to eight years.
Before you go
- If you have a strong gag reflex, tell the dental team and ask whether a digital scan can be used instead.
- For full dentures, old photos of your natural smile can help.
Sources: Dentures (Oral Health Foundation); Dental impressions (Oral Health Foundation)
Full acrylic denture
£700 to £1,150
One full acrylic denture, upper or lower.
What it involves
- Veneers usually take more than one visit.
- A small amount of enamel is removed from the front of the tooth, and an impression is taken.
- The veneer is made in a dental laboratory, then checked for fit and colour and bonded to the tooth.
- Veneers can chip, crack or come loose. Small chips can sometimes be repaired, and sometimes a new veneer is needed.
Before you go
- Your teeth and gums need to be healthy before veneers are fitted.
- Preparing a tooth for a veneer cannot be undone, and veneers do not last for ever.
Sources: Veneers (Oral Health Foundation); Patient FAQs (British Society of Periodontology)
Porcelain veneer
£675 to £900
One porcelain or ceramic veneer on one tooth.
What it involves
- At the first appointment your teeth and gums are examined, and x-rays or photographs may be taken. Treatment is very unlikely to start that day.
- Clear aligners are worn for more than 22 hours a day. You take them out only to eat, to drink anything other than plain water, and to brush. Each aligner is usually changed every one to two weeks.
- During orthodontic treatment you will usually have appointments every four to ten weeks.
- Straightening front teeth can take as little as six months. Getting teeth to bite together properly often takes one to two years.
- Afterwards, retainers stop your teeth moving back. The British Orthodontic Society advises wearing them for the long term.
Before you go
- Ask how long treatment will take, whether the result will last, how long you will need retainers, what the risks are, what the total cost includes, and who will carry out your treatment.
Sources: Frequently asked questions (British Orthodontic Society); Aligners: patient information leaflet (British Orthodontic Society)
Invisalign or clear aligners (full treatment)
£2,550 to £3,800
A full course of clear aligner treatment. Shorter courses for minor straightening are left out.
What it involves
- Root canal treatment is done under local anaesthetic, and should feel similar to having a filling.
- It usually takes at least two appointments.
- At the first, the dentist removes infected or dead tissue from inside the tooth, cleans and seals the canals, and places a temporary filling.
- At the second, if the tooth is comfortable and free of infection, a permanent filling replaces the temporary one.
Before you go
- A root-filled tooth can become more brittle, so your dentist may recommend a crown afterwards.
- On average a root-filled tooth lasts 5 to 10 years, and many last much longer with good care.
Sources: Root canal treatment (Oral Health Foundation)
Root canal treatment (molar)
£550 to £830
Root canal treatment on one back (molar) tooth.
What it involves
- White fillings are tooth-coloured, so they blend in with your teeth. They are often used on front teeth and can be used on back teeth too.
- Modern white filling materials are much stronger than they were, and in many cases last as well as silver amalgam fillings.
- How long a filling lasts depends on where it is, its size, your bite and how well you look after your teeth.
Before you go
- Ask for a written treatment plan with costs before treatment starts.
- Dentists usually recommend replacing a filling only when it is worn, broken or has decay underneath, because removing a sound filling also removes healthy tooth.
Sources: White fillings (Oral Health Foundation)
White (composite) filling
£128 to £187
One white filling.
What it involves
- The dentist checks your teeth, gums and mouth, and may take x-rays to find problems that are hard to see.
- They look for signs of decay, loose or lost fillings, red or bleeding gums, tartar and mouth cancer.
- If you need treatment, you should be given a treatment plan setting out the treatment, the cost and how many visits it may take.
Before you go
- At a first visit you will be asked to fill in a medical history form about your health and any medicines you take.
- Tell your dentist if you are or might be pregnant. They will avoid x-rays unless one is essential.
- Go as often as your dental team recommends.
Sources: What to expect on your first dental visit (Oral Health Foundation); X-rays (Oral Health Foundation); Preventive care and oral hygiene (Oral Health Foundation)
Routine check-up
£50 to £69
A routine check-up for an adult who is already a patient.
New patient examination
£65 to £89
A first examination for a new adult patient. Some practices include x-rays in this price.
What it involves
- Most extractions are done by a dentist under local anaesthetic, so the area is numb.
- If a tooth is hard to remove, such as an impacted wisdom tooth, you may be referred to a hospital specialist.
Afterwards
- Rest for the first 24 hours and avoid heavy exercise.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol, which can slow healing.
- Avoid hot food and drinks until the numbness wears off, so you do not burn or bite your cheek or tongue.
- Most people feel more comfortable after a few days, and can usually return to normal activities within 24 to 48 hours.
Sources: What to do following an extraction (Oral Health Foundation)
Tooth extraction (routine)
£140 to £204
Removing one tooth that does not need surgery.
What it involves
- Tooth-coloured composite resin is bonded directly to the tooth to change its shape or shade, often with little or no removal of natural tooth.
- Composite can stain from coffee, tea, red wine, smoking and some spices.
- Bonding needs looking after. It can lose its shine, wear or chip, and may need polishing, repair or replacing.
- Speech or your bite may take a little time to adjust afterwards.
Before you go
- Tell your dentist if you grind or clench your teeth, as bonding may not suit you.
- Removing bonding completely without affecting the enamel underneath is very difficult.
Sources: Composite bonding insights (written for dental professionals) (General Dental Council)
Composite bonding
£230 to £330
Composite bonding on one tooth.
How the prices were worked out
In June 2026 we read the websites of the dental practices in our directory with 250 or more Google reviews, and recorded the prices published on them: 49,672 prices from 1,848 practices. The ranges on this page use the prices that meet every one of these conditions:
- The practice is listed in our directory today.
- We had the practice's correct website when it was read. Practices whose website we later corrected are left out.
- The treatment name matches the treatment described. For example, a molar root canal price counts for root canal treatment, and a premolar or front tooth price does not.
- The price is a private price for an adult. NHS charges, children's prices, membership and plan prices, monthly payments, deposits, discounts and offers are left out.
- The price is a single amount for the treatment itself. Where a practice gives a range or says "from", the lowest figure is used.
That leaves 12,237 prices from 1,617 practices: 1,502 in England, 57 in Scotland, 46 in Wales and 12 in Northern Ireland. For each treatment, each practice counts once, at the lowest starting price it lists. The range shown is the middle half of those practices, and the middle price is the one half of practices are below and half above. The spread line under each treatment compares the price at which the dearest quarter of practices begin with the price at which the cheapest quarter stop.
For the regional table, each practice's address gives its region: the nine English regions from the Office for National Statistics Postcode Directory (August 2026), and otherwise its nation. Each price is divided by the UK middle price for the same treatment, and a region's figure is the middle of those ratios across all 13 treatments. Central London means the W1, WC, EC and SW1 postcode districts.
These are practices with 250 or more Google reviews, most of them in England, so the ranges describe that group rather than every practice in the UK. Many prices are starting prices, marked "from" on the practice's own website, so the final cost of a treatment is often higher. No practice is named on this page.
NHS treatment is charged differently, in fixed national bands, and none of the prices above are NHS charges. Treatment descriptions were checked against the sources named in each section on 13 September 2026.
Regions (ONS Postcode Directory): Contains OS data © Crown copyright and database right 2026. Contains Royal Mail data © Royal Mail copyright and database right 2026. Source: Office for National Statistics licensed under the Open Government Licence v.3.0.