Private Dental Care: Why More Patients Are Choosing Private Dentists in the UK

Dental health is an essential part of overall wellbeing. 🦷 However, growing NHS dental waiting lists, limited appointment availability, and rising patient expectations are driving more people across the UK to seek private dental care.

In this detailed guide, we’ll explore why private dentistry is booming, what services are available, and how investing in your oral health can benefit you long-term.

🔍 Why the Shift Towards Private Dental Care?

Over the past few years, many NHS dental practices have struggled with:

• Reduced capacity post-pandemic 🦠

• Staffing shortages

• Strict service limitations

• Funding challenges

As a result, millions of patients have faced:

• Long waiting lists 📅

• Limited treatment options (e.g., basic fillings, extractions only)

• Difficulty registering with an NHS dentist

Private dentistry offers an attractive alternative with:

• Faster access to appointments

• Wider treatment choices, including cosmetic procedures

• Longer, unhurried consultations

• Modern technology (such as digital X-rays, 3D scans)

• Flexible payment plans to make advanced care affordable

More patients are realising that private dental care offers not just convenience — but a significantly enhanced experience. 🦷✨

🏥 What Services Do Private Dentists Offer?

Private dental clinics typically provide a broader and more advanced range of services than NHS practices can offer, including:

🪥 Routine and Preventive Care

• Comprehensive dental check-ups

• Scale and polish hygiene appointments

• Oral cancer screenings 🔍

• Gum disease management (periodontal treatment)

😁 Cosmetic Dentistry

• Professional teeth whitening treatments

• Composite bonding for chipped or uneven teeth

• Porcelain veneers for a perfect smile

• Smile makeovers combining multiple techniques

🦷 Restorative Dentistry

• White fillings (tooth-coloured, virtually invisible)

• Crowns, bridges, and inlays

• Dental implants to replace missing teeth

• Advanced root canal treatments

🪩 Orthodontic Services

• Clear aligners (e.g., Invisalign) for discreet teeth straightening

• Traditional braces for complex cases

• Retainer fittings and aftercare

🛡️ Advanced Preventative Treatments

• Fissure sealants for children and teens

• Fluoride varnish applications

• Nightguards for teeth grinding (bruxism)

✅ Private dentists often work with the latest materials and techniques — giving longer-lasting, more aesthetic results compared to standard NHS treatments.

📈 Benefits of Private Dental Care

Choosing private dentistry offers several advantages beyond speed of access:

1. Personalised Care

Appointments are typically 30–45 minutes long, allowing time for detailed discussions about your dental goals and concerns.

2. Choice of Materials and Techniques

You’ll have access to the latest treatments, including cosmetic options and minimally invasive procedures.

3. Advanced Technology

Many private practices use:

• Digital impressions (no messy moulds) 🖥️

• Same-day crowns (CAD/CAM technology)

• Laser treatments for soft tissue surgery

4. Preventative Focus

Rather than "firefighting" problems when they occur, private dentists invest time in preventative strategies to keep your teeth and gums healthy long-term. 🛡️

5. Flexible Appointment Times

Evenings, early mornings, and weekends are often available, perfect for busy schedules.

💷 How Much Does Private Dental Care Cost in the UK?

Costs vary depending on the treatment, complexity, and clinic location, but typical private dental prices include:

• New patient consultation: £60–£120

• Routine check-up: £50–£80

• Scale and polish: £50–£100

• White fillings: £90–£150 (depending on size)

• Teeth whitening: £300–£600

• Dental implants: £2,000–£3,000 (single tooth)

Most private clinics offer dental plans from as little as £15–£25 per month, covering regular check-ups, hygiene visits, and discounts on treatments.

Tip: Always ask if your clinic offers 0% finance options for higher-cost treatments like implants or orthodontics. 🏦

🧵 Private vs NHS Dentistry: Key Differences

✅ Private dentistry bridges the gap between healthcare and lifestyle — offering not just repairs, but enhancements to your smile and confidence.

🌟 How Can Ready Health help for Private Dental Services?

At Ready Health, we understand the importance of a healthy, confident smile.
We can recommend:

• Friendly, highly skilled dentists 👨‍⚕️👩‍⚕️

• Who may have cutting-edge equipment and technology

• Who may offer comprehensive general, cosmetic, and restorative services

• Convenient locations for patients across Standish, Wigan, Chorley, Bolton and beyond