Dental treatment, whether a routine check-up or more extensive procedures, can sometimes be costly, especially when opting for private dental care.
While NHS dental treatment offers some relief, many patients prefer private dental practices for their flexibility and a broader range of treatment options. Plus, as NHS appointments have become so difficult to get, those in urgent need of treatment may choose private treatment to avoid waiting. Diligent planning and budgeting can help you avoid unexpected private dental fees.
Read on to explore how you can manage the cost of private dental treatment, from understanding private dentist costs, to financing options, and how to make informed decisions for your dental care.
Understanding private dental charges
Before budgeting for private dental care, it’s crucial to understand the costs involved. Private dental charges vary based on the treatment required, the dentist’s location, and the complexity of the procedure or treatment plan.
Private dental treatment typically costs more than NHS treatment, but in return, you may get a higher level of care and more convenient options.
Breakdown of common dental treatments and their costs
Private dentist costs can range from a basic check-up to complex treatments such as root canal treatment or cosmetic treatments.
Here are some common treatments and their typical costs:
Routine check-ups
A private dentist may charge between £25 to £60 for a standard check-up.
Scale and polish
Professional teeth cleaning typically costs £40 to £100, depending on the dentist.
White fillings
Prices for a composite white filling can range from £90 to £150 per tooth.
Root canal treatment
Root canal work can be expensive, with prices ranging from £200 to £900, depending on the tooth and treatment complexity.
Dentures and bridges
These restorative treatments can range from £300 to £1,500, depending on the type of denture or bridge required.
Cosmetic treatments
Private dentistry offers services like teeth whitening or veneers, which can range from £200 to £1,000 per tooth.
How private dentistry charges differ from NHS dentistry
While NHS dentist care offers lower prices, the treatments available are often limited compared to the full range on offer at private practices. It
NHS dental treatment primarily covers essential procedures such as fillings, extractions, and some types of preventive care like scale and polish.
Additionally, there are some groups entitled to free NHS dental care. These include children, those under 18 in full-time education, and certain low-income individuals for whom NHS prices as they are may still be too much.
Cosmetic treatments, such as teeth whitening or veneers, are generally not covered by NHS dental care, so many patients choose private treatment for these services.
Private dental practices can also offer more flexible hours, dedicated teams, and modern technology like X-rays, which can lead to quicker diagnoses and a better quality of care.
This comes at a price, but many find the benefits of private dentistry worth the extra cost.
Planning ahead: setting a dental budget
Effective budgeting is key to managing private dental fees. Setting aside funds for both routine and unexpected dental treatment can help ensure that you are prepared for any dental care you need.
The importance of annual dental budgeting
Creating an annual budget for dental care is a proactive approach to managing private dental costs.
By tracking your dental charges throughout the year, you can avoid financial strain when unexpected dental treatment arises.
Start by estimating the costs for your routine treatments like check-ups, scale and polish, and any planned procedures such as white fillings or root canal work.
Estimating costs for routine and emergency treatments
It’s essential to consider both routine dental work and potential emergency treatments when budgeting.
If you’re in need of extensive work, such as root canal treatment, you might want to budget for that in advance.
Many patients find that having an emergency dental fund can help ease the financial burden of unexpected dental treatments, such as tooth extraction or a dental crown, which can come with a higher price tag.
Payment plans and financing options
Managing private dental treatment costs can feel overwhelming, especially when faced with high private dentist costs for more complex treatments.
Fortunately, many dental practices offer flexible finance options to help patients spread the cost of their treatment.
Dental payment plans offered by clinics
Some private dental clinics offer payment plans to help patients get treatment immediately and pay the cost back in monthly instalments.
Interest-free credit plans
Many private dental practices partner with finance providers to offer interest-free credit plans, typically spanning 6-12 months.
These plans enable you to spread the cost of your dental work, making private treatment more manageable. These plans enable you to spread the cost of your dental work, making private treatment more manageable. This is especially useful for financially nervous patients who need further treatment but may not have the funds readily available.
However, it’s essential to be aware of potential hidden charges or interest rates that may apply if payments are not completed within the interest-free period. Make sure to check the terms before agreeing to any payment plan.
Medicred
Medicred is a dental finance provider that works alongside private practices to offer patients the ability to spread the cost of their dental treatments over time.
With Medicred, you can apply for a zero-interest dental loan that is specifically designed to cover the cost of private dental treatment. The process is straightforward and can be done online or through your dentist’s practice.
After approval, you’ll be able to pay for your dental care in monthly instalments, allowing you to receive the treatment you need without paying the full amount upfront.
We offer flexible payment plans (typically over 6-12 months) to ensure that you can find a repayment plan that suits your budget and financial situation.
Dental insurance: is it worth it?
Dental insurance can be an effective way to manage dental costs, but it’s important to understand the coverage and how it works before committing to a policy.
What dental insurance typically covers
Most dental insurance plans cover basic dental care, such as routine check-ups, fillings, and cleanings.
However, more complex procedures like root canal treatment, crowns, or cosmetic dental surgery treatments may not be fully covered.
It’s also important to note that there may be waiting periods or restrictions on the amount you can claim annually.
Comparing dental insurance providers and policies
When looking into dental insurance, compare different policies to find one that suits your needs.
Some plans may offer a wider range of services and more extensive coverage, while others might be more budget-friendly but cover fewer treatments.
For many patients, dental insurance is an essential investment, especially if you need ongoing private dental treatment.
Finding affordable private dentists
When looking for private dental care, it’s important to find a dentist who offers quality services at an affordable price. Fortunately, the internet has made this task simple.
Compare prices of local dental clinics
Start by researching local private dentists and comparing their prices for the services you need.
Keep in mind that the cheapest dentist may not always offer the best value. Look for clinics that provide a full range of treatments at reasonable prices.
Also, try to get an idea of the level of service and patient care provided, as this can vary between practices.
The role of patient reviews and recommendations
When searching for a private dentist, patient reviews and word-of-mouth recommendations can be invaluable.
Check online reviews to ensure you’re choosing a practice with a good reputation. You could even ask around to see if friends or family can steer you towards a particular place.
This can help you avoid practices that may have hidden fees or offer subpar care.
Saving on routine dental care
Prevention is often the best way to save on dental treatment costs. By maintaining good oral hygiene and scheduling regular dental visits, you can avoid more expensive treatments down the road.
Tips for maintaining oral health to reduce future costs
Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss regularly. This may seem obvious, but it should reduce the need for extensive treatments like fillings and root canal work.
Avoid sugary snacks and drinks, as they can lead to cavities and gum disease.
Regular visits to a private dentist for check-ups and cleaning are essential to prevent the need for more expensive dental treatments.
The benefits of preventative treatments and check-ups
Regular check-ups and preventive treatments like scale and polish can help detect early signs of dental issues, allowing you to address them before they become more costly problems.
Many private dental clinics offer discounted rates for check-ups when booked as part of a preventive care plan.
Experience the difference of private dentistry with Medicred’s help!
With the right planning and knowledge, managing the cost of private dental treatment can be done very successfully.
By budgeting for both routine and unexpected treatments, you can ensure that your oral health is maintained without financial strain.
Don’t forget that we offer a convenient and flexible financing option for private dental treatment at Medicred, allowing you to spread the cost of your treatment.
No one should have to delay necessary or desired dental work due to finances. Get in touch with us and let us help you get your smile sorted so that you can flash those pearly whites again in no time.
