NHS dental treatment in England is charged in bands, and you pay one charge for each course of treatment, however many visits it takes. Band 1 covers your examination, X-rays and a scale and polish if you need one. Band 2 adds fillings, root canal treatment and extractions. Band 3 adds crowns, bridges and dentures.

Children under 18 pay nothing, and neither do under-19s in full-time education, pregnant women, people who have had a baby in the last 12 months, and people on certain benefits. If you are exempt, bring your proof with you.

Private treatment sits alongside the NHS. It can mean a wider choice of materials, longer appointments, or treatments the NHS does not provide, such as whitening. You can mix the two, and a good practice will always tell you what is available on the NHS first.

Whichever you choose, you should get a written treatment plan with the cost before anything starts. If anything is unclear, ask. We would much rather explain twice than surprise you.

Information on this website is general and not a substitute for advice from a dental professional. Any treatment is subject to an assessment and may not be appropriate for everyone.