NHS band 3 dental charges cover clinical treatments only.

Vanessa Giraud

7 years ago

NHS band 3 dental charges cover clinical treatments - man at the dentist

Dental care provided by the NHS.

Unarguably, the NHS provides excellent cost-effective treatment for a wide range of dental problems. However, NHS band 3 dental charges cover clinical treatments only, which may not meet your expectations for your dental needs or wishes.

What does ‘clinical’ mean?

The NHS states: “Treatments such as veneers and braces are only available on the NHS if there’s a clinical need for them (not for cosmetic reasons). Similarly, other cosmetic treatments, such as teeth whitening, are not available on the NHS.”

Band 3 treatments, such as crowns, bridges and dentures, that the dentist considers to be “clinically necessary to achieve and maintain good oral health should be available on the NHS” The current charge for treatments in this band is: £256,50.

What about private dentistry?

The NHS has subsidised health and dental care from 1948. Since those early days, both dental and general health treatments have changed beyond what was ever envisioned. Patient expectations are also very different now.

In private dentistry, probably the most requested treatment is for tooth whitening. This is not available on the NHS as it’s a cosmetic treatment. Yet it is one that leaves people feeling a lot better about their oral health and general well-being. It can be a real confidence boost.

Tooth straightening is not often clinically necessary, but patients feel greater confidence after a course of Invisalign, for example.

The standards by which we judge our teeth are not the same as they were 70 years ago!

Rather than agreeing to a bridge or a denture which would be covered by NHS band 3, patients often ask about implants.

Implants are more convenient, and feel so much more like a natural part of the mouth. There’s not the embarrassment of having to remove them, or them clicking because they’re lose. Implants look and feel as close to a real tooth as you can get.

It’s worth learning more about the cost of the treatments you want.

Don’t be put off if you have to pay extra for what you want. Having a comfortable mouth, as well as teeth that you’re happy to smile with, is priceless! Current costs of private dental treatments are much more affordable these days. Many dentists over payment plans to help you to budget for the cost, and some include interest free loans.

As NHS band 3 dental charges cover clinical treatments only, ask your dentist about private payments to get the result you’d like.

Contact SpaDental to learn more about our extensive range of treatments.

Or use the live chat button on screen to connect with one of our team. It’s a great way to get quick answers to your questions!