If you live or work in London, you may be considering whether to register with an NHS dentist or opt for private dental care. With increasing waiting times for NHS services, limited treatment options, and growing demand for cosmetic dentistry, many SE1 residents are turning to private clinics like Whites Dental in Waterloo & Marble Arch.
This guide will walk you through the main differences between NHS and private dentistry and explain why private dental care may be the better option for your needs in London. Visit our dentist clinic in Waterloo SE1 and our dentist clinic in Marble Arch in W2.
💡 NHS Vs Private Dentistry: A Quick Overview
| Feature | NHS Dentist | Private Dentist |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Lower, subsidised by the NHS | Higher, paid in full by the patient |
| Appointments | Often limited, long waiting times | Fast access, flexible hours (evenings/weekends) |
| Cosmetic treatments | Not available (e.g. whitening, Invisalign) | Full cosmetic range available |
| Materials used | Standard NHS-approved materials | Premium materials available |
| Patient time & experience | Shorter appointments, high volume | More time per visit, personalised service |
| Treatment choice | Limited to essential care | Full control & broader range of options |
⏱️ The NHS Dentistry Crisis: What Patients Are Facing
Across the UK — and particularly in central London — access to NHS dental care has become a major concern. Many SE1 and W2 local residents face the following issues:
- Months-long waitlists for check ups or urgent care
- No access to cosmetic options like whitening or clear aligners
- High demand and overworked practices, reducing time with patients
- Difficulty finding NHS practices accepting new patients
💡 Even if you’re eligible for NHS care, it’s often impractical due to limited local availability — which is why many patients are now seeking private dental alternatives in SE1 and W2.
💡 Why More Patients Are Choosing Private Dentistry In London
1. Fast, flexible appointments
Private dentists in London can offer:
- Same-day or next-day availability
- Lunchtime, evening or weekend slots
- More time per appointment, less rushing
💡 At Whites Dental, we prioritise your schedule. Whether you work in the city or live local to our clinics, we make booking simple and fast — no waiting lists.
2. Modern treatments you actually want
NHS care covers essentials, but excludes many treatments patients ask for:
- Teeth whitening
- Invisalign
- Veneers
- Smile makeovers
💡 As a private dental clinic in London SE1 and W2, we offer the latest techniques and technology to improve both the health and appearance of your smile.
3. A personalised patient experience
In private care, you’re not just a number. We take the time to:
- Understand your needs and concerns
- Create bespoke treatment plans
- Provide a calm, serene environment
💡 This is particularly helpful for nervous or first-time patients.
4. Premium materials & technology
Private clinics like ours use:
- Tooth-coloured composite fillings
- 3D digital scanning (no messy moulds)
- Advanced whitening systems
- Clear aligner systems like Invisalign
💡 The result? More precise outcomes, less discomfort and beautiful results.
📍 Where You Get Treated Matters: Choosing A Local Dentist
Waterloo, Blackfriars, Southwark, Paddington, Edgware Road, Notting Hill and the wider SE1 and W2 areas are home to thousands of professionals, students and residents who need convenient and high-quality dental care. At Whites Dental, our two clinics are just minutes from Paddington and Waterloo stations, making us ideal for local residents and commuters alike.
🏥 Why Choose Whites Dental – Private Dentist In London?
Whites Dental Waterloo is a short walk from:
- Southwark Station (2 mins)
- Waterloo Station (5 mins)
- Borough, Elephant & Castle and Lambeth
Whites Dental Marble Arch (W2) is a quick walk from:
- Marble Arch Station (6 mins)
- Paddington Station (10 mins)
- Edgware Road, Notting Hill, Bayswater, Marylebone and Maida vale
We’re proud to serve patients who live, work or study in the SE1 and W2 areas.
What we offer:
- Private dentistry – general, cosmetic & restorative dentistry
- Invisalign clear aligners
- Teeth whitening (Zoom & Boutique)
- Composite bonding & veneers
- Dental hygiene and stain removal (Airflow)
Why patients love us:
- 4.8 Google rating from hundreds of local reviews
- Affordable private pricing & 0% finance available.
- Warm, experienced team focused on patient care
- Modern practice with relaxing interiors
👉 Book a visit with our dentist in Waterloo.
👉 Book an appointment with our dentist near Paddington
💰 Private Dental Costs – What To Expect
While private care is an investment, we keep it fair and transparent:
| Treatment | Starting Price |
| Dental Check-up | £65 |
| Hygiene Appointment | £85 |
| Teeth Whitening | £295 |
| Composite Bonding | £220 per tooth |
| Invisalign | £1,695+ |
| Veneers | £300 per tooth |
💡 Payment plans available for many treatments.
Below is an approximate estimate of private dental treatment costs in the UK:
- Fillings: £180 – £300 per filling, depending on the size of the decay and material used
- Dental Crowns: £700 – £1,000 per crown, depending on the condition of the underlying tooth and material used for the crown (e.g. porcelain bonded metal, all ceramic, zirconia etc.).
- Braces: £1,900 – £5,000 or more for orthodontic treatments, depending on the amount of teeth movement required and the type of braces used (e.g., traditional metal braces, ceramic braces, clear aligners like Invisalign).
Whites Dental also offers Dental Finance to allow you to opt for the most appropriate treatment or plan the course of treatments without stretching your finances.
💰 NHS Charges As A Comparison
The NHS provides dental treatment to patient’s at a subsidised cost. The subsidy is provided by the UK government. The charges for NHS dental services are set by the government and fall under three bands.
NHS dental charges in England are structured into three bands (as of 2004)–
- Band 1: £23.80 – covers basic examination, diagnosis and dental advice. This band also includes X-rays and a scale & polish if the dentist feels is needed.
- Band 2: £65.20 – covers treatments such as fillings, root canal treatments, and tooth extractions.
- Band 3: £282.80 – covers more complex dental procedures such as dental crowns, dentures, partial dentures and bridges.
💡 NHS treatments typically use standard dental materials, which might not be the most aesthetic in appearance or be the most durable options available.
🤔 Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Can I mix NHS and private treatment?
Yes, but not at the same time or same appointment. For example, you might get basic care elsewhere on the NHS, but choose us for white fillings or private high quality dentures or Invisalign or whitening privately.
❓ Do private dentists offer emergency appointments?
Yes. At Whites Dental, we often offer same-day emergency slots — especially for pain, infection or broken teeth.
❓ Is private care worth it?
If you want faster access, better aesthetics, higher quality appliances/restorations, or a more personalised approach — private dentistry is well worth the investment.
🏥 Summary Of NHS Vs Private Dental Care
Private dental care offers patient’s more flexibility in terms of choice of materials, treatment options and appointment times. The costs for private dental care can vary depending on the dentist’s expertise, complexity of treatment and also the dentist’s location. Private dental treatments are able to offer a wider range of dental materials and techniques, including more aesthetically pleasing treatment options such as tooth-coloured fillings (white fillings) and porcelain crowns that are more natural looking. The costs for private dental treatments such as fillings, crowns and braces can vary significantly, but they tend to be usually higher than NHS charges due to the use of higher-quality materials, more experienced dentists, better equipment for treatment and more personalised care.
The best of both worlds – affordable dentistry and maximum choice
On the whole, while NHS dental treatment offers affordable prices, it usually has limitations in terms of available treatments and materials used. Private dental care provides patient’s more options for treatments and dental materials, however, at a higher cost. Patients more often than not, prefer to choose private dental care for its personalised service, wider range of treatment options, higher-quality materials, more experienced dentists and latest technology.
Patient’s looking to make the transition from NHS dental treatments to private dental care often sign up to dental insurance plans provided by a range of insurance providers such as BUPA dental insurance, AVIVA dental insurance, dental insurance by Boots etc. These dental insurances often start from as low as £40/month and covers the patient for a wide range of treatments every year. The second way to make private dental care more affordable is to sign-up to monthly dental care plans such as those provided by Denplan to help budget for personal dental care. The patient pays a fixed monthly fee each month, and that covers the patient for a fixed number of examinations and hygienist visits each year, including restorative treatments. The plan also offers discounts with many dental treatments when they are needed. The plans can be as low as £30/month and help spread the cost of private dental care across the entire year.
A third of our patients we treat privately have some form of dental insurance, helping make the transition from NHS dental care to private dental care less costly. For those of you requiring advice on finding an NHS dental clinic, you may find the link to the NHS website, allowing you to search for a suitable practice in your area of help.
📞 Ready To Book A Private Dentist In London?
Whether you’re tired of waiting for an NHS dentist or you’re looking for a more modern and personalised dental experience — we’re here to help.
- Convenient location
- Friendly, skilled clinicians
- Transparent prices
- 5-star reviews from local residents and office professionals
Contact us today
📍 172 Blackfriars Rd, London SE1 8ER
📞 Call: 020 8616 0590
👉 Book an appointment at our dental clinic in Waterloo SE1
📍 52B Kendal St, St George’s Fields, London W2 2BP
📞 Call: 020 3576 2325
👉 Book an appointment at our dental clinic near Paddington W2.