Even as the cost of living rises it may still be best to choose a private dental practice
The cost of living in the UK has been on the rise since early 2021, with inflation peaking at a 41-year high in October 2022. As energy bills, groceries, mortgage repayments and consumer goods continue to creep up, it’s no surprise that people are looking for ways to cut down on their spending, but this doesn’t mean you still can’t choose a private dental practice.
What are the options for dental care?
If you live in England you have two options when it comes to dental care. Firstly, you can see an NHS dentist, where some of the cost of the treatment has already been subsidised by the government, meaning that it costs you less. Some people, such as those who are under 19 and in full time education, those on income support or pregnant women are entitled to free NHS dental care. Others, on low incomes, may also be entitled to support towards the costs. You don’t have to be in these brackets to visit an NHS dentist, anyone can register.
The second option is to pay to visit a private dentist, where the entire costs of all of your treatment and check ups must be funded by you. There are, of course, ways to make this easier, such as paying into a monthly dental plan, having dental insurance or taking out finance to spread the cost of treatment.
Even with the rise in the cost of living, the benefits and accessibility of a private dentist may outweigh the additional costs. Let’s look at why.
1 Private dental practices have more appointments available
As you can imagine, with subsidised dental treatments on offer, NHS dentists are over subscribed and with a limited budget for NHS dentistry, the subsidies available will only go so far. With this in mind, you may be waiting weeks or months to see the NHS dentist of your choice. A private dental practice, on the other hand, will have more appointments available, meaning there may be little or no wait to see a dentist.
2 You’ll get access to a wider range of treatments
Private dental practices generally offer a much wider range of treatments. Whilst NHS dentists are limited in terms of time and restricted to offering restorative treatments such as crowns, bridges and veneers, private dentists can offer the whole spectrum of cosmetic dental treatments to improve the appearance of your smile. This may include teeth whitening, invisible braces and dental implants. Check out A&L Clinics Private Dentist in Ipswich to view the broad range of dental health treatments.
During this consultation, discuss your concerns, oral health, and goals for improving your smile. The dentist will assess your dental health needs and recommend treatment options. Consider the longevity of the chosen cosmetic treatment and understand its expected lifespan, as some procedures may require more maintenance or replacement over time.
Establish a budget for the desired improvements and discuss financing options with your dentist, taking into account both the initial costs and potential long-term expenses. Aim for natural-looking results that enhance your features, avoiding an artificial or exaggerated appearance. Furthermore, be mindful of the time commitment required for the chosen procedure, as some treatments may involve multiple visits or a longer recovery period.
Additionally, consider potential discomfort associated with certain treatments and address any underlying dental issues before pursuing cosmetic enhancements. Review before-and-after photos of similar cases to set realistic expectations for the results. Choose a reputable and experienced dentist by checking their credentials, reading their reviews, and asking for referrals. Effective communication with your dentist is crucial throughout the process to ensure a customized treatment plan that aligns with your dental care objectives and overall goals.
3 You can get emergency treatment if you need it
When it comes to a dental emergency such as a knocked out tooth or toothache that will not go away, a private dentist is the best option. With more appointments available and access to a greater range of treatments, a private practice will be better equipped to resolve the problem quickly, so that you are not in pain for any longer than you have to be.
4 You’ll benefit from longer appointment times
NHS dental appointments tend to be shorter and focus on any immediate issues that need fixing. With a private dental appointment, you can benefit from the unhurried pace of your private practice, which means more time to talk through your concerns and get some top tips on how to keep your teeth, mouth and gums healthy.
5 A private dental practice can offer more specialist treatments and services
In addition to the array of general dentistry and cosmetic dentistry treatments on offer, a private dental practice will also provide specialist services such as dental sedation for nervous patients, as well as having access to the latest technology and equipment to make for more accurate diagnostics and pain free treatments.
As you can see, there are many benefits to choosing a private dentist, rather than waiting to see an NHS dentist. In England, you don’t have to be registered at a dental practice to receive treatment, but it helps to give you faster access to treatments when you need them. Ultimately, the choice is yours, so it’s best to find a practice that feels welcoming, offers you the treatments you need and provides finance options for when you need to stick to a budget.
Riverside Dental Spa is a private dental practice in London offering a wide range of general, cosmetic and specialist dentistry services. To find out more about the practice please follow the link or search online for Riverside Dental Spa.
