What is the difference between NHS and Private treatment?

At the basic level, there is no difference. The NHS offers a fairly comprehensive list of treatments (with notable exceptions) which covers most options but there are a few items which the NHS will not cover, such as white fillings or white crowns at the back of the mouth. Generally, treatment done to NHS standard is adequate in all respects but is at a basic level, for example, materials used conform to the basic requirements that they be suitable for the purpose for which they are being used, in other words, they are adequate and acceptable, but are not necessarily the very best quality available.

The main differences between NHS and Private centre on two factors. Firstly, under Private contract, we can afford to use materials which are much more expensive and therefore give a better end result which can last much longer (such as better quality white filling materials which stain less readily over time). Secondly, the dentist can afford to be generous in the amount of time that the he spends doing the work, taking the time needed to get it just right. For example, an NHS set of dentures will do the job, they'll fit well and you'll be able to eat well. But they look fairly plain, regular and uninspiring. A set of Private dentures are made with top quality continental teeth, set into the mouth with a great deal of care to get the positioning just right and finished with a plastic which can be tinted and stained to make it look extraordinarily lifelike.

Think of it as the differences between a Ford and a Rolls Royce. The Ford will get you there, in reasonable comfort and in complete safety, but the Rolls is considerably more comfortable and provides the luxuries that make the journey that bit more pleasant. (Sorry, Ford, we're not picking on you!)

Back to Questions >>