Dentistry has advanced massively over the last few decades and now there are more treatments available than ever before. However, as a result, this has meant that wait times for NHS funded dentists have increased substantially, with many not offering appointments to new patients for that very same year.
When you’re suffering with dental problems, or suffering with a lack of confidence as a result of your smile, this can have a huge impact. More and more private dentists are opening up across the country, with many offering a mixture of cosmetic and traditional dentistry treatments in a bid to appeal to all dental patients, but these services often come at a cost. So, is it really worth visiting a private dentist? Let’s find out more.
Access To A Wider Range Of Treatments
As NHS dentists typically have less time for appointments, this can impact on the types of treatments which they are able to offer. Most NHS dentists will only offer your standard dental treatments, such as fillings, dentures, crowns and bridges, with a focus on fixing pre-existing issues which can be solved in as few appointments as possible.
Private dentists have much more time and flexibility at their disposal, meaning they can offer a wider range of services. Teeth whitening, composite bonding and adult orthodontics are standard treatments for private dentists to offer. If you’re looking for more cosmetic and visual treatments to enhance your smile, then a private dentist is usually the best option.
Shorter Waiting List
Even though appointment times at a private dentist are longer on average at an NHS dentist, the waiting lists are usually much shorter. Private dental practices aren’t restricted to NHS opening times, or have to stick to quotas when it comes to treatments they can offer, meaning that they have more room to offer appointments which are convenient for the patient.
On average, waiting lists for private dentists are around 3 months, however it is typically much shorter than this, with some offering same week, or even same day, consultations and appointments. If you have a dental concern which is bothering you and you can’t seem to get an appointment with your regular NHS dentist, it might be worth switching to private dental practice.
Subscription Plans and Benefits
Other than the reduced costs, which aren’t always applicable, there are very few perks or benefits to choosing an NHS dentist. As well as this, payment plans aren’t always available, or there are no dental treatment subscriptions. At a private dentist, they tend to be much more flexible when it comes to payments, as they know that paying for dental treatment isn’t at the top of everyone’s priorities. Subscription plans are also common, meaning that for a small monthly fee, you can get multiple check-ups and hygiene appointments each year, which is better for your pocket and your oral health.
They also tend to offer additional benefits to their treatments, for example, if you go to a dentist in Leamington Spa for Orthodontics, they might provide free teeth whitening once your treatment is complete. Private dentists are always looking for ways in which they can enhance your dental treatment experience, and these small additional benefits are one way in which they can do this.