Children's Dental Care Costs in the UK 2026: NHS, Private and Orthodontics
Children's Dental Care Costs in the UK 2026: NHS, Private and Orthodontics
Quick answer
All NHS dental treatment is completely free for children under 18 in the UK (under 19 in full-time education), including check-ups, fillings, extractions and orthodontics if eligible. Privately, children’s check-ups start at £25–£60 and NHS braces are free for under-18s scoring 3.6 or above on the IOTN scale, otherwise private braces cost £1,500–£5,500.
Key takeaways
- All NHS dental care is free for under-18s and under-19s in full-time education.
- NHS braces are free for under-18s scoring IOTN 3.6 or above.
- Private children’s check-ups cost £25–£60 and composite fillings £60–£150.
- Private fixed braces for under-18s cost £1,500–£3,500; Invisalign Teen £3,000–£4,500.
- Children should first see a dentist by age 1 or when the first tooth appears.
All NHS dental treatment is completely free for children under 18 in the UK (under 19 in full-time education). That includes check-ups, fillings, extractions, orthodontics if eligible, and emergency care. Despite this, only about 60% of UK children see a dentist annually — and decay remains the most common reason for childhood hospital admissions in England.
What's free on the NHS for children
- All check-ups and X-rays
- Scale and polish if clinically needed
- Fluoride varnish (2x per year recommended from age 3)
- Fissure sealants on permanent molars
- Fillings (composite is standard for children)
- Extractions
- Pulpotomies (children's version of root canal)
- Stainless steel crowns (Hall crowns) on baby molars
- Space maintainers
- Orthodontic treatment if IOTN ≥ 3.6 (most cases of crowding, severe overbite, etc.)
NHS orthodontics for children — the IOTN scale
NHS braces (fixed metal or, increasingly, ceramic) are free for under-18s if the child scores 3.6 or higher on the IOTN (Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need). The IOTN scores severity:
- 5 — Severe need (e.g. impacted teeth, severe crossbite, defect of the lip or palate)
- 4 — Great need (e.g. severe crowding, severe deep bite causing trauma)
- 3.6+ — Borderline need (mild to moderate crowding, mild overbite)
- 1–3 — No NHS funding (purely cosmetic alignment issues)
Most NHS orthodontic referrals happen at age 11–13 when permanent teeth have erupted. Children with IOTN 4 or 5 may start treatment as early as 9 if extractions are needed first.
Private children's dental costs
Some parents prefer private for shorter waits, longer appointments, or cosmetic-grade orthodontic options.
| Treatment | NHS (under 18) | Private (typical) |
|---|---|---|
| Check-up | Free | £25–£60 |
| Hygienist visit | Included if needed | £40–£90 |
| Composite filling | Free | £60–£150 |
| Fissure sealants (per tooth) | Free | £25–£60 |
| Hall crown (baby molar) | Free | £100–£200 |
| Extraction (baby tooth) | Free | £40–£100 |
| NHS braces (IOTN 3.6+) | Free | — |
| Private fixed braces (under-18) | — | £1,500–£3,500 |
| Invisalign Teen | Not available | £3,000–£4,500 |
| Cosmetic ceramic braces (private) | — | £2,500–£4,500 |
Common questions parents ask
What age should my child first see a dentist?
By age 1 or as soon as the first tooth appears. Even if there's nothing to do clinically, it familiarises the child with the dentist and lets the dentist watch for development issues.
Are X-rays safe for children?
Yes — modern bitewing X-rays use very low radiation doses, equivalent to a few days of background radiation. They are only taken when clinically necessary.
Should my child have NHS or private braces?
If your child qualifies for NHS braces (IOTN 3.6+), accept the NHS treatment — the standard is the same as private. Pay privately only if your child doesn't qualify or wants Invisalign aesthetics.
What is fluoride varnish?
A protective coating painted onto teeth to prevent decay. Recommended for all UK children from age 3, applied twice a year on the NHS as part of preventive care.
My child has a sweet tooth — what should I do?
Limit sugary drinks (especially juice) and sticky sweets. Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste (1000 ppm for under-3s, 1450 ppm for 3+), with parental supervision until age 7. Frequency of sugar exposure matters more than total amount.
Free check-ups while pregnant?
Yes, you also get free NHS dental care during pregnancy and for 12 months after birth. Apply for a Maternity Exemption Certificate (MatEx) when you first attend antenatal care.
How to find a children's NHS dentist
Most NHS dentists accept children even when they're closed to adult patients. Use the NHS dentist finder (nhs.uk/service-search/find-a-dentist) and call to confirm child availability. Children of registered NHS adults are usually accepted automatically.
Dental anxiety and special needs
For very anxious children or children with disabilities, NHS Community Dental Services offer specialist care including inhalation sedation. Referral is through your child's GP or general dentist. Private sedation is typically £200–£500 extra per visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is children’s dental care free on the NHS?
Yes. All NHS dental treatment is free for children under 18, and for under-19s in full-time education, including check-ups, fillings, extractions and eligible orthodontics.
Are braces free for children on the NHS?
Yes, if the child scores 3.6 or above on the IOTN scale. The standard of NHS braces is the same as private; you only pay privately if your child does not qualify or wants Invisalign aesthetics.
How much do private braces cost for a child?
Private fixed braces for under-18s cost £1,500–£3,500, and Invisalign Teen costs £3,000–£4,500.
When should my child first see a dentist?
By age 1, or as soon as the first tooth appears, so the child gets used to the dentist and development can be monitored.