Dental & health

Dental treatment
loan

NHS availability has shrunk significantly. Whether it's an emergency extraction, private orthodontics, or cosmetic work, a Cash Train loan spreads the cost into fixed monthly repayments you can plan around.

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Unregulated lender • Apply online — decision in minutes

What dental work costs

NHS vs private dental costs in the UK

NHS banded charges (2024/25): Band 1 — £26.80 (check-up, X-ray) • Band 2 — £73.50 (fillings, extractions) • Band 3 — £319.10 (crowns, dentures, bridges). If you can get NHS treatment, it's always cheaper — but many areas have no NHS dentists accepting new patients.

Private filling

£80–£250

Per tooth. Composite (white) fillings cost more than amalgam. Posterior teeth (back) typically cost more than anterior (front).

Extraction

£100–£350

Simple extraction is cheaper; surgical removal (wisdom teeth, impacted roots) significantly more.

Crown

£400–£900

Porcelain-fused-to-metal is typically cheaper than full ceramic. Zirconia crowns are the most expensive and most durable.

Orthodontics

£1,500–£4,500

Traditional braces, ceramic braces, or clear aligners (Invisalign). Treatment usually takes 12–24 months.

Implant

£1,500–£3,000

Per implant. Includes the post, abutment, and crown. Most clinics spread this over multiple appointments.

Cosmetic whitening

£200–£700

In-chair whitening is faster; take-home trays are cheaper. Results vary by enamel type and initial shade.

Private dental prices vary significantly by location (London premiums can be 50%+ higher), clinic, and dentist seniority. Always get a full written treatment plan with itemised costs before agreeing to any work.

Finding NHS dental treatment

If you need dental work and cost is a concern, try these routes before paying private rates:

Find an NHS dentist near you at nhs.uk/find-a-dentist. Wait times vary by area — rural areas and parts of London are often fully booked.

Dental school clinics offer treatment performed by supervised students at reduced rates. Quality is supervised and often very good. Search for your nearest via the GDC website.

If you're in acute pain and can't get an NHS appointment, call NHS 111. They can direct you to an emergency dental service.

If you receive certain benefits (Universal Credit, ESA, etc.), you may qualify for free NHS dental treatment. Check your HC1 form eligibility.

Loan options

Match the loan to the treatment plan

Quick

£100–£500

1–3 months

One or two fillings, an extraction, or a hygiene treatment course.

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Flex

£500–£2,000

3–12 months

A crown, a bridge, or the start of an orthodontic treatment plan.

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Plus

£2,000–£5,000

6–24 months

Orthodontics, implants, or a comprehensive private treatment plan.

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Common questions

Dental loan FAQs

Yes — there are no restrictions on what kind of dental treatment your loan covers. Cosmetic whitening, veneers, or smile makeovers all qualify.

Your loan is paid into your account upfront. You can pay the clinic invoice-by-invoice as treatment progresses, or in full at the start if the clinic requires it.

Many clinics offer 0% interest deals via in-house finance providers. If available and genuinely interest-free, that's usually cheaper than a personal loan. Check the small print for arrangement fees and what happens if you miss a payment.

Your loan is paid to you personally. You can then use it to pay for a family member's treatment — there are no restrictions on how you use the funds.