Updated 17 April 2026
NHS Band 3 Dental Charge: £332.10 (April 2026)
Band 3 is the maximum NHS dental charge. It covers crowns, bridges, dentures, and orthodontic appliances. No matter how complex your treatment, you will not pay more than £332.10 for one course of NHS dental care in England.
BAND 3 CHARGE (APRIL 2026)
£332.10
Up from £326.70 in 2025/26 (up 1.7%)
This is the maximum you will ever pay. Even if you need three crowns, a bridge, extractions, and multiple fillings all as part of the same course of treatment, you pay one Band 3 charge of £332.10.
Band 3 includes all Band 1 and Band 2 treatments within the same course. You pay one charge at the highest band needed.
What Band 3 covers
Crowns
Porcelain fused to metal (most common NHS crown), all-metal, or all-ceramic where clinically indicated. Covers the crown and all preparatory work (tooth shaping, temporary crown, impressions).
Bridges
Conventional bridges (supported by crowns on adjacent teeth) and Maryland bridges (bonded with minimal tooth preparation). One Band 3 charge covers a multi-unit bridge.
Full dentures
A complete upper or lower denture, or both. Standard NHS material is acrylic. All adjustments within the treatment period are included.
Partial dentures
Acrylic partial dentures and chromium cobalt metal-framework partial dentures where clinically appropriate. Flexible nylon dentures are not available on the NHS.
Orthodontic appliances
Fixed braces (metal or ceramic), removable appliances, and retainers. Available for under-18s with clinical need (IOTN score 3.6+). Adults rarely qualify for NHS orthodontics.
Veneers (clinically necessary only)
Veneers are NHS-available only where there is a genuine clinical reason (tooth trauma, developmental defects). Cosmetic veneers are private.
Study models and impressions
All diagnostic models, impressions, and laboratory work required for Band 3 treatment are included in the one charge.
One charge covers the complete course
Example 1
Three crowns plus one filling in the same course. Total charge: £332.10. Not £332.10 per crown.
Example 2
Full upper denture plus extractions needed to fit it. Total charge: £332.10.
Example 3
Bridge plus preparatory fillings and root canal in the same course. Total charge: £332.10.
NHS Band 3 vs private cost comparison
| Treatment | NHS | Private range |
|---|---|---|
| Crown (porcelain fused to metal) | £332.10 (Band 3) | £500-1,200 |
| Crown (all-ceramic / zirconia) | £332.10 (Band 3) | £800-1,500 |
| Bridge (3-unit) | £332.10 (Band 3) | £900-2,500 |
| Full denture (upper or lower) | £332.10 (Band 3) | £500-1,500 |
| Full upper and lower dentures (same course) | £332.10 (Band 3) | £1,000-3,000 |
| Partial denture | £332.10 (Band 3) | £400-1,500 |
| Fixed metal braces (NHS eligible under-18) | £332.10 / Free (under-18) | £1,500-3,000 |
| Dental implant | Rarely available on NHS | £1,500-3,500 per tooth |
| Implant-retained denture | Not available on NHS | £3,000-8,000 |
Private ranges from Bupa Dental Care, MyDentist, Portman Dental Care published price lists (April 2026). Actual charges vary by practice and case complexity.
NHS orthodontics: who qualifies?
NHS orthodontic treatment is available for children and young people under 18 who have a clinical need assessed using the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN).
| IOTN Grade | Description | NHS treatment? |
|---|---|---|
| Grade 1 | Extremely minor irregularities | No |
| Grade 2 | Slight irregularity | No |
| Grade 3 | Moderate irregularity | Sometimes (at dentist discretion above 3.6) |
| Grade 4 | Severe irregularity (clinical need) | Yes |
| Grade 5 | Very severe / significant health impact | Yes - priority |
Under-18s who qualify pay nothing. Adults very rarely qualify for NHS orthodontics, except in specific clinical circumstances. Most adults seeking braces will need private treatment (£1,500-6,000 for fixed braces, £2,000-6,000+ for clear aligners).