DATA-BACKED GUIDE · UPDATED JULY 2026
Children's dental costs in the UK: what is free on the NHS
The good news for parents is that NHS dental care for children is free, which takes a lot of the worry out of looking after young teeth. Check-ups, fillings and other treatment carried out on the NHS cost nothing for under-18s. This guide explains what is covered, when private fees might come in, and the real prices below for anything extra.
The quick version
- Children's NHS dental treatment is free across the UK, including check-ups, fillings and extractions.
- There is no NHS charge for under-18s, and the free bands that apply to adults do not apply to children.
- Getting children seen early builds good habits and catches problems while they are small and simple.
- Some cosmetic or specialist work may be private, so check the real prices below if it falls outside NHS care.
What people actually paid
Why the price varies so much
Because routine children's dentistry is free on the NHS, most families never see a bill for check-ups or standard treatment. Costs only really appear when care falls outside NHS provision, such as certain cosmetic work or when you choose a private practice because no NHS dentist locally is taking new patients. In those cases private fees vary by practice, location and the treatment needed, just as they do for adults. Orthodontics is a common area of confusion: it is free on the NHS for children who meet the clinical need criteria, but privately the cost depends on the type of braces and length of treatment. Compare the real prices below if you are paying privately.
How to pay less
- Take advantage of free NHS dental care for your child and book regular check-ups from an early age.
- Look for an NHS dentist with family availability, since children's treatment there costs nothing.
- Encourage good brushing and limit sugary snacks to reduce the chance of fillings and future orthodontic issues.
- If considering private braces, get more than one quote and ask whether your child qualifies for free NHS orthodontics first.
Common questions
Is all children's dental treatment free on the NHS?
Routine NHS treatment for under-18s is free, covering check-ups, fillings, extractions and more. Purely cosmetic work is not usually provided on the NHS, and orthodontics is free only where a child meets the clinical need criteria.
At what age should my child first see a dentist?
As soon as their first teeth appear, and certainly by their first birthday. Early visits are free on the NHS, get children used to the chair, and let the dentist spot any issues before they become painful or expensive.
Are braces free for children on the NHS?
NHS orthodontics is free for under-18s who meet the assessed clinical need, which is judged on how the teeth and bite are developing. If your child does not qualify or you prefer private treatment, costs vary widely, so check the real prices below.