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NHS Crowns vs Private Crowns vs Turkey: Cost, Speed & Materials Compared (2025)
Have you ever wondered why so many people are flying abroad just to get their dental crowns?
Dental crowns in the UK are often perceived as a complicated procedure, even though they are very simple.
The NHS offers a limited selection of dental crowns in bands, which are not particularly aesthetic. These reasons often prompt patients to consider private clinics.
NHS vs. private UK clinics: private clinics are faster and use higher-quality materials, but you will have to pay extra. If you want a zirconia crown, you’ll have to pay a significant amount at private clinics in the UK.
Turkey offers an alternative: affordable crowns with world-class materials.
There are multiple elements to consider here, such as price, speed, efficiency, and the materials used in the procedure.
The NHS usually takes a long time to submit a report to them; it can sometimes take several months, and if it’s an urgent case, you may feel lost. Private UK clinics are faster, but not cheaper. Turkey offers a faster, cheaper option that will last 10-15 years.
In this guide, we’ll discuss the NHS, UK Private clinics, and Turkish private clinics. We will review the costs, speed, efficiency, and materials used in dental crowns.
NHS Dental Crowns in the UK
Price
The NHS supports clinically necessary dental procedures, and has 3 main Band Treatments;
These prices are based on NHS published charges (2026):
Band | Cost (England, 2026) | What’s Included | Who It Applies To |
Band 1 | £26.80 | – Examination & diagnosis – X-rays – Advice on oral health – Scale & polish (if clinically needed) | For patients needing only a check-up, preventive care, or simple diagnostics. |
Band 2 | £73.50 | Everything in Band 1 plus: – Fillings – Tooth extractions – Root canal treatment | For patients who need restorative treatment but not major prosthetics (e.g., filling a cavity). |
Band 3 | £326.70 | Everything in Bands 1 & 2 plus: – Crowns – Dentures – Bridges | For patients requiring complex procedures such as crowns or replacement teeth. |
Urgent Band | £26.80 | – Pain relief – Temporary dressing – Emergency extraction – Antibiotics (if needed) | For patients requiring urgent or emergency care, including pain, swelling, infection, or trauma. |
Understanding the band your dentist assigns helps you understand the type of treatment you are receiving. While band 3 covers crowns, dentures, and bridges, these options are often limited. Why?
| Band 3 | £306.80 | Crowns, dentures, bridges, and other complex treatments | Fixed rate, regardless of number of crowns needed. Covers functional restoration but materials are limited (mainly PFM). |
The NHS does not allow you to choose the materials they use. They mainly focus on functionality and affordable materials. Which leads to unaesthetically looking crown procedures. Doctors today are exhausted by NHS Dental practices and are calling for more support.
A study by Which revealed that 9 out of 10 NHS dental practitioners in the UK are no longer accepting new adult patients. This is due to chronic underfunding from the government and outdated contracts.
Time and efficiency
With such bureaucratic practices, many patients either wait indefinitely or, out of desperation, turn to private clinics. NHS waiting lists normally take months, which is very impractical.
Material used
The materials used by the NHS are basic and prioritise function over aesthetics. Let’s explore the NHS crown materials.
Crown Types
Porcelain fused to metal (PFM)
- Common for both front and back teeth.
- The metal core provides strength, while the porcelain coating improves appearance.
- Often, the standard for molars and premolars.
Full metal crowns (e.g., gold alloy, base metal)
- Extremely durable, less aesthetic.
- Usually used for back teeth, where strength matters more than appearance.
All-ceramic or all-porcelain crowns
- Sometimes, it is provided for the front teeth, where aesthetics are more important.
- Rare for molars to be on the NHS because they are more expensive.
Composite resin crowns
Less common but occasionally used as a more affordable, short-term solution.
The NHS provides affordable care for everyone, but one drawback is the waiting times and the materials used. These are factors that symbolise a turning point for many patients.
Private Dentistry in the UK
Private dentistry in the UK is based on privately owned dental practices that are independent of the NHS. It is a widely sought-after choice due to its shorter turnaround time and the variety of options available.
Cost of crowns in the UK
Private Clinics in the UK are a step up from the NHS. They offer a wider selection of materials, time, and pricing.
Unfortunately, patients experienced a significant price surge between 2022 and 2024, which has made it very challenging for patients with limited budgets to access treatment. This price increase has climbed by 32%, which has affected many people.
There are multiple reasons for this price hike-up which are;
- Staff shortages: Many clinics face recruitment challenges, particularly for skilled nurses and hygienists.
- Increased demand: The NHS’s inability to fulfil its waiting lists pushes more people towards private clinics.
- Rising operational costs– In the UK, prices are only rising, from energy bills , advanced equipment, and rent, clinic owners are not getting any slack.
- Cosmetic dentistry– More patients are choosing aesthetic treatments, which often come at a premium price.
We’ve compiled a list of the price increase from 2022 to 2024 to show you an example of how the prices were affected.
| Treatment | 2022 Avg. Price | 2024 Avg. Price | % Increase (2022 → 2024) | Notes |
| Check-up | £48 | £55 | +15% | Routine consultation cost rise driven by inflation and demand pressures. |
| Scale & Polish | £65 | £75 | +15% | Preventive care costs rose steadily, partly due to staffing shortages. |
| White Filling | £105 | £129 | +23% | Among the steepest increases; cosmetic demand & material costs impacted. |
| Extraction | £105 | £139 | +32% | Sharpest rise; reflects rising clinic operational costs. |
| Consultation (new patient) | £65 | £80 | +23% | Entry barrier higher for first-time patients, discouraging accessibility. |
| Root Canal | £350 | £400 | +14% | High-cost complex procedure, but lower growth rate than extractions. |
Multiple private dentists in the UK offer faster access and higher-quality materials compared to the NHS; the rising costs have forced many patients to look abroad.
Time and efficiency
You need to visit most clinics for a minimum of 2 visits (1-2 weeks) in order to fit the crown;
Visit 1 (Tooth Preparation)
- Lasts approximately 45–60 minutes
Lab Fabrication Lead Time
- Permanent crown creation typically takes 2–3 weeks, sometimes as short as 1–2 weeks.
Visit 2 (Crown Placement)
- Takes between 15 and 60 minutes (most commonly around 30–45 minutes)
Materials used
The materials used by private clinics in the uk are more advanced than the NHS basic packages.
| Crown Type | Price Range (GBP) | Notes |
| Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) | £500 – £700 | Durable, common option, cheaper than full ceramic. |
| Zirconia | £600 – £1,000 | Aesthetic and strong, more natural look, higher cost. |
| E-max (All-Ceramic) | £700 – £1,200 | Premium cosmetic option |
Let me now take you to a destination that will be more cost efficient, faster, and best of all uses the same premium materials for a fraction of their prices.
Dental Crowns in Turkey
Turkey is affordable and fast, Crowns
Turkey has become one of the most affordable destinations for dental tourism worldwide. Particularly for treatments like crowns, veneers, and implants. The reasoning is affordability, speed, and high-quality standards.
Cost Of Crowns In Turkey
Turkey has emerged as a leader in pricing benefits, offering “All-Inclusive treatments” that include lodging, medical procedures, and, in some cases, tours as part of the package.
| Crown Type | Average Cost in the UK (Private) | Average Cost in Turkey | Estimated Savings |
| Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) | £500 – £700 | £150 – £250 | 60–70% |
| Zirconia Crown | £600 – £1,000 | £200 – £350 | 65–70% |
| E-max (All-Ceramic) Crown | £700 – £1,200 | £250 – £350 | 65–75% |
Speed & Efficiency
Turkey’s private clinics are unique, as there are no waiting lists that stretch for months, or clinics that require multiple visits. Turkey has multiple options for everyone. These options range in speed without sacrificing efficiency or quality.
There are single day crowns that are placed and fitted on the same day. If you want the standard treatment, it is often done in 5-7 days.
Materials Used
Clinics often use zirconia crowns in turkey and E-max– both known for their durability and natural look. These crowns can last 10-15 years, and even more with oriel hygiene. Turkish doctors have extensive time on the chair, with years of experience.
Dentists in Turkey under-go rigorous training, and receive multiple accreditations to highlight their dental abilities.
We have explored each of these options individually, but let’s see how they compare when put together.
The Verdict
Clearly, the NHS, private UK Clinics, and Turkey offer different balances of cost, speed, and quality. But these differences don’t just show up in treatment time and material choice; they’re most apparent when it comes to cost.
| Factor | NHS UK | Private UK | Turkey Dental Crowns |
| Price | £27–£327 standard bands | £400–£800+ per crown; rising 14–32% | £200–£400 per crown |
| Speed | Long waits; limited availability | Faster than the NHS, but costly | Often, 5–7 days of full treatment |
| Efficiency | Underfunded | Better service but less equitable | High-volume, skin-to-singles care |
| Materials | Basic, functional | Porcelain, zirconia, advanced options | Zirconia, E-max, PFM all included |
The NHS
In the UK, NHS crowns are the most affordable, but patients often face long waiting times, and a limited choice of materials that aren’t very good. The NHS is a safe option for many, but comes with long waiting lists that push many to private clinics for faster treatments.
UK Private Clinics
Private UK clinics are faster and use higher-quality materials; however, these advantages come at a higher cost. These prices often turn off patients, and then the search for abroad treatment begins.
Turkey’s Private Clinics
In Turkey, patients find both cost savings and efficiency. Clinics often use high-quality materials such as zirconia and e.max while being a fraction of the UK’s private clinic costs.
This combination of affordability and speed makes Turkey a strong alternative to both NHS and private treatment.
Where should we go from here?
There is no definite choice for us to recommend to you here, as everyone’s circumstances is different.
If cost is your biggest choke-hold, or you’re under 18. The NHS is the affordable route, though it is limited and materials are restricted.
If your priority is speed and convenience, then we would recommend private UK clinics. You just have to know you’ll sacrifice something in return.
If you’re looking for
without sacrificing quality. Turkey is your balancing point, combining affordability, timeliness, and high-end materials.
You must do your due-diligence, and find what is best for you. If you need a clinic in Turkey that offers both affordability and high-quality materials without sacrificing time, we have got you covered.