Dental Treatment in China: UK Patients Save 60-75% on Implants, Crowns & Orthodontics
Dental treatment is one of the most significant healthcare costs for UK adults, particularly for procedures not covered by the NHS. China's top dental hospitals offer the same materials, techniques, and quality standards as UK private dentists — at 60-75% lower cost.
Cost Comparison: China vs UK Private Dentistry
| Procedure | UK Private Cost | China Cost (£ equiv.) | Saving |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single dental implant (titanium + crown) | £2,500-3,500 | £600-900 | Up to 74% |
| Full porcelain crown | £800-1,200 | £200-350 | Up to 71% |
| Dental veneer (porcelain) | £700-1,000 | £180-300 | Up to 74% |
| Full mouth implants (All-on-4) | £15,000-25,000 | £4,000-7,000 | Up to 72% |
| Invisalign (full treatment) | £3,500-5,500 | £900-1,500 | Up to 73% |
| Root canal treatment | £500-1,000 | £100-200 | Up to 80% |
Quality of Materials: Same as the UK
The materials used at China's top dental hospitals are identical to UK standards. Implant systems from Nobel Biocare, Straumann, and Osstem are used alongside zirconia and E-max ceramic crowns. The key difference is labour cost — Chinese dental technicians and surgeons earn significantly less than their UK counterparts, which is the primary driver of the price difference.
Top Dental Institutions for UK Patients
Peking University School of Stomatology
China's premier dental institution, affiliated with Peking University. Its hospital treats over 3,000 patients daily and is the training ground for China's dental elite. International patients are seen in a dedicated department with English-speaking staff.
Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital (Dental Department)
Affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University, this hospital is particularly renowned for maxillofacial surgery, implantology, and orthodontics. Its international patient centre has managed complex cases for patients from over 40 countries.
Planning Your Dental Trip
The timeline for dental treatment depends on the procedure:
- Crowns and veneers: 5-7 days (preparation, temporary fitting, final fitting)
- Single implants: The implant placement takes one day, but osseointegration requires 3-6 months. Most patients return for the crown fitting on a second trip.
- Full mouth implants (All-on-4): 7-10 days for the initial treatment phase
- Invisalign: Initial consultation and impressions in 2-3 days; aligners shipped to UK address
Dental Tourism Considerations
Dental records: Bring any recent X-rays and dental records. This saves time and avoids duplicate diagnostics.
Insurance: Some UK dental insurance policies cover treatment abroad. Check your policy before travelling.
Follow-up care: For implants, the osseointegration period requires monitoring. NEXUS CHINA coordinates follow-up care with a UK dentist and facilitates communication between your Chinese and UK dental teams.
NEXUS CHINA's Dental Service
We coordinate dental treatment at Peking University School of Stomatology and Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital. Our service includes pre-trip consultation, appointment scheduling, translation throughout your treatment, accommodation near the hospital, and post-treatment follow-up coordination.
Explore our medical service or contact us to discuss dental treatment in China.