We aim to provide you with information that helps you make the best treatment decisions. In this section, we provide useful articles to answer the questions we are often asked, and tell you more about the award-winning TDC team.
Spreading the cost of dental implants
“Can I spread the cost of my dental implant treatment?”
Whilst some patients prefer to pay the full cost upfront for their treatment, others prefer to pay across a period of time by making monthly payments.
That is why we offer a range of finance options to make the cost of your Smile in a Day dental implant surgery as accessible as possible.
A long-term solution for people with serious dental needs
For people living with the misery of loose and missing teeth or wearing a denture, dental implants can be the ideal solution – often leading to an end to dental pain and feeling too self-conscious to smile.
Whilst our Smile in a Day procedure is suitable for single tooth replacement, at TDC Implant Centres most of the people we help need at least one full jaw restored on implants, often both.
Our patients come from every background; they are united by the impact their severe dental problems (gum disease and bone loss) have on their quality of life – avoiding certain foods for fear of losing more teeth, living with the inconvenience of dentures, worrying about the appearance of their teeth, not smiling.
Our Smile in a Day same day dental implant treatment can restore full sets of new fixed teeth in matter of hours. Our patients leave at the end of the day with natural-looking new teeth secured on implants, beautiful new smiles and renewed confidence.*
Treatment cost can be a key consideration
Dental implants bring many benefits and we understand the transformative effect of secure fixed teeth and being able to smile with confidence. Our patients often describe it as life-changing to have a perfect smile after years of problems and embarrassment.
We also understand that dental treatment, especially advanced procedures such as same-day dental implants, can require a significant investment in your well-being. Dental implants cost can be a key consideration when choosing the right team of dentists to perform your treatment.
The cost of dental implants
Dental implant treatment is usually only available to private patients and is not commonly available on the NHS.
Dental implant costs vary depending on numerous factors including the experience and skill of the implant surgeon, the technique used (eg traditional implant methods versus advanced same-day implant techniques), the quality of the dental implant systems used, and the standard of patient care you receive – before, during and after treatment.
It is important that each patient carefully considers their personal needs and requirements so they can select the best dental implant dentists for them. Dental implants require surgery, so it is worth finding the best clinical care to safely deliver the treatment results you are looking for.
Our page “Questions to ask your dental implant dentist” provides information to help you make your personal choice.
How does patient finance work?
We work with Novuna Personal Finance, who arrange patient finance as a helpful way of spreading the cost of treatment.
Finance is available for treatments that cost between £500 and £50,000.
Patients can spread the cost of treatment by choosing a payment term (how long you need to repay for) that suits them.
You can apply for 0% APR finance, also called interest-free finance, for treatments that cost between £500 and £50,000 if you choose to pay back the total amount borrowed over 12, 18, 24, 36 or 40 months.
If you choose a payment term of 48 or 60 months, finance is available at 7.9% APR representative.
Am I eligible for a finance plan?
Finance applicants must be aged 18 or over, a UK resident, have a UK bank account and be in permanent employment. All loans are subject to eligibility, status, affordability and a credit check. T&Cs apply.
How much will I pay each month?
Your monthly repayment amount will depend entirely on the term you choose.
Whether you want to borrow the minimum credit amount of £500, or the maximum of £50,000 – there are options available. Here are representative examples to show you how it all works:
Interest-free example – 0% APR finance
With this option, you spread the cost of your treatment over a period of time and, because there’s no interest, you don’t pay back any more than the cost of treatment.
0% APR 36 months
- Treatment cost: £15,950
- Deposit: £0
- 0% APR
- Loan amount: £15,950
- Term: 36 months
- Monthly repayments: 36 x £443.05
- Total cost of credit: £0
- Total amount payable: £15,950
Interest-bearing example – 7.9% APR representative finance
With interest-bearing options for longer payment terms, you still spread the cost of your treatment with monthly repayments.
7.9% APR 60 Months
- Treatment cost: £15,950
- Deposit £3,190 (20%)
- 7.9% APR representative
- Loan amount: £12,760
- Term: 60 months
- Monthly repayment: 60 x £256.49
- Total cost of credit: £2,629.40
- Total amount payable: £18,579.40
How do I sign up for patient finance?
After you agree your treatment plan with your clinician, you’ll have the option to apply for patient finance through Novuna Personal Finance.
If you’re interested, your Patient Co-ordinator will ask for your email address and send you a link to a simple application form to complete. Once you find out if you’re eligible for patient finance, you can use it to help pay for your treatment.
Talk to us
At TDC Implant Centres, we don’t believe finance should be a barrier that stops you getting the pain-free, confident smile you deserve.
If you want to know more about the costs of Smile in a Day dental implants, visit our Cost page where we clearly outline the cost of treatment and exactly what is included. We also answer the key cost-related questions that people ask us, such as why the cost of dental implants vary so much.
And if you’d like more information about our payment plans and finance options, call us on 0800 012 2086 or arrange your free consultation** and we can talk you through it all.
About TDC Smile in a Day
*Unlike traditional implant procedures, the Smile in a Day technique allows us to perform any necessary tooth extractions, the implant surgery and placement of a full set of fixed new teeth all in one day. This is possible as the implants (usually four) are placed at a very precise angle to maximise the use of available bone. This eliminates the need for bone grafts and sinus lifts, even for patients who have been told by their general dentist that they have insufficient bone in their jaw. And instead of wearing removable dentures during the healing period, you leave our clinic with secure, custom-made teeth that remain in place night and day.
After about three months, once your bone has integrated with the implants and your gums have settled, you’ll be fitted with your final set of fixed teeth at a non-surgical appointment.
** a consultation is free of professional charges, but a COVID-19 safety tariff may apply.
TDC Implant Centres and Bupa Dental Care are trading names of Oasis Dental Care Limited, Vantage Office Park, Old Gloucester Road, Hambrook, Bristol, BS16 1GW, whose company registered number is 00478127. Oasis Dental Care Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, FCA registration no: 710559. Oasis Dental Care Limited is a credit broker and not a lender.
Finance is provided by Novuna Personal Finance, a trading style of Mitsubishi HC Capital UK PLC, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Financial Services Register no. 704348. Registered Office: Novuna House, Thorpe Road, Staines-upon-Thames, Surrey, TW18 3HP. Registered in Cardiff under company no. 1630491. The register can be accessed through www.fca.org.
Why are dental implants so expensive?
‘Sometimes people ask me why dental implants cost so much,’ says Dr Anthony Zybutz, co-founder and Advanced Aesthetic Dentist at TDC Implant Centres.
‘I tell my patients that they’re paying for treatment that will transform their lives.’
‘But they are also paying for specialist care, for state-of-the-art equipment and the use of world-leading dental laboratories that make beautiful, long-lasting teeth.
This is a procedure that will enrich every aspect of their life, enabling them to look younger, eat whatever they want, and no longer refuse dinner invitations because they fear the embarrassment of loose teeth.’
We’ll restore your confidence
‘Almost every patient we see uses the same word ‒ “confidence” ‒ when asked how Smile in a Day has improved their life,’ says Dr Anthony. ‘They just can’t believe the huge difference it’s made to how they feel about themselves.
‘Many patients have suffered for years with painful, infected teeth or wobbly dentures. And as your eyes and teeth are the two things people focus on when talking to you, these patients were scared to smile or speak. They were self-conscious about their bad breath and how their teeth looked.
‘It’s incredible to see them blossom and no longer hide their mouth behind their hand. It’s even easier to put on lipstick as there’s more support for your lips. It’s a total transformation.’
We always use the best quality components
‘We’ve been treating patients with Smile in a Day for over a decade and our approach is to use high-quality “tried and tested” implants.
We know these deliver the most dependable long-term results, rather than the “latest and greatest” implants that may not be as predictable,’ says Dr Anthony.
‘My brother Michael, the co-founder of TDC, has a post-graduate degree in Periodontics (the study of bone, gums and implants) from one of the leading dental schools in the US and has been placing implants for over 25 years.
This puts him in an excellent position to select the very best for our patients.’
As with all things in life, high-quality implants come at a price.
‘We use some of the most expensive implants on the market, ones that we know give predictable and highly successful results. We know our implant manufacturer personally and have worked with them for many years,’ says Dr Anthony.
You’re paying for peace of mind
With a caring, highly skilled, extremely experienced team that you can trust to take you through every step of the Smile in a Day procedure, rest assured you’re in safe hands. Lead Surgeon Dr Michael Zybutz personally oversees our UK-based clinics located in Harley Street and Folkestone.
‘When considering having the Smile in a Day procedure, we know how important it is for people to be able to read genuine, unbiased reviews by those who’ve undergone the treatment themselves,’ says Dr Anthony.
‘That’s why TDC subscribes to both Feefo and Trustpilot where reviews are independently verified so that patients can really trust what they’re reading. We’re very proud of our hugely positive reviews and so work hard to ensure our standards remain high.’
Patients often remark on what good value for money Smile in a Day is.
As one wrote in a recent review: ‘Everyone I dealt with was polite, friendly and professional. [They] looked after me exceptionally well on the day of surgery and made me feel at ease even though I was extremely nervous.
For me it was worth every penny. It seems a lot, but the confidence it has given me is priceless.’
Our aftercare is first-rate
‘Our team does this highly skilled dental implant procedure all day, every day,’ says Dr Anthony. ‘That means if you have any problems whatsoever afterwards we can fix them instantly. We’re here five days a week and will always see patients as quickly as we can. Clinics that employ “freelance” implant surgeons can’t offer this, nor can clinics based abroad.’
It’s a life-changing procedure
‘When patients see their new smile in the mirror, almost without fail they hug me and then they hug my nurse,’ says Dr Anthony.
‘They can’t believe how different they look and it brings a lump to my throat every single time. That moment makes it all worthwhile.’
And interestingly, it’s not just being able to eat or brush their teeth without discomfort that makes such a difference to patients’ lives, it’s being able to socialise without feeling self-conscious.
‘Humans are social beings,’ says Dr Anthony. ‘Having bad teeth can negatively affect being able to communicate with others because patients can’t speak properly or don’t want others to see their teeth. Without social contact people can easily become depressed and lonely.’
‘When researchers studied the survivors of the 2011 earthquake and subsequent tsunami in Japan, those who had lost or fractured dentures had significantly lower quality of life scores.
The disaster had a very negative impact not only on their oral health, but on their mental health. It was found that their biggest problem wasn’t being unable to eat properly, it was not being able to smile, which affected their interaction with other people.’
You can discard your dentures
‘No one wants to be like their grandparents with a set of teeth in a glass of water by the bedside,’ says Dr Anthony.
‘Dentures have many drawbacks: they can make it difficult to eat, speak and smile normally without fearing that they’ll come loose. And as dentures often need to be stuck on with glue, many people panic when they realise they’ve left the house without it.’
‘Replacing dentures with dental implants means you get teeth that function like real teeth,’ he says.
‘You can’t expect a piece of plastic to function like natural teeth but implants are different.’
‘After placing the dental implants, I ask all my patients to grasp their front teeth between their thumb and finger to see if they can move them.
When they realise how solid their new teeth feel their eyes light up as they can’t get over what it’s like to have stable, natural-feeling teeth again.
And it takes about two months before they realise they can stop worrying about always having denture glue to hand.’
TDC Smile in a Day treatment is cheaper than traditional implants
Smile in a Day implants cost about half as much as using traditional implant techniques to achieve the same results so they represent great value for money.
Not only that, it takes a lot less time to place them and requires just one surgery as opposed to three with traditional implants. If you’re travelling from distant parts of the UK (or from abroad) to have the procedure this also means fewer hotel and travel costs.
Our pricing is transparent
Everything you need to know about costs is explained on TDC’s Costs page.
Each arch (jaw) costs £15,950 – this includes everything needed to construct and place your implants and teeth (both the provisional and permanent sets) as well as your aftercare, any necessary follow-up appointments (except routine dental check-ups) and all components and laboratory fees.
The only additional costs are optional conscious sedation and zygomatic (cheekbone) implants. Sedation costs from £1,300 for single arch surgery and £1,500 for both the upper and lower jaws (payable directly to the anaesthetist).
‘Zygomatic implants are only needed in the most severe cases of bone loss: patients who don’t have enough bone in their upper jaw to support conventional implants,’ says Dr Anthony.
‘If you need to have them we’ll let you know well in advance. These cost from an additional £3,500.
Smile in a Day is a significant investment but one that’s definitely worthwhile if you consider that the alternative is wearing dentures for the rest of your life. You can put a price on quality.’
It’s a long-term investment
‘If you follow our Smile in a Day after-care instructions there’s no reason that your new teeth shouldn’t last a lifetime,’ says Dr Anthony.
‘However, although they’re made from high-quality materials, these are not bionic teeth and you need to care for them just as you would natural teeth by brushing your teeth twice daily with an electric toothbrush and using a Waterpik under the implant to remove any plaque and food residue.
The implants sit in bone and you need to get rid of bacteria from your teeth or they’ll attack the bone and gum that hold the implants in place.
We encourage our patients to have a dental check-up and see our dental hygienist every three to four months.’
The end result is guaranteed to make you smile
‘It doesn’t matter how many times we’ve done this procedure ‒ it’s about 1,000 at last count ‒ we still get a big kick out of showing our patients their “before” photo and then letting them see their new teeth for the first time,’ says Dr Anthony.
‘To hear someone say, “I love them, I just love them, they’re perfect,” when they view their transformation is always an emotional moment.’
Patients often say their only regret is not having Smile in a Day sooner:
‘One year since my permanent set of teeth were fitted and all good. Dr Zybutz and his team are still at the top of their game and he is the only dentist you want to see. Day to day, this has made such an improvement to my life in many, many ways and I only wish I’d seen Dr Zybutz 20 years ago.’
To find out more about the benefits of Smile in a Day dental implants treatment, and to discuss financing options, call one of our friendly Patient Advisors for a free consultation* on 020 3553 6415
Having dental treatment abroad
Considering having dental implants abroad?
Known as “dental tourism” or “dental holidays” it sounds so simple: you pack your passport, hop on a plane and return a few days later with a topped-up tan and a fantastic new smile makeover that’s cost significantly less than if you’d had the dental surgery done in the UK.
Choosing your dental implant dentist – research carefully
Where you decide to have dental treatment – whether in the UK or overseas – is a very personal decision: you need to find a dentist you can trust to perform the procedure and also give you the necessary aftercare.
However, if you’re considering having dental treatment abroad, the NHS cautions that it’s vital to do your research beforehand and be aware of the potential risks.
This is particularly important if you’ll be having dental implants as they involve dental surgery and, as with all surgical procedures, there is potential for complications.
‘If you make the wrong decision you’ll remember it a lot longer than you’ll remember the money you saved,’ says Dr Michael Zybutz, Co-founder and Lead Surgeon at TDC Implant Centres.
While dental treatment abroad may often be less expensive than visiting a UK dentist and it is tempting to save money, there are frequently hidden costs you may not have considered, especially if something doesn’t go according to plan and you find yourself needing further treatment.
‘Dental implants – and more especially full-mouth dental implants – are an investment for the rest of your life,’ says Dr Michael.
‘It’s worth paying more for quality and peace of mind.
We’ve never had a patient complain about the cost after they’ve experienced life with their new teeth. Many patients say it’s the best money they’ve ever spent.’
10 reasons to choose TDC over dental treatments abroad
1. We are leaders in same day dental implants
‘We have been placing dental implants for over two decades,’ says Dr Zybutz, ‘We’re a leading UK provider of Smile in a Day dental implants with two award-winning dental clinics in Harley Street. It’s what we do.’
‘Not only our dentists, but all our highly trained clinical staff are registered with the General Dental Council (GDC), the organisation that regulates dental professionals in the UK and maintains standards for the benefit of patients. If you opt for dental treatment abroad that’s not the case.’
As the GDC cautions: ‘You may want to find out if you can expect the same standards of training from the dentist who will be carrying out your dental treatment abroad.’
TDC has an impeccable safety record and has never had a single case of septicaemia.
‘Through thoroughly screening patients, creating a sterile environment by using surgical drapes and other rigorous infection-control measures, our patients know that they’re in safe hands,’ says Dr Michael.
2. We’re UK-registered dental specialists
‘If the dentist claims to be a specialist, it’s also important to ask whether they can back this up,’ says the GDC, which holds lists of dentists in the UK entitled to use the title ‘specialist’.
‘Entry onto these lists is only granted if a dentist meets certain minimum standards of training.’
What this means is that if anything goes wrong you can lodge a complaint with the GDC, something you can’t do if you have dental treatments abroad.
According to Dr Michael, a periodontal specialist who’s both registered with the GDC and certified by the American Board of Periodontology, and who has lectured internationally on the Smile in a Day technique: ‘We’ve never had a single GDC complaint in the two decades I’ve been practising.’
3. We really care – and take your safety seriously
The TDC team knows that many patients find having dental work done very stressful so we spend lots of time explaining the procedure and discussing any concerns you may have.
• Safety processes
Assessment before dental treatment is vital. At TDC, every patient is assessed at an initial consultation with an experienced implant dentist so they can discuss their needs, dental history and options.
Patients assessed as being likely to be suitable for Smile in a Day treatment, and who wish to progress to the next stage, then have a CT scan.
CT scans take detailed x-ray images, enabling our clinical team to analyse below the surface of the gum and measure the amount, location and quality of bone in your jaw. These scans are also used in the pre-surgery planning and precise placement of your dental implants.
Patients are provided with a detail treatment plan so they can make an informed decision about their treatment.
Where we do not believe that Smile in a Day is a suitable treatment we are alway honest; we discuss alternative dental treatment options with the patient.
• Award-winning patient care
‘Our team is renowned for its gentle and empathetic approach,’ says Dr Zybutz.
‘And we are very proud that we consistently win industry awards for our patient care. From the moment you first contact us, through to your initial free consultation, your dental implant surgery and your aftercare, you will be well cared for.
In 2020, we won in the ‘Best Patient Care’ category at the Dentistry Awards, and in 2021 we won in the Private Dentistry Awards ‘Best Treatment of Nervous Patients‘ category.
‘All our surgical patients get our personal mobile phone numbers so that they can call us and know that they will get advice, reassurance or treatment at any time.’
4. We deliver consistently outstanding results
With advanced surgical techniques such as same day dental implants you want peace of mind when committing to dental implant surgery and to be confident that your new teeth and smile are exactly what you hope for.
At TDC, our specialist surgical skills, 20 years+ experience in dental implant placement, use of high quality implants and components, commitment to crafting bespoke new teeth and the highest levels of patient care combine to deliver consistently outstanding results for our patients.
5. We speak English
If you have dental treatment abroad the team treating you may well not have English as their first language, and the NHS warns that you could find your expectations of how a dentist should communicate with a patient aren’t met:
‘You may also feel more vulnerable in an environment that’s unfamiliar, especially if you can’t easily ask questions.’
Dr Zybutz stresses that good communication is key to treatment at TDC: ‘Having your dental procedure in the UK rather than travelling to clinics abroad, means you are in familiar surroundings and being treated by people you can easily communicate with.’
6. We’re UK-based
Smile in a Day is an advanced and highly skilled technique that can replace loose and missing teeth – it is the closest solution to natural teeth. Most of our patients require full sets of new teeth in their upper jaw, lower jaw, or both; it is not a purely cosmetic procedure.
While Smile in a Day full mouth implants is a procedure where you have any remaining defective teeth removed and replaced with new fixed teeth in just one day, the treatment requires an average of seven visits.
On surgery day, a set of temporary teeth is securely placed on dental implants. They remain in place night and day during the healing phase (about three months) until they are exchanged for your final new teeth at a non-surgical appointment.
In addition, you need to have long-term maintenance appointments with a qualified team so that your new teeth can be properly cared for and any potential problems can be picked up quickly and corrected. If you’re considering having implants outside the UK you need to factor in the time and cost of multiple visits abroad.
TDC has centres in London’s Harley Street and Folkestone so your friendly dental team is always close by ‒ not a flight away ‒ should you need us.
7. Our costs are clear
Having an open and honest approach is really important to us, and this also applies to our costs, which are all-inclusive and transparent. If you travel abroad for treatment the originally quoted costs may well rise, especially if there are complications.
‘We want as many people as possible to benefit from the confidence that comes from having secure, functioning teeth and beautiful smile,’ says Dr Zybutz.
‘That’s why we offer a range of finance options to help make treatment more affordable.’
8. We offer quality aftercare
The NHS website warns that UK residents going abroad for implants may experience problems if they need remedial work after surgery:
‘When people seek follow-up care in the UK, sometimes several years after the surgery was carried out, it can be very difficult for dentists over here to treat them if they don’t have full documentation about the way procedures were carried out.’
Placing dental implants is a skilled surgical procedure and, as all surgery carries an element of risk, it’s important that you know what will happen if the implant isn’t successful.
It’s also important to remember that if anything goes wrong with implants where you’ve had treatment abroad, you’ll have the hassle and cost (flights and accommodation) of going back even if your dental work has been guaranteed.
‘It’s not unusual to end up spending more money on remedial work than you’ve saved,’ says Dr Michael.
At TDC we offer a comprehensive after-care programme and know each patient personally so we have a detailed record of the procedure you’ve had.
We also enter patients into our Maintenance Programme whereby you’ll come back to see us to ensure your dental implants stay in great condition.
‘This typifies our commitment to excellence and to forging a long-term relationship with our patients as individuals,’ says Dr Zybutz.
9. We use tried-and-trusted high quality dental implants
When considering dental implants abroad it’s important to find out what type of implants will be used and how long the dentists have been using them.
‘At TDC we use pure titanium because we’ve found this gives the best results and is just one of the reasons we have such a high success rate,’ says Dr Zybutz. ‘The jawbone integrates with the titanium more reliably than with alloys (alloys are more low cost dental implants), and we have had long-lasting results with them.
And because we do so many of these procedures, we keep a full stock in different sizes on our premises so that we can use the implant that’s most appropriate for every patient.
Dental clinics abroad may not ordinarily stock such a large range.’
10. We get glowing independent reviews
By travelling abroad for treatment you won’t necessarily have access to reviews you can trust. ‘For the ultimate peace of mind of our patients we subscribe to two independent online review sites: Trustpilot and Feefo,’ says Dr Zybutz.
‘That way, prospective patients can read unbiased feedback on the work we do. I find it very gratifying that we get such fantastic reviews.’
‘To read that our staff are “brilliant, professional and caring” and have our patients saying that Smile in a Day is “the best thing I’ve ever done” makes it all worthwhile.’
Take your time – find the right solution for you
Every patient has their own specific needs, so remember to take time to research your options carefully and to find a dental team that you feel comfortable with and trust with your dental care.
Talk to your own dentist, or talk to us at TDC.
For more information, download the General Dental Council’s free pdf: ‘Going abroad for your dental care?‘