NHS Treatment

NHS Orthodontic Treatment for the under 18's

NHS Orthodontic treatment is available to patients (under 18 years of age) free under the NHS and is intended to provide care for those patients who require help on the grounds of health; as many as 70% of children will qualify.

Such problems include severe protrusion of the teeth, severe mal-alignment or crowding of the teeth and missing teeth. Some less severe, but unaesthetic smiles may also qualify for treatment. The way in which the orthodontist decides whether NHS funding is available is by using a system of measurements called the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need, (IOTN). As the name suggests, this index gives higher weighting to those cases which need treatment for an improvement in their dental health.

Your dentist can refer you to an orthodontist to complete the work; alternatively, you can contact us directly on 01302 366466 or through the following link for advice. An initial examination and assessment is available on the NHS for all child patients.

Within today's NHS you are able to choose where you are treated.

Treatment is free to those above the age of 18 if they are accepted for treatment before their 18th birthday.

Cases with a possible need for treatment are also assessed on aesthetic grounds and cases with a low aesthetic score are unlikely to qualify for orthodontic treatment under the NHS.

Please consult your dentist to be referred to us.