Do I Qualify For NHS Orthodontic Treatment?

It is usually free for people under 18 when there is a clear health need and the case meets the criteria. If you’re over 18, orthodontics is usually private unless you fall into a specialist pathway.

Usually no. Most adult orthodontic treatment is private. In some situations, adults may be treated in hospital or specialist services when orthodontics is part of a wider clinical need.

It usually means the teeth or bite could affect function or health, not just appearance. Examples can include teeth not meeting properly, higher risk of trauma to prominent teeth, chewing difficulties, and certain bite issues that can cause uneven wear.

Mild crowding often doesn’t qualify on its own. Severe crowding that affects cleaning, gum health, or causes teeth to sit in damaging positions may be more likely. A clinician assessment is the only way to confirm.

They can, especially if they’re significant and affect function. Not every bite issue meets NHS criteria, but bite-led problems are often taken more seriously than cosmetic alignment alone.

A dentist or orthodontist must assess your case. Your dentist can refer you, and the orthodontic clinician confirms whether the case meets the NHS criteria for funded treatment.

Often the key factor is being assessed and accepted onto the pathway while you’re still under 18, but local rules and timing can vary. If you’re close to 18 and worried about timing, it’s worth acting sooner rather than later.

NHS eligibility tends to focus on bite, function, and risk (health need). Cosmetic alignment on its own is less likely to qualify. Many people have a mix of both, which is why the clinical assessment matters.

IOTN is a clinical scoring system used to assess orthodontic need. You don’t need to memorise it. The main takeaway is that there’s a threshold: the higher the need/impact, the more likely NHS funding applies.

Waiting times vary by area and service availability. Even when you qualify, you may not start immediately. If timing is important, it can be useful to understand private options as well.

NHS treatment is usually focused on clinically effective options rather than cosmetic choices. If you want specific brace types or more flexibility, private treatment may offer more choice.

Orthodontics depends on regular reviews and following instructions. With NHS care, missed appointments or not following the plan can affect progress and may risk discharge in some services. Your clinic will explain expectations clearly.

It depends on the clinic and the stage of treatment. Some people choose to finish privately for convenience or upgrade options. If you’re considering this, ask your orthodontic provider what is and isn’t possible.

Most people go private if they don’t meet NHS criteria, especially adults. Clear aligners can suit many mild-to-moderate alignment cases, while braces are often best for complex movement and bite correction.

Costs vary by treatment type and complexity. As a simple starting point, mild alignment is often cheaper than bite correction plans. You can browse UK cost guides, or start a photo assessment to understand your likely category first.

A guided photo assessment is a fast way to see whether the case looks mainly alignment-led, bite-led, or mixed. Once you know that, it’s much easier to understand eligibility and likely costs.

Relapse (teeth moving after braces) is common. NHS funding for repeat treatment is not guaranteed and depends on the specific situation. A photo assessment can help you understand the likely route and what refinements might involve.

If you’re aiming for NHS treatment, your dentist is usually the starting point for a referral. If you mainly want clarity on what’s going on and what options fit, a photo assessment can be done first.