The NHS currently funds (at no cost to the patient) orthodontic treatment for patients under the age of 18 who meet certain NHS criteria, known as the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN). This system ensures that funding is fairly directed towards the most severe cases and those children who will benefit from treatment the most.

While NHS orthodontic assessments are available to all patients aged 18 and under, treatment is not offered if the orthodontic problem is considered too mild according to the IOTN score. NHS treatment is also unavailable to patients who have already undertaken a previous course of NHS orthodontic treatment. There are some restrictions on NHS treatment options; for example, the NHS will only cover traditional treatments such as fixed metal braces. Clear aligner treatments, such as Invisalign®, are not included within NHS funding.

We understand that waiting for your new smile can be an anxious time, particularly for children. NHS waiting times typically range from 12 to 24 months. However, NHS treatment is not the only option. If you’re keen to get started sooner, we can discuss our self-funded treatment options, for which treatment can usually begin immediately.

An in-house referral from one of our dentists is required to be added to our NHS orthodontic waiting list for an orthodontic assessment. Please note that being added to the orthodontic waiting list does not guarantee that braces will be provided. A thorough assessment will be carried out to determine whether the patient qualifies for NHS orthodontic treatment.

For everything you need to know about orthodontics and the NHS, including IOTN, please click here to visit the British Orthodontic Society website.