Braces & Faces Orthodontics
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NHS Orthodontics

Patients under the age of 18 are entitled to receive a free NHS assessment to assess eligibility for treatment. This eligibility is established using an Index of Orthodontic Treatment Needs (IOTN).

NHS Orthodontics

IOTN Score

NHS funding can be given to patients for whom treatment will make a significant improvement to their dental health and not just in the appearance of their teeth.

As such, eligibility depends on the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Needs (IOTN). This index gives higher priority to patients needing treatment to improve their dental health.

Dental health indicators may include:

  • missing or impacted teeth
  • significant crowding of teeth
  • increased prominence of teeth
  • abnormal bite causing trauma and/or functional issues

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

IOTN Score

NHS-funded treatment

For patients that do qualify for NHS treatment, they will be placed on a waiting list before treatment can start. Despite our best continuing efforts at managing waiting lists, delays to the start date for NHS orthodontic treatment are inevitable and we wish to assure you that we are in constant consultation with the relevant NHS area team to try to alleviate waiting lists.

What’s next?

To find out if your child or teen could be eligible for NHS treatment, or to talk to us about our private options, please book a FREE consultation.

Book your FREE consultation

What’s next?