Can My Child Get Braces On The NHS?
Children under the age of 18 are entitled to free dental treatment under the NHS, which includes regular check-ups, advice on caring for teeth, fluoride varnish to help prevent decay and repairs such as fillings.
Some children also qualify for NHS orthodontic treatment such as fixed braces, but your dentist would first need to assess your child’s eligibility. If your child has minor irregularities, then they wouldn’t be able to access free orthodontic treatment – it’s only the severe cases that get seen, and even then there’s usually a very long waiting list, typically a year or longer.
That’s a big blow to most people, especially if you’ve been patiently waiting for your child’s baby teeth to fall out and for the dental assessment. So what next?
If you’re worried about your child’s teeth, but your dentist doesn't think it’s severe enough, then don’t panic – there are plenty of other options. Come and talk to us – our team are always on hand, and we love talking about teeth! Here are some of the things we can offer:
Free consultation
Come and see us for a free consultation. This includes an examination and x-rays if needed, with no pressure or obligation to take up treatment with Pure Orthodontics. However, if you decide to start your orthodontic journey with us, you can even start treatment the same day, we have no waiting list.
Choice of braces
You can choose between modern fixed braces (we use ones with special interactive brackets) or a clear, removable aligner. With braces, we also offer clear fixed braces, which is much less noticeable than the traditional fixed metal braces.
Regular check-ups
With our Dental Monitoring app, your progress will be tracked and your appliance will be adjusted when instructed. These appointments only take about 30 minutes, and they’re flexible enough to fit around your busy lifestyle. Visit after work or school, in the evening or even Saturday morning!
Finance package
There’s lots of ways to spread the cost if you're worried about payment. We offer flexible payment options to suit most pockets. You can even spread the cost on your credit card, your treatment coordinator will explain all the options to you.
If you think your child or teen needs teeth straightening or correction, then getting them seen by a specialist orthodontist sooner rather than later is definitely preferable. It’s far easier to correct misalignment in younger children, although there’s plenty we can still do with adult teeth – it may just take a little longer.