Can
I have orthodontic treatment on the NHS?
Historically in the UK, any child under the age of eighteen
was entitled to free orthodontic treatment on the NHS. In April
2006 this all changed as the government introduced a system
for restricting brace treatment to those patients that needed
it most. In other words, patients who have moderate to severe
malocclusions are still entitled to free NHS treatment, but
those with milder problems are unlikely to qualify any more.
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Examples of bite problems which will qualify for treatment
under the NHS include: |
Protruding
upper front teeth
|
Significantly
crowded teeth
|
A
reverse bite
when your upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth |
Buried or impacted teeth 
In some patients, secondary teeth come through
in the wrong position or do not erupt at all.
Orthodontic treatment can help bring these teeth
into the correct position. |
Missing
teeth
Here is an x-ray of a different patient with multiple
missing teeth. |
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If
your teeth bite together normally and are only mildly irregular,
or if you only have small spaces between your teeth, there is
no need for orthodontic treatment to secure dental health and
we are no longer allowed to provide it on the NHS. In these
circumstances the main benefit is cosmetic improvement and we
are happy to provide this treatment under private contract if
you request it.
Whilst you can be sure that clinical standards will be high
for all patients, irrespective of whether they are NHS or private,
there are some important differences. In the Exeter Orthodontic
Practice we offer two private treatment options to suit your
budget and requirements:
Smile
Plan 1
This is for patients who want the very latest in orthodontic
technology, including invisible braces and white brackets for
improved aesthetics. With this plan you also have longer appointments
with you orthodontist and greater flexibility and choice over
appointment times.
Smile
Plan 2
This is designed to be an affordable alternative for patients
who would like NHS orthodontic treatment, but do not qualify
under the new contract arrangements.
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