Eligibility

NHS Orhodontic treatment is only available to patients who are younger than 18.

An initial assessment will determine whether there is a demonstrable treatment need as indicated by the IOTN (Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need). The IOTN is a way to select those children who are more likely to benefit from treatment and it provides a way to prioritise limited NHS resources.

Dental problems that generally indicate treatment need include:

•  Front teeth that protrude by more than 6mm.
•  Crowded teeth that are more than 4mm out of line.
•  Abnormal bites causing trauma or significant parafunction. 
•  An open bite that is greater than 4mm.
•  Impacted teeth (other than wisdom teeth).
•  Missing teeth (where space closure or pre-restorative Orthodontic treatment is indicated).
•  Extra (supernumerary) teeth.