Orthodontics on the NHS

Orthodontic treatment is only available at no cost on the NHS for young people under 18 years old who have a clear clinical need for treatment.

NHS orthodontic care is not usually available for adults but may be approved on a case-by-case basis if it is needed for health reasons.

Treatment may also be made available if the appearance of a person's teeth, jaw or face are of a concern.

A rating system, known as the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN), is used to assess your eligibility for NHS treatment.

Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need

• Grade 1: Almost perfect teeth.
• Grade 2: Minor teeth irregularities, such as slight asymmetry or mildly protruding teeth.
• Grade 3: Greater teeth irregularities that do not usually need treatment for health reasons, such as a deep bite that doesn't affect the use of your jaw.
• Grade 4: Severe teeth irregularities that need treatment for health reasons, such as having more or less than the normal number of teeth.
• Grade 5: Severe dental health problems, such as the disruption of normal skull and/or jaw development, or a large number of missing teeth.