How Do You Qualify For NHS Braces at Loughborough Orthodontics?
If you’re looking into orthodontics as a way to straighten wonky teeth, and want to weigh up NHS braces and private care, then look no further. In today’s blog post, our expert orthodontists here in Loughborough outline what’s available in each camp, and the pros and cons of each.
What is NHS care?
First and foremost, it helps to know that the NHS (National Health Service) can help with the cost of certain orthodontic treatments, assuming you’re eligible. The NHS says:
‘’NHS orthodontic treatment is free for people under 18 with a clear health need for treatment. However, because of high demand, there can be a long waiting list.
NHS orthodontic care is not usually available for adults but it may be approved on a case-by-case basis if it’s needed for health reasons.’’ – NHS
What is private care?
Private care is available for all dental treatments. Most people associate it with cosmetic treatments, such as teeth whitening, but it also covers restorative options like dental implants, as well as your routine everyday care. Braces, however, can sometimes be considered a ‘cosmetic’ treatment more than a corrective one, which can make it hard for it to be funded by the NHS.
What are the pros & cons of each?
The main draw of each is that NHS care can save you money, while private care saves you time. For private care, dentists specialise in a range of treatments and may have more knowledge and expertise than their NHS counterparts. While private care is considered more expensive than NHS treatments, we offer generous finance plans here in Loughborough, which helps spread the cost – and some plans don’t involve deposits or interest. Finally, with private care, you’ll often have more choice as to who can carry out your care and what types of treatment are available.
Am I eligible for NHS braces?
The crux of the issue is in the blurred line between cosmetic and corrective, and age may also play a role (as outlined in the NHS quote above). Braces for issues such as bite and speech problems, TMJ and pain or headaches may entitle you to orthodontics on the NHS, while misaligned teeth that don’t cause you any problems may not.
What are the criteria for NHS braces?
In the UK, braces are usually only available on the NHS if they meet specific criteria. Other factors that are taken into account when determining if someone qualifies for NHS braces are:
- Clinical Requirement – NHS braces are typically only provided to individuals with a clear clinical need for orthodontic treatment. This means that the individual’s teeth and jaws must have significant misalignments or other dental issues that require treatment.
- Age – NHS orthodontic treatment with braces is primarily aimed at children and young people under the age of 18. However, some adults may also be eligible for NHS braces if they meet certain criteria.
- The severity of the dental problem – The severity of the dental concern is an important factor for determining eligibility for NHS braces. The more severe the dental issue, the more likely the individual is to qualify for NHS treatment.
- Waiting list – In some areas, there may be waiting lists for orthodontic treatment covered by the NHS. Individuals who are on a waiting list may need to wait for several months, or in rarer cases, even years before they receive treatment.
What’s my next step?
We recommend booking a consultation with our orthodontists, who can advise you based on your needs and your unique smile. Simply get in touch with our talented orthodontists here in Loughborough, and we’ll help you with any dental concern we can.