braces for adults

eliza25

hi there
I just wondered if someone could please provide me with some information regarding braces for adults.
I'm 29 and I wore braces when I was teenager but stupidly didn't wear my retainers. I really regret that as I don't like my smile now. I wish I wore my retainers.
Are braces on the NHS only free for under 18's?
Would it cost 1,000's as an adult, I really want braces again to correct my teeth but the prices are crazy!!

**professor~yaffle**

I think it depends how bad your teeth are. I wanted to get my teeth straightened but my dentist told me that even if I was under 18 I wouldn't be able to be referred on the NHS! It does cost a lot if you go private, I think about £2k

eliza25

hi
just curious to hear of anyone whose had braces twice?
or generally experiences of adults who've had braces. has anyone been eligible for treatment on the nhs?!
I've read on the internet how much braces can cost and I can't believe how expensive it is! I wish I appreciated it more when I was a teenager! I need a good money saving deal haha

lemonslice

Hi I am 31 & just away to start my clear braces Invisalign treatment,
its costing £2250 & i am paying it up, i.e oaid £1000 upfront & paying the rest monthly,

Get my first set on Thursday, its taken a good few months to even get to this stage as i was refered by my NHS dentist to a orthodontist clinic but i am paying for the treatment myself,

I had a set of removeable braces, and also the 'train track' fixed metal ones as a kid/teenager,
but my teeth moved back as they were removed too soon.

the metal fixed ones are about half the price i am paying, but for cosmetic reasons i decided against those,
you should get an appointment to discuss your options/cost

kacie

I got braces as an adult on the nhs for free, also had to have surgery as part of the treatment, I guess it might depend on how bad your teeth are.

eliza25

that's interesting to hear someone had braces for free as an adult on the nhs, yeah I guess it depends on how bad your teeth are. My top and bottom teeth are both not straight. But I don't have a good feeling i'll be eligible for nhs treatment after already receiving treatment as a teenager, i'm worried the nhs doesn't let people have braces twice?!
Its crazy how expensive orthodontic treatment is, I can't afford it

brook2jack

The only adults who would get free braces are those who have very severe problems that require jaw surgery and braces as well to correct their severe problems and have to be treated in hospital. Otherwise it's private only.

The nhs contracts will not allow orthodontist in nhs practice to treat over 18s and brace work for under 18s is now severely rationed according to need..

If you think the average brace treatment takes 18 months to two years then the cost over this time is more understandable.

baby_frogmella

brook2jack wrote: »

The nhs contracts will not allow orthodontist in nhs practice to treat over 18s and brace work for under 18s is now severely rationed according to need..

Not that I'm complaining, but is my NHS orthodontist breaking the rules as I'm getting free treatment on the NHS? In June 2012 my private Ortho started my treatment (braces only) however she retired in June this year and asked the Ortho consultant in the local hospital to continue the treatment which he agreed to do. Or perhaps the private practice is paying the NHS? I paid my previous Ortho £1500 out of £4500 (was paying in installments)

Toothsmith

Hospital consultants do work to different rules and funding - but it does sound like rules are being bent here!

If the orthodontist is retiring, it suggests he has been around a long time and will have lots of friends on the 'old boys network' and it might just be that it's some sort of favour for a valued colleague that's being done.

I wouldn't ask too many questions or shout about this too much. Just have the treatment and keep shtum!

brook2jack

The british orthodontic society has good information on braces and who is eligible and the iotn system (index of orthodontic treatment needs) .http://www.bos.org.uk/public-patients-home/orthodontics-for-adults/adult-faq/can-i-have-treatment-within-the-nhs-as-an-adult

From the sounds of it you do not meet criteria for hospital treatment and are very fortunate to have your treatment finished off for you in this way. Perhaps it has been done because of extenuating circumstances ie a colleague has had to retire early because of ill health and therefore cannot finish off treatment.

baby_frogmella

Thanks chaps, from now on will keep quiet. Hope some jobsworth from NHS Highland isn't trawling these forums...:eek: