Am I likely to qualify for NHS braces as an adult?

kissinger

Braces are something I should have done a long time ago, but never did because of being squeamish, but now I've finally accepted they're necessary and I was wondering what my chances are of treatment on the NHS given that there is a medical need.

I've read up on it a little and I believe I'm right in saying that you're judged on something called the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (this) and that you are eligible to receive treatment as an adult if you are Grade 4 or above (see this).

I think I'm Grade 4 because due to weirdly growing wisdom teeth my front bite has a gap of more than 4mm. So, how likely would I be to get treatment for this on the NHS? I have considered going private, but the cost of treatment is prohibitive in my current job.

brook2jack

Iotn does not apply to adult treatment on the NHS and wisdom teeth do not affect the scoring of IOTN . Most health authorities will only fund child treatment iotn 4 or above.

The only adults who will get orthodontics on the NHS are those whose problems are so severe that they need surgery on their jaws and the braces are part of that treatment. Otherwise you will not get adult orthodontic treatment on the NHS.

I'm afraid that you will have to save for braces if that is what you want. Have you had a treatment plan costed up?

peachyprice

kissinger wrote: »

I've read up on it a little and I believe I'm right in saying that you're judged on something called the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (this) and that you are eligible to receive treatment as an adult if you are Grade 4 or above (see this).

You missed the opening line

The IOTN is used to assess the need and eligibility of children under 18 years of age for NHS orthodontic treatment on dental health grounds.


This is the FAQ for adult orthodontistry

http://www.bos.org.uk/Public-Patients/Orthodontics-For-Adults/FAQ/Can-I-Have-Treatment-Within-The-NHS-as-an-Adult

welshdent

With around 15 years of dental experience I still find it hard to gauge iotn! Not sure it's that easy to do based on an internet search!

kissinger

welshdent wrote: »

With around 15 years of dental experience I still find it hard to gauge iotn! Not sure it's that easy to do based on an internet search!

I mean, I could well be misapplying the IOTN, but I'm fairly certain the gap at the front of my teeth is in excess of 4mm. It's pretty bad unfortunately.

Do you happen to know if the IOTN also applies to adult patients, or is it purely for children?

FBaby

As explained, it only applies to children, you have no chance to get NHS funding as an adult on this basis.

The best you can hope is a payment plan to pay for private treatment. Many orthodontists will offer a free initial appointment.

teddysmum

I should have had an upper jaw brace as a child, but was fobbed off by the dentist I saw at the time. (He wrongly said I'd have to wait until I was 18,retired and the next dentist I saw said it was too late; I now realise he was referring to cost).


I mentioned to my present dentist that I wish I'd had it done and she replied that the only way was to go private,but that's not worth doing at my age.

Taggo

Quite surprised at people saying adults don't qualify for braces on the nhs as I've just been told today I do.

My teeth have always been squint and I don't know the technical terms to explain, but part of its a cross bite.

Anyway after years of neglect I ended up with toothache and went to a new dentist who was great so I decided to get my dental health in order. Once this was done with regards to fillings I asked about a brace. He referred me to the practice orthodontist. They then assessed me and said they'd refer me to the orthadontist they had been training under.

Long story short I got all my impressions etc today and he confirmed I meet the criteria for nhs.

I would have paid for private treatment anyway but the orthadontist recommends standard metal braces for my bottom teeth regardless of if I go clear on top because he thinks the positron of the teeth will break the brackets on bottom. So I've decided to go NHS. Was reassuring to see he wasn't trying to force the More expensive option on me.

Not looking forward to two years with train tracks but I guess I'm more fortunate than some and shouldn't complain.

I guess I'm saying if you don't ask you don't get.

I'm in Scotland, maybe it's different up here.

brook2jack

In Scotland it is still possible to occasionally get funding in some areas for adult orthodontics , although it is much more difficult and less than 5% of orthodontic patients are over 18 and most of those are people with severe problems.

It is not possible at all in England , Wales and Ni unless the problem is so severe surgery needs to be carried out as well.

FBaby

There is also the issue of a fine line assessing the criteria and some orthodontists agree funding when if investigated by the Authority would be challenged on. Even when it comes to children.

I took my daughter when her teeth looked awful with what seemed a huge gap between front tooth going forward and was really surprised when the orthodontist said that she didn't meet the criteria. I was prepared to pay private so 6 months later, made a private appointment with the same practice, but during that time, they had been taken by another one. She had a much more thorough assessment and couldn't believe it when the orthodontist (a different one) said that she definitely met the NHS criteria.

So maybe you are just lucky.

TE1979

Most private practices offer a finance option with 0% interest. Waiting lists for NHS treatment could be years. If you want your teeth straightened sooner rather than later. Opt for private dental work.