NHS Orthodontic Treatment Advice...

jadeyandcoke

I'm an 18-year old that has been deemed to 'clinically need' orthodontic treatment (i have a bad dental phobia, hence why it's taken this long to start thinking about braces), however, my dentist has decided to refer me to a private orthodontist as he says I'm too old to receive NHS treatment. I'm a student and in full-time education, and I'm still going to be in full time education for the next four years. What are my options? Can i refer myself to another orthodontist? What options do i have financially for funding private treatment?

Thanks in advance.

alison999

i think for nhs ortho work you have to be UNDER 18 (or 16), as for as a know there is a SEVERE lack of funding when it comes to orthodontics, many waiting lists are 12-18 months long. financially, if its private, its private and the funding is up to you.

Toothsmith

There are very few purely private orthodontists. The one you've been sent to will almost certainly have an NHS contract, so although you've been sent privately, it might be worth asking if you would qualify for NHS treatment.

There are a few instances where NHS orthodontics is available for over 18s. There was a good thread on it here a few months ago.

As for paying, most orthodontists won't want the full fee up front. Most will welcome part payments as you go along, which eases the cost a bit.

jadeyandcoke

thanks for the quick replies. i'll certainly speak to the orthodontist about what options i have. also, i've read in other places that i might be able to get treatment on the NHS, but for the regular dental treatment fee (£199.20, i think), is there any foundation to this?

Toothsmith

If you qualify for NHS orthodontics, I think that will be the fee, unless you have an exemption in which case you will not have to pay, or if you have a means tested HC1 form, you may have to pay less.

I would see the orthodontist before you get too excited though!

dora37

I am interested in this topic too.

My DS2 (14) is going to need Orthodontic work, however as he is behind in his physical development (about 18mths - 2 yrs), he will not be refered until the majority of his teeth are adult ones, which could be a while yet!

As this could be a while off yet, if his treatment went beyond 18 - does that mean it would become chargeable?

Our dentist is private if that has any relevance.

jadeyandcoke

Toothsmith wrote: »

If you qualify for NHS orthodontics, I think that will be the fee, unless you have an exemption in which case you will not have to pay, or if you have a means tested HC1 form, you may have to pay less.

I would see the orthodontist before you get too excited though!

haha, i wish i could get excited, but from what i've been reading, i'm also preparing to foot a £2000 bill. what a sad state of affairs.

affordmylife

you re lucky our waiting list is 48 months long!!!!

most children now by the time they are seen are almost or over 18 and then its private.

the way to go here is a private consultation to bypass the NHS waiting list and then have NHS treatment cos you are under 18.

as far as i am aware if you are over 18 most orthodontist will only see you privately and will only offer private treatment but i guess if you are deemed severe enough they will refer you to the local hospitals dental department who might take up your case (if it is severe enough) which of course then would be free of charge.

as previously said most orthodontists will take consultation fee followed by regular (say quarterly payments) for the remainder of the treatment fee.

Princess_Jane

I was on an NHS waiting list for three years to get my train tracks on, but wasn't too bothered as it was just me being vain about snaggly lower teeth.

I have had them on three/four months now and will have to pay about £190.

I'm 29 and work full time.

I was offered the option of going private but was told it would cost about £2k!

eeek!

jadeyandcoke

Princess_Jane wrote: »

I was on an NHS waiting list for three years to get my train tracks on, but wasn't too bothered as it was just me being vain about snaggly lower teeth.

I have had them on three/four months now and will have to pay about £190.

I'm 29 and work full time.

I was offered the option of going private but was told it would cost about £2k!

eeek!

so you had the option of going NHS or private? was the NHS treatment something you actively asked for, or was it offered to you?

Princess_Jane

jadeyandcoke wrote: »

so you had the option of going NHS or private? was the NHS treatment something you actively asked for, or was it offered to you?

I told my dentist I wanted a brace and they put me on the waiting list.

I wasn't offered private treatment but I did my own research.