Children
NHS or Private Treatment for Children?
Due to Government reforms in NHS Dentistry, the provision of Orthodontic Treatment for children has been limited to those who have particularly crooked teeth. Therefore some children will not be eligible for NHS treatment.
NHS treatment can only be provided to those children who are assessed by an orthodontist to have an IOTN (Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need) of 3.6 or above. The worst feature of the malocclusion has to be measured and categorised. An IOTN lower than 3.6 indicates a problem which is essentially cosmetic and there is no major health benefit in treating it.
If you are unhappy to wait for NHS treatment or your childs problem does not fall into a category suitable for NHS treatment, you could consider a private option for your child.
There are many advantages to having private treatment.
- No waiting lists dealying treatment into late teenage
- Early treatment of specific problems which can have a huge effect on self-esteem and confidence
- Convenient appointments: after school, evenings and Saturdays
- Transparent & Tooth coloured braces which are less visible
- Superior self-ligating braces which move teeth quicker & reduce treatment time.
- Reduced children’s fees & interest free payment plans can make treatment more affordable (approx £100.00 per month). Please call us to discuss these options.
Sadly these cutbacks in NHS funding for dental treatment will affect more children in the future and private treatment will become a necessary option for those wanting to have the best care for their childrens’ teeth. Where possible we are happy to accept children on the NHS. We are have been refused more NHS funding as the PCT’s are suffering from the recent austerity cuts in the public sector.