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 malocclusion which is essentially cosmetic anfd there is no major health benefit in treating it.
With waiting lists increasing and inadequate funding of NHS treatment, you could consider a private option for your child.
There are many advantages to having private treatment.
- No waiting lists
- Convenient appointments: after school, evenings and Saturdays
- Transparent & Tooth coloured braces which are less visible
- Superior braces which move teeth quicker & reduce treatment time. Payment options can make treatment very affordable for many.
- Most treatments can be paid for in instalments at the rate of £100.00 per month over 18 months or so. 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 looking to increase our NHS commitment however the local PCT’s have not been able to offer more funding to support us.