Starting your orthodontic journey
Under current regulations, to qualify for NHS orthodontic treatment you must be registered as an NHS patient with your dentist. Your dentist can then refer you to our practice for an NHS consultation.
Being referred to an orthodontist does not mean that orthodontic treatment will be provided under the NHS but you will be advised if you meet the criteria for NHS treatment after first consultation with one of our specialists orthodontists.
To have any orthodontic treatment you have to maintained a good standard of oral health. This means that tooth brushing must be of a very high standard with healthy gums and no teeth needing fillings or teeth recently filled. You must have a low intake of fizzy drinks and these should ideally be stopped during treatment.
Being referred to an orthodontist does not mean that orthodontic treatment will be provided under the NHS but you will be advised if you meet the criteria for NHS treatment after first consultation with one of our specialists orthodontists.
To have any orthodontic treatment you have to maintained a good standard of oral health. This means that tooth brushing must be of a very high standard with healthy gums and no teeth needing fillings or teeth recently filled. You must have a low intake of fizzy drinks and these should ideally be stopped during treatment.
What to expect on your first visit
At your first visit your specialist orthodontist will carry out a detailed orthodontic examination. X-rays, photographs and a digital scan of your teeth may be taken. There are a number of possible outcomes following your first visit:
- You may not be ready to start treatment and if this is the case you will be kept under close review to monitor your growth and development.
Being kept under review does not necessarily mean you will qualify for NHS treatment in the future.
- In moderate to severe cases your orthodontist will need to apply for approval from the NHS. This process can take several months but as soon as the results are through one of our team will be in contact.
- If you do not meet the NHS criteria then alternative treatment options can be discussed with you on a private basis.
NHS Treatment
NHS treatment can involve the combination of both removable and fixed metal braces. Your dentist will refer you in to the Centre and we will contact you to arrange an appointment for your first orthodontic assessment. During this assessment our specialist orthodontist will carry out a full orthodontic examination and discuss if you qualify for NHS treatment, go through treatment options and the process for applying for NHS funding.
Once in treatment patients are expected to attend appointments regularly and for children that will mean some appointments during school hours.
During your orthodontic journey we will work as a team with our patients and that requires cooperation at home to look after your braces and keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy.
What does IOTN mean?
Due to NHS restrictions some patients can no longer be treated free of charge under the NHS system because their dental irregularity is not considered severe enough when compared against the IOTN (Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need) set out by the Scottish Government. For those patients who don’t qualify but still feel they would benefit from treatment we offer a self-funded option. This option allows the patient to fund their own orthodontic treatment at a much lower cost than private treatment. The patient will receive the same metal brackets as used for NHS patients. Treatment can be started almost immediately and even small dental irregularities can be treated.
Once in treatment patients are expected to attend appointments regularly and for children that will mean some appointments during school hours.
During your orthodontic journey we will work as a team with our patients and that requires cooperation at home to look after your braces and keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy.
What does IOTN mean?
Due to NHS restrictions some patients can no longer be treated free of charge under the NHS system because their dental irregularity is not considered severe enough when compared against the IOTN (Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need) set out by the Scottish Government. For those patients who don’t qualify but still feel they would benefit from treatment we offer a self-funded option. This option allows the patient to fund their own orthodontic treatment at a much lower cost than private treatment. The patient will receive the same metal brackets as used for NHS patients. Treatment can be started almost immediately and even small dental irregularities can be treated.