Does dental insurance cover braces in the UK?

NHS braces are free for eligible under-18s in England whose teeth meet the clinical need threshold (IOTN Dental Health Component grade 4 or 5, with grade 3 cases borderline), but waits can run to four years or more in some areas. Private braces are open to any age and any level of need, usually with appointments within weeks, and typically cost £1,500 to £8,000 or more depending on the appliance.

NHS orthodontic treatment is mainly for under-18s who meet clinical eligibility thresholds. Adults usually need private treatment unless there is a hospital-based clinical need. Adults whose bite problem is severe, such as one needing combined orthodontic and jaw surgery, may be seen in a hospital orthodontic department on an NHS referral from their dentist or specialist. For most adults who want straighter teeth, private treatment is the realistic route and is paid for as a fee for the course.