--- title: "NHS Braces Cost UK | Are Braces Free on the NHS?" url: https://virtualconsultant.online/costs/nhs-braces-cost description: "NHS braces are free for eligible under-18s who meet IOTN criteria; adults rarely qualify and pay £1,500–£8,000 privately instead." updated: 2026-09-06T00:00:00Z publisher: Virtual Consultant Online --- NHS Braces Cost Guide Eligibility # NHS Braces Cost UK NHS orthodontic treatment is free or low-cost for eligible patients under 18. Adults are generally not entitled to NHS braces. This guide explains who qualifies, what the treatment costs, and what your options are if you do not qualify. [Check NHS Eligibility](https://virtualconsultant.online/about/do-i-qualify-for-nhs-treatment) [View Private Brace Costs](https://virtualconsultant.online/costs/braces-cost) ## How Much Do NHS Braces Cost? NHS orthodontic treatment falls under Band 3 dental charges. For patients who do qualify, a single Band 3 charge covers the full course of treatment from start to finish — including all appointments, adjustments, and retainers. Children and young people under 18 who meet the eligibility criteria receive NHS braces at no charge (free at the point of use). The Band 3 charge applies to adults in some specific circumstances where NHS treatment is available. Check the NHS website or ask your dentist for the current Band 3 charge as it is updated annually. Under 18, Eligible Free Adults Generally Not Available Private Alternative £1,500–£8,000 ## Who Is Eligible for NHS Braces? Eligibility for NHS orthodontic treatment is assessed using the [Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN)](https://virtualconsultant.online/about/iotn-score-checker). This scoring system grades the severity of orthodontic problems from 1 to 5, considering both dental health and aesthetic impact. IOTN Grade 4–5: Eligible Severe dental health or aesthetic need. NHS treatment is indicated. Examples include very crowded teeth, significant overbite, underbite, or crossbite. IOTN Grade 3.6+: Borderline Moderate need. The aesthetic component score (AC) of 6 or above may also be considered. Whether NHS treatment is offered can depend on local NHS resources. IOTN Grade 1–3.5: Not Eligible Little or no dental health need. NHS treatment is not routinely available. Private treatment is the option if you wish to proceed. Adults (18+): Generally Not Eligible NHS orthodontic treatment is primarily for children and young people. Adults requiring orthodontics for dental health reasons may in rare circumstances be referred, but this is not routine. ## How to Get NHS Braces ### Step 1: See Your NHS Dentist Your regular NHS dentist can assess whether your teeth or bite may meet the IOTN threshold for referral. They will check your teeth and, if appropriate, complete an orthodontic referral to an NHS orthodontist. --- #### Step 2: Orthodontic Assessment An NHS orthodontist will carry out a full assessment, take X-rays if needed, and confirm whether you or your child qualifies. They will explain the treatment plan and expected duration. --- ##### Step 3: Waiting List NHS orthodontic treatment often involves a waiting list. In many areas, waits of four years or more are common, particularly for children who are not yet at the ideal treatment age. [Read our guide on NHS waiting lists.](https://virtualconsultant.online/guides/nhs-orthodontic-waiting-list) ## What If You Don't Qualify or Face a Long Wait? If you do not meet the NHS eligibility criteria, or if the waiting list is too long, private orthodontic treatment is the alternative. Private treatment offers more choice of brace type and is usually available much sooner. [Private Braces Cost UK Typical private brace prices by type — metal, ceramic, lingual, and clear aligners.](https://virtualconsultant.online/costs/braces-cost) [Payment Plans Spreading the cost of private orthodontic treatment through monthly payments.](https://virtualconsultant.online/costs/patient/pricing-plans) [Get an Online Quote Upload photos of your teeth for a clinician-reviewed estimate of private treatment costs.](https://virtualconsultant.online/evaluations/quote) [NHS Waiting Lists What to expect and your options while waiting for NHS orthodontic treatment.](https://virtualconsultant.online/guides/nhs-orthodontic-waiting-list) ### Frequently Asked Questions Are NHS braces completely free? NHS orthodontic treatment is free at the point of use for eligible patients under 18 who meet the clinical need threshold, with no charge at all for that group. Eligibility means an IOTN dental health component of 4 or 5, or component 3 with an aesthetic component of 6 or above. In the uncommon cases where NHS orthodontic treatment is provided to an adult, it falls under the Band 3 dental charge — £332.10 from 1 April 2026 — and that single charge covers the entire course of treatment, including all appointments, adjustments and one set of retainers at the end. What IOTN score do you need for NHS braces? Generally, an IOTN dental health component score of 4 or 5 qualifies for NHS treatment. A score of 3.6 or above with an aesthetic component score of 6 or higher may also qualify. Local NHS resources can affect borderline decisions. Can adults get NHS braces in the UK? Adults are not routinely eligible for NHS orthodontic treatment. In rare cases where there is a significant dental health need and NHS resources allow, an adult referral may be considered — but this is uncommon. Private treatment is the usual route for adults. How long is the NHS braces waiting list? NHS orthodontic waiting times vary considerably by area, and there is no single national figure. In some regions patients wait around six months from referral; in many, waits of four years or more are reported. The difference is driven by local commissioning and how many NHS orthodontic contracts operate nearby, not by the severity of the individual case. Checking with your local NHS trust, your dentist, or the orthodontic provider holding the referral gives the most accurate estimate. It is worth using the waiting period to complete any outstanding dental treatment and establish good brushing, since fixed braces are generally not fitted until oral hygiene is sound. What type of braces do you get on the NHS? NHS orthodontic treatment typically uses standard fixed metal braces — brackets bonded to each tooth and connected by a wire — because they work across the widest range of cases. Cosmetic alternatives are not available on the NHS: ceramic or tooth-coloured braces, clear aligners such as Invisalign, and lingual braces fitted behind the teeth are private-only options. Removable and functional appliances may also be used on the NHS where clinically indicated, most often in younger children during a growth phase. If the appearance of the appliance matters to you, private treatment is the only route to that choice. Do retainers cost extra after NHS braces? One set of retainers is usually included at the end of NHS treatment as part of the Band 3 charge. If a retainer is lost, broken, or needs replacing later, replacement retainers are generally not covered by the NHS and would need to be arranged and paid for privately. ## Related Pages [How to Get NHS Braces Step-by-step guide to the NHS referral process and what to expect.](https://virtualconsultant.online/guides/how-to-get-nhs-braces) [Braces Cost UK Compare private brace costs by type in the UK.](https://virtualconsultant.online/costs/braces-cost) [IOTN Score Checker Estimate your IOTN score and NHS eligibility online.](https://virtualconsultant.online/about/iotn-score-checker) [NHS Waiting Lists Options while waiting for NHS orthodontic treatment.](https://virtualconsultant.online/guides/nhs-orthodontic-waiting-list) [Braces for Teenagers Age, options and what to expect for teenage braces.](https://virtualconsultant.online/guides/braces-for-teenagers) Explore your options Quick links Not sure where to start? Use these quick links to explore orthodontic treatments, typical costs, and helpful guides that explain what different options involve. Whether you're researching braces or clear aligners, comparing pricing, or just getting a feel for what comes next, you can browse at your own pace and come back when you're ready to request a quote. Explore [Get Quote](https://virtualconsultant.online/evaluations/quote) [Costs](https://virtualconsultant.online/costs) [Browse Treatments](https://virtualconsultant.online/treatments) [Teeth Straightening](https://virtualconsultant.online/treatments/teeth-straightening) [Browse Problems](https://virtualconsultant.online/problems) [Locations](https://virtualconsultant.online/locations) [Near Me](https://virtualconsultant.online/locations/orthodontic-treatment-near-me) [NHS Eligibility Checker](https://virtualconsultant.online/about/do-i-qualify-for-nhs-treatment) [IOTN Score Checker](https://virtualconsultant.online/about/iotn-score-checker) [How To Take Orthodontic Photos](https://virtualconsultant.online/about/process/how-to-take-orthodontic-photos) [Online Orthodontist](https://virtualconsultant.online/guides/online-orthodontist-uk) [Research Papers](https://virtualconsultant.online/research) [Social Channels](https://virtualconsultant.online/social) ## Not Eligible for NHS? Explore Private Options Upload photos of your teeth and receive a clinician-reviewed assessment with likely private treatment options and indicative costs. [Get a Private Quote](https://virtualconsultant.online/evaluations/quote) [Check NHS Eligibility](https://virtualconsultant.online/about/do-i-qualify-for-nhs-treatment) Citation details Title NHS Braces Cost UK | Are Braces Free on the NHS? Publisher Virtual Consultant Online Published 2024-06-01 Updated 2026-09-06 URL [https://staging.virtualconsultant.online/costs/nhs-braces-cost](https://staging.virtualconsultant.online/costs/nhs-braces-cost)