--- title: "Children's Orthodontics UK 2026 | Braces, NHS, Age & Cost" url: https://virtualconsultant.online/guides/childrens-orthodontics-uk description: "Children are usually assessed for braces from around age 10, and NHS treatment is free for under-18s with IOTN 3.6 or above. Ages, brace types and costs." updated: 2026-09-18T00:00:00Z publisher: Virtual Consultant Online --- # Children's Orthodontics UK: Parent Guide Everything UK parents need to know about children's orthodontic treatment — when to start, how NHS referrals work, what different brace types are available for children, and what to expect throughout the process. [Check NHS Eligibility](https://virtualconsultant.online/about/do-i-qualify-for-nhs-treatment) [Understand IOTN Scores](https://virtualconsultant.online/guides/iotn-score-explained-uk) Key topics When to start NHS pathway Types of children's braces Private treatment ## When should children see an orthodontist? The British Orthodontic Society recommends that children have an orthodontic assessment at around age 10, when most adult teeth have come through or are coming through. However, some issues — such as crossbites, significant jaw discrepancies, or problems with baby teeth — may warrant earlier assessment. Most active orthodontic treatment for children in the UK begins between the ages of 11 and 14, when enough permanent teeth are present. Treatment started too early (while too many baby teeth remain) may need to be repeated. | Age range | Typical stage | What may be appropriate | | --- | --- | --- | | **7–9** | Mixed dentition — baby + adult teeth | Functional appliances for jaw growth issues; early crossbite correction | | **10–12** | Late mixed / early permanent dentition | Orthodontic assessment; removable appliances; some early fixed brace starts | | **12–14** | Most permanent teeth present | Standard timing for fixed brace treatment to begin | | **14–17** | Full permanent dentition | Fixed or aligner treatment; all treatment options available | | **18+** | Adult | Adult orthodontics — typically private; NHS rarely available | ## How does NHS orthodontic treatment for children work? NHS orthodontic treatment in England is available to children under 18 who meet the clinical need threshold. Eligibility is determined using the [Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN)](https://virtualconsultant.online/guides/iotn-score-explained-uk) — a scoring system assessed by a clinician. **IOTN DHC grades 4 and 5** — routinely eligible for NHS treatment **IOTN DHC grade 3.6+** — eligible; some grade 3 cases are borderline **IOTN DHC grades 1 and 2** — not eligible for NHS treatment (cosmetic cases only) The typical NHS pathway is: dentist assesses teeth → dentist makes a referral to an orthodontic practice → orthodontist places child on waiting list → active treatment begins. Waiting times vary significantly by region — some areas have waits of around six months, while in many the wait is four years or more. NHS orthodontic treatment for children is provided within the Band 3 dental charge structure (£332.10 in 2026), though all children under 18 are exempt from dental charges, so NHS treatment is free for every eligible child. ## Types of braces for children in the UK ### Fixed metal braces The standard NHS appliance for children. Metal brackets bonded to the teeth connected by an archwire. Handles the full range of clinical complexity. Most children on NHS treatment will receive metal fixed braces. They require good oral hygiene compliance and some dietary care. NHS available Typically age 11+ --- ### Removable functional appliances Used primarily in growing children (typically age 10–14) to harness jaw growth and correct skeletal discrepancies such as prominent upper front teeth (overjet) or underbites. Common examples include the Twin Block, Herbst, and Clark Twin Block. Often used as a first phase before fixed braces. NHS-funded when clinically indicated. NHS available Typically age 10–14 --- ### Removable retainer-type appliances Simple plastic plates with a wire clasp used for minor tooth movements or space maintenance. Less common now than in previous decades — fixed braces are more effective for most cases. May still be used for very specific early interventions. NHS available Varies --- ### Ceramic braces Tooth-coloured brackets on the front of the teeth. Functionally equivalent to metal fixed braces but less noticeable. Not routinely available on the NHS — typically a private option for children/teenagers where parents want a more discreet appliance. Private only Age 11+ --- ### Clear aligners (e.g. Invisalign Teen, Invisalign First) Custom-made removable plastic trays. Invisalign offers 'First' (for mixed dentition, younger children) and 'Teen' (designed with compliance indicators and extra replacement trays). Effective for suitable cases but require strict 20–22 hour/day wear and are not suitable for all case types. Private only — not NHS funded. Private only Invisalign First: age 6+; Invisalign Teen: age 12+ --- ## What does children's orthodontic treatment involve? A typical NHS fixed brace course for a child involves: **Assessment and records** — photographs, X-rays (OPG and/or lateral cephalogram), impressions or digital scans, clinical examination, and IOTN scoring **Treatment planning** — orthodontist agrees a treatment plan; extractions may be recommended for crowding cases **Brace fitting** — brackets bonded to teeth, archwire engaged; child given oral hygiene instruction and dietary advice **Regular adjustments** — typically every 6–8 weeks for fixed braces; orthodontist changes wires and monitors progress **Debond (brace removal)** — brackets removed, teeth polished; retainers fitted at the same appointment **Retention** — retainers worn as prescribed to hold the result Total active treatment duration is typically 12–24 months for most children's cases, though complex cases can take longer. ## Private orthodontic treatment for children Parents may choose private treatment for children for several reasons: the child does not meet the IOTN threshold for NHS treatment, the NHS waiting list is too long, or the parents want access to more discreet options such as clear aligners or ceramic braces. | Treatment type | Approx. private cost (child) | | --- | --- | | Metal fixed braces | £1,500–£3,500 | | Ceramic fixed braces | £2,000–£4,500 | | Clear aligners (e.g. Invisalign Teen) | £2,000–£4,500 | | Functional / removable appliance | £800–£2,000 | Private orthodontic treatment for children follows the same clinical process as NHS treatment. The main differences are the absence of a waiting list and access to a wider range of appliance types. ## What can parents do to prepare? Ensure your child has regular dental check-ups — the dentist will flag if a referral is needed Establish good oral hygiene habits before braces — orthodontists prefer to treat healthy gums Discuss concerns with the dentist early — some bite issues are easier to address during growth than after If the NHS waiting list is long in your area, consider whether private treatment timing suits your child's stage of dental development ### Parent FAQs What age do children get braces in the UK? Most children in the UK begin orthodontic treatment between the ages of 11 and 14, when enough permanent teeth are present. The British Orthodontic Society recommends an orthodontic assessment around age 10. Some jaw-related issues may be addressed earlier (age 7–10) with functional appliances. Treatment started before enough permanent teeth have erupted may need to be extended or repeated. How do I get my child referred for NHS braces? Ask your child's regular dentist at their routine check-up. The dentist will assess whether your child may benefit from orthodontic treatment and, if appropriate, make a referral to an NHS orthodontic practice. The orthodontist will then assess IOTN eligibility. If your child qualifies, they will be placed on the waiting list. You can also ask the dentist to reassess if you have concerns about tooth alignment. How long is the NHS orthodontic waiting list for children? Waiting times vary significantly by region. In some areas, children wait 6–12 months from referral to treatment starting. In high-demand areas, waits of four years or more are reported, and the longest documented wait exceeds six years. NHS England publishes waiting time data periodically. If the wait is too long, private treatment can start sooner and does not affect your child's NHS entitlement. Are braces free for children on the NHS? Yes. All children under 18 are exempt from NHS dental charges in England. This means NHS orthodontic treatment — including braces, X-rays, and retainers as part of the course — is typically provided at no cost to the family. The Band 3 charge (£332.10 in 2026) would apply to adults, but under-18s pay nothing. What if my child doesn't qualify for NHS braces? If your child's IOTN score does not meet the threshold for NHS treatment (typically below DHC grade 3.6), NHS orthodontic treatment will not be funded. Options then include: accepting the outcome (mild cases may not need treatment); pursuing private orthodontic treatment; re-assessment at a later date if teeth continue to develop. Private treatment for children is widely available and follows the same clinical process as NHS treatment — you are simply paying for it rather than the NHS. Can children have Invisalign? Yes. Invisalign offers products designed for younger patients: 'Invisalign First' for children from around age 6 who still have a mix of baby and adult teeth, and 'Invisalign Teen' which includes compliance indicators and extra replacement trays for teenagers. However, clear aligners are not suitable for all cases — complex bite issues, significant crowding, or cases requiring precise force control may be better treated with fixed braces. Private only — not NHS funded. Do braces hurt children? Children typically experience some soreness and pressure for a few days after braces are fitted and after each adjustment appointment. This is normal and usually manageable with over-the-counter pain relief such as children's ibuprofen or paracetamol (as appropriate for age and weight). Mouth ulcers from bracket or wire irritation are common initially and can be helped with orthodontic wax. Most children adapt within a few weeks. What foods should children avoid with braces? With fixed braces, children should avoid hard foods (apples, raw carrots, hard sweets, crusty bread) that can dislodge brackets, and sticky foods (toffee, chewing gum, haribo) that can pull brackets off. Fizzy drinks and sugary foods should be minimised as the risk of decay increases with fixed braces. Softer foods — pasta, fish, rice, cooked vegetables — are fine throughout treatment. ## Check NHS eligibility Use our IOTN checker to get an indicative idea of whether your child may qualify for NHS treatment before a clinical assessment. [Open IOTN Checker](https://virtualconsultant.online/about/iotn-score-checker) [More Guides](https://virtualconsultant.online/guides) ## Related guides [IOTN Explained](https://virtualconsultant.online/guides/iotn-score-explained-uk) [How to Get NHS Braces](https://virtualconsultant.online/guides/how-to-get-nhs-braces) [Braces for Teenagers](https://virtualconsultant.online/guides/braces-for-teenagers) [Types of Braces UK](https://virtualconsultant.online/guides/types-of-braces-uk) [NHS vs Private Braces](https://virtualconsultant.online/guides/nhs-vs-private-braces) [Orthodontic Consent for Children and Minors](https://virtualconsultant.online/guides/orthodontic-consent-children-minors-uk) [Top 10 Signs a Child May Need an Assessment](https://virtualconsultant.online/guides/top-10-signs-child-may-need-orthodontic-assessment-uk) Citation details Title Children's Orthodontics UK: Complete Parent Guide 2026 — Braces, NHS, Age & Cost Publisher Virtual Consultant Online Published 2024-06-01 Updated 2026-09-18 URL [https://staging.virtualconsultant.online/guides/childrens-orthodontics-uk](https://staging.virtualconsultant.online/guides/childrens-orthodontics-uk)