# What is the NHS orthodontic waiting list like?

Publisher: Virtual Consultant Online
Published: 2026-05-24
Updated: 2026-05-24
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Waiting times vary by area, referral pathway and provider capacity. Eligibility is usually assessed before treatment starts, and not every child referred will qualify for NHS braces. It is normal for a child to be assessed first and then wait for treatment to start, because the best time is often when most adult teeth have come through, usually between about 11 and 14. Ask your dentist or the NHS service you were referred to for the current wait in your area.

This answer is informational and does not replace a full clinical examination by a dentist or orthodontist.