---
title: "NHS Orthodontic Charges by Age and Nation: What Would You Pay?"
url: https://virtualconsultant.online/tools/nhs-orthodontic-charges-by-age-and-nation
description: "Enter an age and a UK nation to see what the NHS charges for orthodontic treatment: free for eligible under-18s, free under 26 in Scotland."
updated: 2026-10-03T00:00:00Z
publisher: Virtual Consultant Online
---

# NHS Orthodontic Charges by Age and Nation

Enter an age and where you live to see what the NHS charges, or does not charge, for orthodontic treatment. For whether your own teeth would qualify, see our guide to who qualifies for NHS braces.

## Which rules apply to you?

This describes published funding rules. It is not clinical advice and does not decide whether you qualify. [How we compile this](https://virtualconsultant.online/about/methodology).

## The rules in each nation

NHS dental charges are set separately in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. In every nation, eligible young people pay nothing for NHS orthodontic treatment; what differs is the age limit and what adults pay.

| Nation | Young people | Adults |
| --- | --- | --- |
| England | NHS orthodontic treatment is free for under-18s who meet the clinical threshold. | Adults who do qualify pay the NHS Band 3 charge, £332.10 in England from April 2026, which covers the whole course. |
| Scotland | In Scotland, NHS dental treatment — including clinically necessary orthodontics — is free for everyone under 26. | Adults aged 26 and over who qualify pay 80% of the NHS fee, capped at £384 for a course of treatment. |
| Wales | NHS orthodontic treatment is free for under-18s who meet the clinical threshold. | Adults who do qualify pay NHS Wales dental charges, capped at £384 for a course of treatment. |
| Northern Ireland | NHS orthodontic treatment is free for under-18s who meet the clinical threshold. | Adults who do qualify pay 80% of the Health Service fee, capped at £384 for a course of treatment. |

### NHS orthodontic charges: questions

Can I get braces on the NHS?

NHS orthodontic treatment is mainly for young people whose teeth meet a clinical threshold, which is assessed by an orthodontist. It is free for eligible under-18s in every UK nation, and for under-26s in Scotland.

Can adults get NHS braces?

Rarely. Adults are usually treated privately unless there is a hospital-based clinical need. Where NHS treatment is offered to adults it is charged, at a rate that differs between the nations.

Who decides whether I qualify?

A clinician, using the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN). This page explains the funding rules; it cannot tell you whether you meet the threshold.

How do I get referred?

Usually through your own dentist, who screens and refers you to an NHS orthodontic service. Waiting times vary by area.

What if I do not qualify, or the wait is too long?

Private treatment is open to any age and any level of need, usually with appointments within weeks. Our cost calculator shows typical private prices and monthly payments.

## Not sure if you would qualify?

Upload guided photos and a registered clinician at a participating practice can give you a view on your case, whether it is NHS or private. Free to start.

[Start a free photo assessment](https://virtualconsultant.online/evaluations/quote) [Who qualifies for NHS braces?](https://virtualconsultant.online/about/do-i-qualify-for-nhs-treatment)

Citation details

Title NHS Orthodontic Charges by Age and Nation: What Would You Pay? | Virtual Consultant Online

Publisher Virtual Consultant Online

Published 2026-10-03

Updated 2026-10-03

URL [https://staging.virtualconsultant.online/tools/nhs-orthodontic-charges-by-age-and-nation](https://staging.virtualconsultant.online/tools/nhs-orthodontic-charges-by-age-and-nation)