Parents Orthodontics Guide

Start by checking NHS eligibility through the IOTN scoring system, since this determines whether free treatment is available. Then compare likely waiting times, appointment availability at nearby practices, private costs if NHS treatment is not accessible or the family prefers private care, payment plan terms, and what the provider includes in a written quote such as retainers and review visits.

Private teen braces typically cost between £2,000 and £4,500 depending on the appliance and case complexity. Metal fixed braces are usually the lower-cost private route, starting from around £2,000 to £2,500. Ceramic braces and clear aligners such as Invisalign Teen usually cost more, often £2,500 to £4,000. Families should always ask whether retainers, repairs, records, and review visits are included in the quoted price or charged separately.

The British Orthodontic Society recommends a first orthodontic check-up around age seven to eight, even though active treatment rarely starts this early. At this age, an orthodontist can identify developing bite problems, monitor jaw growth, and plan the right time to start treatment, which for most children is between ages eleven and fourteen once most adult teeth have erupted.

NHS orthodontic treatment for under-18s in England is allocated using the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need, known as IOTN. Children scoring an IOTN grade of 3.6 or above normally qualify for free NHS treatment. Milder cases below that threshold — mild crowding or spacing — typically do not meet the NHS threshold and would need private treatment if the family wants earlier correction.

Ask what treatment options are being recommended and why, how long treatment is expected to take, what happens if a fixed appliance is damaged, whether retainers are included after treatment finishes, and what the total cost will be if the family is paying privately. It is also worth asking how the practice communicates with parents during a course of treatment for a school-age child.

No. These planning guides bring together information on routes, costs and questions so families can prepare before booking, but it does not replace an in-person assessment. A registered dentist or orthodontist needs to examine your child's teeth and bite directly to confirm the right treatment plan and timing.

Gather any NHS referral information, note the child's age and any obvious crowding or bite concerns, and compare local NHS waiting times against private options if speed matters to the family. A photo-based virtual assessment through Virtual Consultant Online can also give an early indication of likely treatment needs before booking a full in-person consultation.