Transferring Orthodontic Treatment UK

When mid-treatment transfer happens

Mid-treatment transfer is more common than most patients expect. The most frequent reasons are relocation within the UK, a practice closing or a clinician leaving, dissatisfaction with care or communication, a significant change in treatment circumstances such as a medical condition requiring a hospital-based service, or financial reasons such as a practice increasing fees mid-treatment beyond what was agreed. Transfers can also happen when a patient's initial treatment included limited coordination and they now want a different level of clinical involvement.

Records you are entitled to take

You have the right to request a copy of your full dental records, including orthodontic records. These typically include your original treatment plan, x-rays taken before and during treatment, digital scans or study models (or access to software where digital models are held), photographs taken at the start and during treatment, clinical notes from each appointment, and any aligner treatment files if you are having clear aligner treatment. Under UK data protection law, the practice must supply these within one month of the request. There may be a charge for the administrative cost of producing copies of physical records.

NHS transfer: what to expect

NHS orthodontic treatment is provided under a course of treatment with a specific NHS contract. If you move to a new area, your new NHS orthodontist will assess your case and decide whether to continue treatment under a new NHS contract or whether treatment can be completed as agreed. Not all NHS practices accept mid-treatment transfers, and waiting lists apply. You should contact NHS England or your Integrated Care Board for guidance on finding NHS orthodontic treatment in your new area. If a practice closes mid-treatment, NHS England is responsible for making alternative arrangements.

Private transfer: how fees typically work

Private orthodontic treatment is a contract between you and the practice. Whether you receive a refund for treatment not yet delivered depends on your original contract terms. Most private orthodontic contracts specify a fee for active treatment completed to date and a remaining balance for treatment still to be carried out. It is reasonable to request an itemised breakdown of work completed and credit remaining. Your new practice will typically charge a transfer fee covering assessment, records review, and any initial adjustments — this is separate from the ongoing treatment cost.

Aligner treatment transfer: additional considerations

Clear aligner treatment (including Invisalign and similar systems) involves treatment planning software and appliance files held by the original provider. If you are mid-aligner-series, your new provider will need access to your ClinCheck or equivalent treatment plan, your aligner staging files, and the number of aligners remaining in your series. Some aligner systems allow your new provider to take over management of an existing prescription; others require a new scan, reassessment, and in some cases a new series of aligners from a revised staging point. Confirm this with your new provider before signing up.

How to approach a new orthodontist about a transfer

When contacting a new practice, explain clearly that you are mid-treatment and looking for a practice able to continue your care. Bring or request from your original practice: your treatment plan, current x-rays, photographs, records of treatment completed to date, and any remaining aligner trays. Most orthodontists will request a new assessment appointment to review your current position before confirming whether they are willing to take on a transfer case and on what terms.

What a new practice cannot guarantee

A new orthodontist can take over treatment of your teeth but cannot guarantee completing the original treatment plan exactly as designed by the previous provider. They may assess that a modified approach is needed, that additional records are required, or that the original treatment plan was not the most suitable option. This is worth understanding before transferring — particularly if the original plan involved specific milestones or timelines that you were expecting to be maintained.

Useful related pages

This guide is for general information only. It is not a diagnosis, treatment plan, or substitute for advice from a registered dentist or orthodontist.