Braces for children and teenagers

Health service or private?

The health service (NHS) only pays for braces when teeth are significantly out of position, which the orthodontist assesses with a scoring system called IOTN. Your child needs a referral from your dentist. As things stand, health service (NHS) waits are around 6 to 12 months for an assessment, then 3 to 6 months before treatment begins, depending on the case.

Private treatment is available if your child does not qualify or you would prefer not to wait. While your child is under 18, private braces or Smartee clear aligners cost £2,900 through our under-18s offer (usually £3,900) – see private braces for under-18s. For adults, private metal braces and clear aligners are the same price – from £2,900, £3,900 or £4,900 according to complexity – and the cost can be spread over 12 months: a £900 deposit followed by 12 monthly payments (a £150 plan fee is added to the remaining balance and divided across your 12 monthly payments). Clear aligners are only available privately. Compare private and health service treatment. Already paid the £155 private assessment? Your deposit is then £745, with no change to the monthly amounts. Cross-border (HSE) patients are excluded.

Unsure what the problem with the bite is? See common bite problems.

Types of brace for children

Nervous children and additional needs

If your child gets anxious or finds new sensations difficult, tell us when you book. We can let them see the instruments first, explain every step and go at their own pace. Ask your clinician during your appointment if anything would help.

How parents can help

• Help your child wear their brace as advised – removable braces and Twin Blocks only work while they are being worn.
• Encourage brushing after meals and cutting back on fizzy and sugary drinks.
• Keep removable braces in their case, out of reach of pets, and keep the model of their teeth safe.
• Attend every appointment, and if you cannot make one, let us know as soon as you can.
• After treatment, make sure they wear their retainers every night.

Most children can carry on playing sport. See sport and braces.

Questions and answers

What is the best age for braces?

For most children, between 12 and 14, once most adult teeth are through. Some need to wait a little longer. There is no upper age limit.

How do I get my child assessed?

For health service (NHS) treatment, ask your dentist for a referral. For private treatment, you can refer your child yourself through our self-referral form.

What is the wait for health service braces?

For health service (NHS) treatment, expect to wait around 6 to 12 months for an assessment, and then 3 to 6 months before treatment begins, depending on the case. There is no waiting list for private treatment.

Can my child have clear aligners?

Clear aligners are only available privately. The orthodontist will let you know whether they suit your child’s teeth.

How long does treatment take?

Health service (NHS) treatment normally takes 18 to 24 months, though this depends on how complex the case is. Private treatment normally takes between 2 and 24 months, depending on how complex your case is – and milder cases are often fairly simple to put right. Your clinician will give you an estimate at your assessment.

Not accepted for NHS braces – is treatment still possible?

Yes. If your child’s teeth do not qualify for health service (NHS) treatment under IOTN, they can still have private treatment, which normally takes between 2 and 24 months depending on complexity – milder cases are often fairly simple to put right. A private assessment is £155.