What is orthodontic treatment?

Orthodontic treatment is a way of straightening or moving teeth, to improve the appearance of the teeth and how they work. It can also help to look after the long-term health of your teeth, gums and jaw joints, by spreading the biting pressure over all your teeth.

At what age should I have orthodontic treatment?

The best time is generally during childhood, but adults can have orthodontic treatment too – and more and more are doing so. Age is less important than having the right number of teeth. In children it may be necessary to wait for enough teeth to come through before starting treatment.

We will assess you and refer to an orthodontist. Adults can only be referred on a private basis. Children will be examined and judged by the IOTN criteria. This is a national system used for the provision of N.H.S. orthodontic care.

Those children that satisfy the criteria will be allowed treatment under the N.H.S. All other children will be offered private orthodontic treatment if they so wish.

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