NHS Braces in Solihull

Does one of your loved ones have orthodontic issues, such as overcrowded, crooked or misaligned teeth, but you don’t have sufficient funds to pay for their treatment? If so, Orthodontics For You has the solution you need. With NHS braces, Solihull patients under the age of 18 can avail themselves of the orthodontic treatment they require free of charge.

At Orthodontics For You in Solihull, we wholeheartedly support the mission of the National Health Service to enhance the lives of young people through high-quality yet free orthodontic care. We take pride in using our expertise to help local patients achieve a beautifully straight smile, thus boosting their self-esteem and paving the way for a happy and fulfilling life.

 

NHS Braces and Criteria Explained

NHS-funded braces are available to anyone under the age of 18. To qualify for this treatment and have free braces fitted, a patient must undergo an NHS assessment and secure a referral from their dentist or orthodontist.

At Orthodontics For You, we offer complimentary NHS assessments to determine whether a child qualifies for NHS-funded orthodontic care. Our skilled and experienced Solihull orthodontic specialist will conduct a gentle and quick evaluation of their teeth, ensuring the process is completely pain-free.

As with all orthodontists in the UK, we use the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN) to assess whether a patient is eligible for NHS braces.

Grade 1

A Grade 1 rating indicates that the patient has almost perfect teeth and therefore does not require braces.

Grade 2

A Grade 2 rating indicates that although the patient does have minor dental problems, they do not require orthodontic treatment.

Grade 3

A Grade 3 rating often indicates that a patient is a “borderline” case. This means they have a dental issue which is more severe than a Grade 2 rating but which doesn’t warrant treatment, such as ceramic braces in Solihull. Nevertheless, they may still be eligible for NHS braces based on the results of our assessment. We will also consider the appearance of their teeth and give them an aesthetic score ranging from 1 to 10. The patient may qualify for NHS braces if they score 6 or higher.

Grade 4

A Grade 4 rating is an indication of extensive teeth irregularities or misalignment issues which require orthodontic treatment. A patient who receives this rating is automatically eligible for NHS braces.

Grade 5

If a patient receives a Grade 5 rating, they usually have severe teeth irregularities or misalignment issues that need to be treated as quickly as possible. For example, they may have several missing teeth or acute upper front teeth protrusion. Similar to the Grade 4 rating, the patient will automatically qualify for NHS-funded orthodontic treatment.

What is included with NHS braces?

Traditional metal braces are the main type of braces provided free of charge by the NHS. Renowned for their effectiveness and affordability, these braces have a proven track record of successfully addressing numerous dental issues, such as:

  • Underbites and overbites
  • Overcrowding
  • Protruding teeth
  • Misalignment
  • Spacing

Metal braces are renowned for their durability and longevity. They are designed to last for the entire duration of a patient’s treatment, which typically ranges from 12 to 36 months. Since these braces are securely fixed, there is virtually no risk of losing them.

There are also alternative braces available to address dental issues in younger patients. At Orthodontics For You in Solihull, we provide more discreet options such as lingual braces, ceramic braces and Invisalign. While these alternatives are self-funded, they do not require an initial assessment.

It is important to note that, in order to be effective, NHS braces must remain in place for the entire treatment period. Patients will need to visit our clinic every 4 to 10 weeks so we can carry out any necessary adjustments. After the braces have been removed, they must wear a retainer indefinitely to prevent their teeth from moving back to their original positions.

In addition to providing metal braces, NHS treatment covers all necessary appointments, X-rays, scans, fitting and aftercare.

What is the best time to get NHS braces?

For younger patients, the optimal age for having NHS braces fitted is around 12 or 13 when their mouths and jaws are still developing. This can shorten the treatment duration and enhance its effectiveness. Nevertheless, there’s no need to worry if your child is older than 13 … they will still be eligible for NHS braces should they pass the assessment process.

 

NHS Braces for Patients Aged 18 and Over

While NHS braces in Solihull are primarily used for younger patients, they can occasionally be provided to adults. However, this is rare and usually only for health-related reasons rather than for a cosmetic purpose.

At Orthodontics For You in Solihull, we cannot guarantee that we will provide NHS orthodontic treatment to patients over the age of 17. Nonetheless, we do offer a variety of private and self-funded treatment options, including adult braces, suitable for people of all ages. In addition, our services are priced reasonably to help local patients manage their treatment costs effectively.

To further ease any financial concerns, we provide various payment options, including interest-free plans. This allows patients to spread the cost of their orthodontic care via manageable instalments rather than upfront payments.

If you have any questions regarding NHS braces for adults or our private orthodontic treatments, please do not hesitate to contact a member of our team.

 

See If You Qualify for NHS Braces Today

Teeth misalignment and other dental issues can affect more than just a person’s physical well-being. They can also significantly impact their self-esteem and mental health, particularly younger people. Addressing these problems at an early stage is essential for all patients, regardless of age. This is the only way we can achieve better oral health and an improved quality of life.

Although braces can be quite expensive, there is no need to worry about financial constraints. The availability of NHS braces means patients can access orthodontic care free of charge.

At Orthodontics For You, we support the NHS’s commitment to improving people’s health and quality of life by delivering free orthodontic care to eligible patients in Solihull. Our dedicated team of experts are here to help you or your child achieve a healthy, beautiful smile. To learn more about our services, please do not hesitate to get in touch. You can contact Orthodontics For You using the details provided below or by completing the form on this page.

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