NHS braces in London

Q: Is my child eligible for NHS braces?

Eligibility depends on clinical need, not appearance. NHS braces are for moderate to severe cases, graded using the IOTN system. Our Specialist Orthodontists carry out this assessment and will tell you honestly whether your child qualifies.

Q: Is there a waiting list for NHS braces in London?

Yes — there is usually a waiting period before NHS treatment can begin, as demand is high. If you would prefer not to wait, private children’s braces are available straight away, with flexible payment plans.

Q: What if my child isn’t eligible for NHS braces?

If your child does not meet the NHS criteria, we offer private children’s braces and Invisalign® First, tailored to their needs, with clear all-inclusive pricing. Treatment is only ever recommended when it is genuinely right for your child.

Q: How much do NHS braces cost?

NHS orthodontic treatment is free for eligible patients aged 17 and under. If your child is not eligible, private treatment is charged transparently, with an all-inclusive quote and interest-free payment plans.

NHS braces in London can transform a child’s smile and long-term dental health — but funding is only available for those who qualify. Our Specialist Orthodontists assess every child using the NHS’s own IOTN (Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need) system, and give you a straight answer on whether your child is eligible.

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Who is eligible for NHS braces?

NHS treatment is available for patients aged 17 and under who meet specific clinical criteria. Braces are available to patients with a moderate to severe clinical need who have been referred by their dentist. Please note that there is usually a waiting period to start NHS brace treatment.

Orthodontic concerns that may qualify for NHS braces include:

Missing teeth
Protruding teeth greater than 6mm
Moderate to severe dental crowding
Speech or chewing difficulties caused by tooth alignment
Significant bite problems

What if my child is not eligible for NHS braces?

If your child does not meet the criteria for NHS funding, or you prefer not to wait to start treatment, there are still excellent options available. At Orchard Orthodontics, we provide personalised private orthodontic solutions across London to suit your child’s needs.

We also offer flexible payment plans to help make private treatment more manageable. Our priority is to help your child achieve a healthy, confident smile, regardless of funding eligibility.

Our pricing

What if my child is not eligible for NHS braces?

Braces for kids in London, NHS or private

For parents, the NHS question is really two questions: does my child actually need treatment, and do they qualify? Both deserve an honest answer. Our Specialist Orthodontists assess every child using the same IOTN system the NHS uses, and we tell you plainly where your child stands — because treatment should be recommended when it is right, not simply because it is available.

If your child qualifies for NHS braces, they are in genuinely expert hands. If they do not, or you would rather not join the waiting list, we will talk you through private children’s braces and Invisalign® First, with clear all-inclusive pricing and flexible payment plans. It is the same specialist standard that has made us London’s most reviewed orthodontic practice.

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Braces for kids in London at Orchard Orthodontics — NHS and private

NHS braces for kids — your questions answered

Common questions from parents about NHS orthodontic treatment in London.

What age can my child get NHS braces?

NHS orthodontic treatment is generally available to children and young people aged 17 and under who meet the clinical criteria. Assessment is based on the IOTN system, and your child will usually need a referral from their dentist.

Is my child eligible for NHS braces?

Is there a waiting list for NHS braces in London?

What if my child isn’t eligible for NHS braces?

How much do NHS braces cost?

Every smile deserves expert care - book an assessment today!

If you believe your child may be eligible for NHS braces and you have a dentist referral, we invite you to book an orthodontic assessment at Orchard Orthodontics.

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