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For children and teenagers with crowded or crooked teeth, the prospect of obtaining braces through the NHS can be a game-changer. Straight teeth not only enhance confidence but also simplify oral care.
Due to limited availability, in order to receive NHS orthodontic treatment a child is required to meet specific criteria using the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need. If the child does meet the criteria, then a lengthy waiting lists may lead to many teens outgrowing their eligibility before receiving treatment.
In response, some parents are opting for private orthodontics right from the start. This enables their child to start treatment quickly with a local orthodontist.
We’ve outlined how NHS orthodontics could benefit your teenager below.
Who Qualifies for NHS Braces?
For your teenager to receive NHS orthodontic treatment, they must meet the following requirements:
Securing a Referral for NHS Orthodontics
Your general dentist will monitor the development of your child’s teeth and assess the need for any orthodontic treatment. This typically begins around the age of 12.
If you believe your teenager might benefit from orthodontics then discuss this with your dentist, who can carry out an evaluation to determine if your teenager should be added to the NHS waiting list.
Understanding the IOTN Criteria:
Teens with grade 4 and 5 issues will be referred to an orthodontist, while those with grade 3 issues may be evaluated by your dentist.
Aesthetic Component Assessment
This assessment considers the aesthetic benefits of orthodontics. Using 10 colour photographs showing varying levels of dental attractiveness, your orthodontist will match the patients current smile to these images. If they receive a rating of 6 or higher and also have grade 3 imperfections, they will qualify for free treatment.
If your teenager has grade 3 imperfections and is deemed unsuitable for NHS orthodontics, seeking private treatment is a common alternative. Grade 3 doesn’t mean that braces wouldn’t be beneficial; it simply means that they aren’t available via the NHS.
Navigating Waiting Times
The current waiting time for an assessment for NHS braces is approximately two years. With a further waiting list to start treatment ranging for 1-2 years.
Considering the extended waiting times, some parents choose private orthodontics immediately to ensure timely treatment and avoid further misalignment.
At Evolve Dentistry, we offer private orthodontic options for children starting at just £1,750.
Benefits of Private Orthodontics
We understand that your child’s oral health is of utmost importance. Opting for private orthodontics provides several advantages:
If your teenager is currently on the NHS waiting list for orthodontics and you’d like to find out more about treatment with Lisa our Orthodontist, get in touch with our team to book a consultation today.
🦷 Did you know your oral health affects your whole body?
Your mouth doesn’t exist in isolation. Gum health, inflammation and oral hygiene can all play a role in your wider wellbeing – from heart health to confidence and mental wellness.
We’ve just published a new blog exploring the link between oral health and overall wellness, and why looking after your teeth and gums is about much more than your smile.
If you’re interested in oral health and general health Portishead, this is a great read and a helpful reminder of how small daily habits can support long-term health.
Link in bio
When is root canal treatment needed?
It’s a question many patients ask — and in this video, Richard explains it clearly and simply.
Root canal treatment is usually needed when the nerve inside a tooth becomes inflamed or infected. This can happen because of deep decay, a crack in the tooth, repeated dental work, or sometimes after an injury.
You might experience symptoms like persistent toothache, sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers, pain when biting, or swelling around the gum. However, sometimes there are very few symptoms at all — which is why regular check-ups at the practice are so important.
The good news is that root canal treatment is designed to relieve pain, not cause it. It removes the infection, saves the natural tooth, and helps you avoid extraction.
Watch Richard’s video to understand the signs to look out for — and if you’re worried about a tooth, get in touch with our reception team for advice.
Smile Hack 🍎🥕
Love a sweet treat? Jane shares a simple swap that your teeth will thank you for.
Sticky sweets cling to your teeth and sit in the tiny grooves for longer, feeding the bacteria that cause decay. The longer they stick around, the more damage they can do.
Instead, try swapping them for crunchy veg or a handful of nuts. Foods like carrots, cucumber and peppers have a natural crunch that helps stimulate saliva, which protects your teeth. Nuts are also a lower-sugar option and far less likely to cling to enamel.
Small changes really do make a big difference over time.
Are electric toothbrushes better than manual?
It’s a question we’re asked a lot at the practice – and in this video, Carol gives a clear, honest answer.
Electric toothbrushes can make it easier to clean effectively, especially if you struggle with technique, brushing for long enough, or reaching certain areas. Many people find they remove plaque more consistently, simply because they do most of the work for you.
That said, a manual toothbrush can still do a great job when used properly. It’s less about the brush itself and more about how you use it.
Watch Carol’s quick explanation to find out what we usually recommend – and how to make sure you’re getting the most from your brushing routine.
If you’re unsure whether your brushing technique is working for you, mention it at your next appointment and we’ll be happy to guide you. 🪥
Our Gromits have become quite the local celebrities here at Evolve 🐾💛
So many of you pop into our patient lounge just to see the collection, and we love how much joy they bring to patients of all ages.
At the moment, two of our Gromits seem to have wandered off on an adventure! We’re hoping they simply need a little help finding their way home.
If you happen to spot them locally or see anything that looks like part of our collection being sold, we’d really appreciate you letting us know. You can message us privately or call the practice.
They’re part of what makes Evolve feel like Evolve — and we’d love to have the whole family back together again.
Thank you for always looking out for us 💛
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#ShopLocalSomerset
#supportlocalbusinesses❤️ #Gromit
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😴 Can snoring affect your oral health?
In our latest Two Thirty video, Maggie answers a question many people don’t think to ask — can snoring impact your teeth and gums?
The short answer is yes, it can.
Snoring is often linked to breathing through your mouth at night, which can cause a dry mouth. Saliva plays an important role in protecting your teeth, so when your mouth is dry, you may be more prone to tooth decay and bad breath.
If you snore and have noticed dryness, increased decay or concerns about your breath, it’s worth mentioning at your next appointment.
Our reception team at Evolve Dentistry in Portishead will be happy to arrange a consultation if you’d like advice.
