September 05, 2025
Key Takeaways
NHS Braces
Cost: Free for eligible patients.
Eligibility: Based on need, not just aesthetics.
Treatment Options: Generally limited to traditional metal braces.
Waiting Times: Can be very long, depending on location and demand.
Flexibility: Less flexibility with appointments, often during limited hours.
Continuity: You may see different clinicians over time.
Private Braces
Cost: You will pay for treatment, which can be substantial.
Treatment Options: Wider choice of treatments, including clear aligners and lingual (invisible) braces.
Waiting Times: Shorter waiting times for initial consultation and treatment.
Flexibility: Greater flexibility in scheduling appointments, including some evenings and weekends.
Continuity: You can choose a specific dentist and see them consistently.
Which is right for you?
Choose NHS if:
You meet the NHS eligibility criteria.
You are on a tight budget.
You are happy with traditional metal braces and are willing to wait.
Choose Private if:
You want a faster start to treatment.
You prefer a more cosmetic option like Invisalign.
You want more choice over your dentist and appointment times.
You have the financial means to cover the costs.
Table of Content
NHS braces treatment
NHS braces treatment is free for children under 18 who meet certain requirements. Here's a clear breakdown of the eligibility criteria for NHS-funded orthodontic treatment in the UK:
NHS orthodontic treatment criteria
NHS braces are not available to everyone and are offered based on strict rules. The following key factors are considered when assessing who qualifies for NHS orthodontic treatment:
Patient age
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Under 18: NHS orthodontic treatment is generally available free of cost for individuals under 18 with a clear health need.
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Over 18: Not usually eligible, but rare exceptions exist if the patient turned 18 while already on the waiting list; treatment may continue.
Clinical need assessment: The IOTN system
Eligibility is primarily assessed using the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN), which includes:
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Dental Health Component (DHC): grades 1 (no need) to 5 (severe need)
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Aesthetic Component (AC): scores from 1 (minor aesthetic issue) to 10 (major aesthetic concern)
NHS eligibility rules:
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DHC grades 1 or 2: Not eligible, as they're considered minor or aesthetic-only cases.
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DHC grade 3: Considered borderline. Eligibility depends on the Aesthetic Component, typically requiring an AC score of 6 or higher for approval.
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DHC grades 4 and 5: Automatically eligible for NHS treatment due to deemed health need.
Additional notes
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Oral hygiene: Good dental health is required before starting treatment, as braces increase the risk of tooth decay if not properly maintained.
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Waiting lists: Even when eligible, patients often face long wait times due to high demand and limited funding.
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Appeals: If your child is denied NHS treatment but you believe they meet the NHS braces criteria, you can discuss it with your dentist or contact your local NHS commissioning team for review.
What you can do next
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Consult your dentist: They can assess or refer you for an IOTN evaluation.
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Ensure dental health: Keep teeth and gums healthy to qualify for treatment.
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Understand your rights: If assessment results in refusal but you believe the need is genuine, you can request a second opinion or appeal to your local NHS body.
What's included under NHS care
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Free metal braces for qualifying children and teens
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Check-ups and adjustments during treatment
What's not included
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Cosmetic options like clear aligners
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Treatment for most adults, unless it's medically necessary
Skip the NHS long waiting list & strict eligibility criteria
Choose clear aligners, more affordable and convenient, and an effective alternative to metal braces.
Private braces treatment
When considering private braces costs for UK child patients, prices can vary depending on the provider, treatment type, and the complexity of the case. Unlike the NHS, private treatments don't need to qualify any eligibility criteria to start the treatment. Private orthodontic care is open to everyone and allows you to start treatment at any time, without long NHS-style waiting lists.
Treatment options
Private orthodontic options, all orthodontic treatments, from medically essential to cosmetic treatments. These treatments include traditional, lingual, ceramic, and clear braces, etc.
What private orthodontic treatment in the UK includes
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Faster appointments, sometimes within the same week
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A broad selection of braces, including invisible aligners
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Support for both teens and adults
Difference between NHS and private braces
|
NHS braces treatment |
Private braces treatment |
|
|
Cost |
Free for children under 18 |
Paid treatments for all |
|
Eligibilty |
Strict eligibility criteria to qualify |
Open to all without any eligibility criteria |
|
Types |
Medically necessary dental treatments |
Wide range of treatments from medically necessary to cosmetic ones |
|
Waiting list |
Long waiting list |
Little to no waiting list compared to the NHS. |
|
Appointment experience |
Quick and rushed checkups |
Longer consultation with well-detailed explanations |
|
After Care |
Shorter, less detailed checkups |
Extensive follow-ups |
Skip expensive private braces treatments
Choose clear aligners are the smarter choice for faster results and a confident smile.
What affects the price of braces?
One of the most common questions we hear is 'how much are braces in the UK?' The cost depends on several factors such as the type of braces, the complexity of treatment, and the location. Here's a closer look at some of these elements.
Style of braces
You can choose the type of braces you like, but it will impact the overall cost of your treatment. For instance, traditional metal braces often come at a higher price point compared to at-home clear aligners, such as those offered by Caspersmile.
Complexity of the dental situation
Each orthodontic case is unique, with varying degrees of complexity. If your dental alignment issues are more severe and require advanced treatment plans or multiple adjustments, it's likely that costs will increase. Simpler cases may lead to shorter treatment durations and lower fees.
Geographic location
Where you live also influences the cost of orthodontic care. Urban areas, particularly central locations like London, often see higher prices due to the increased cost of living and operational expenses. If you're in a busy city, be prepared for potential pricing that reflects the local economy.
Provider's experience
The skill and experience of your orthodontist can affect pricing as well. Highly experienced professionals may command higher fees due to their expertise, reputation, and the successful outcomes they achieve. While it may be tempting to go with the least expensive option, consider the value of an experienced provider who can deliver the results you're looking for.
Treatment package inclusions
Lastly, the specifics of what's included in your treatment package can vary significantly among providers. Some packages might include essential components like retainers, teeth whitening treatments, and aftercare visits, while others may charge separately for these services. It's wise to clarify with your provider what is covered in your quote to avoid surprises down the line.
The price you receive for your orthodontic treatment shouldn't be compared directly to someone else's, as each person's dental needs and circumstances are different. If you find that someone else paid less than your quote, there's no need to panic. Your journey towards a healthier smile is uniquely yours, and understanding these factors can help you navigate your options with confidence.
Which option is right for you?
There isn't a one-size-fits-all answer. The right choice depends on your treatment needs and budget. NHS braces treatment is a suitable option for teens under 18, but with limited dental treatments. In private braces treatments, there is no longer a wait; a range of dental treatments, including cosmetic treatments, too.
Private dental teeth straightening treatments are now getting replaced by at-home treatments like clear aligners. Clear aligners are more affordable than private braces treatments. Clear braces are plastic trays that apply pressure to your teeth and shift them into the desired position. For families searching for the cheapest way to get braces in the UK, at-home clear aligners like those from Caspersmile often provide a more affordable option compared to traditional private braces.
Why choose at-home aligners over private braces treatment
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At-home aligners are typically more affordable than traditional metal braces.
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At-home aligners allow you to straighten your teeth from the comfort of your home.
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These aligners are travel-friendly. Travelling cannot interrupt your treatment.
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These aligners don't require any dental visits; the whole treatment can be monitored remotely.
Caspersmile clear aligners
Caspersmile offers clear aligners that are up to 60% more affordable than traditional braces. These aligners are available in day and night options and can help you correct mild to moderate dental alignment issues.
Why choose Caspersmile
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Nearly invisible aligners, shipped to your door
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Lower prices than traditional braces
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Online tracking through the Caspersmile tracker app, so no need to take time off for in-office appointments
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Flexible payment plans
Choosing the best path to a straighter smile
When it comes to orthodontic care, the choice between NHS and private braces depends on your age, eligibility, budget, and treatment goals. The NHS is ideal for under-18s who meet clinical need, but comes with limited options and long waiting lists. Private treatment, on the other hand, offers faster access, wider brace types, and flexibility for both teens and adults.
Before making your decision, weigh the factors that matter most: cost, treatment duration, and the type of results you want.
Frequently asked questions
References
NHS website for England. (n.d.). nhs.uk. https://www.nhs.uk/
Website, N. (2025c, July 14). Orthodontics. nhs.uk.
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/orthodontics/
Website, N. (2025b, April 15). Braces and orthodontics. nhs.uk.
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/braces-and-orthodontics/
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