NHS Orthodontics

NHS Orthodontics for North Devon & Torridge

NHS orthodontic treatment is available for children and young people under 18 who meet the eligibility criteria. At The Curve, every NHS patient is treated by our Specialist Orthodontist, ensuring your child receives the highest standard of assessment, planning, and treatment available in Barnstaple and North Devon.

HOW TO ACCESS NHS ORTHODONTICS

Visit your general dentist

Your child’s journey begins with their regular dentist, who will assess whether orthodontic treatment may be needed.

Get a referral

If your dentist believes your child could benefit from orthodontics and they are eligible, they can send a referral to us. Make sure they have your up-to-date contact details.

We'll contact you

Once we receive the referral, we’ll send you a welcome message confirming that your child has been added to our assessment waiting list, along with information on next steps.

Assessment appointment

When your child reaches the top of the waiting list, we’ll contact you to arrange a comprehensive assessment appointment with our Specialist Orthodontist, who will evaluate their eligibility and discuss treatment options.

Treatment begins (if eligible)

If your child meets the NHS criteria, we’ll create a tailored treatment plan and begin their orthodontic journey when space becomes available.

Specialist Orthodontist-led: Every patient is treated by our Specialist Orthodontist, ensuring expert diagnosis, precision treatment planning, and the highest standard of care throughout your child's journey.

Modern clinic with latest technology: We use advanced 3D scanning, digital imaging, and state-of-the-art orthodontic techniques to deliver efficient, comfortable, and effective treatment.

Comprehensive care for children: We understand that orthodontic treatment can feel daunting for young patients, which is why we create a calm, supportive environment where children feel looked after and parents feel reassured.

Expert assessment and treatment planning: With specialist-level training and years of experience, we ensure your child's treatment is planned with precision and delivered with care, setting them up for a healthy, confident smile that lasts.

ELIGIBILITY

Does my child qualify for NHS orthodontics?

Orthodontic treatment is provided to children under the age of 18 who have a clinical need, determined using the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN). This system has two components: the Dental Health Component, which assesses functional issues like crowding, spacing, bite problems, and jaw alignment, and the Aesthetic Component, which evaluates the visual appearance of the teeth and smile.

Children are graded on both scales. For the Dental Health Component, those graded 4 or 5 (indicating significant dental health need) automatically qualify for NHS treatment. Children graded 3 are considered borderline and will only qualify if they also score 6 or above on the Aesthetic Component, reflecting noticeable aesthetic concerns that affect their smile.

During the assessment, our Specialist Orthodontist will examine your child’s teeth and bite, take x-rays and scans, and determine whether they meet the criteria on either component. If they do, treatment will be provided through the NHS at no cost. If they don’t quite meet the threshold but would still benefit from orthodontics, we’ll discuss private treatment options with you.

Are you eligible, get in touch to find out

Waiting List

Understanding the waiting list

NHS orthodontics is in high demand, and there can be a waiting period before your child’s treatment begins. We receive funding to treat a set number of patients each year, which means we need to carefully manage our capacity to ensure every child receives the time and attention they deserve. Once your child has been assessed and accepted for NHS treatment, we’ll give you a clear, honest timeframe for when treatment is likely to start. We know waiting isn’t easy, and we’ll keep you informed every step of the way, doing our best to get your child started as soon as possible.

Frequently asked
questions

FAQ

01 How do I get a referral for NHS orthodontics?

The first step is to visit your child's general dentist, who will assess whether orthodontic treatment may be needed. If they believe your child could benefit, they'll send a referral to us directly. Make sure your dentist has your current contact details so we can reach you once the referral is received.

02 What age should my child be assessed?

We recommend an orthodontic assessment with your dentist between the ages of 8-10, as this allows them to identify any issues early and refer if needed during key stages of dental development.

03 What does NHS orthodontic treatment include?

NHS orthodontic treatment typically involves fixed metal braces, which are highly effective for correcting a wide range of alignment and bite issues. The treatment includes all necessary appointments, adjustments, and retainers to maintain the results once braces are removed. Your child will be under the care of our Specialist Orthodontist from start to finish, ensuring expert treatment at every stage.

04 What if my child doesn't meet the NHS criteria?

If your child doesn't qualify for NHS treatment but would still benefit from orthodontics, private treatment is a great option. Private care means no waiting list, access to a wider range of treatment options (including clear aligners and ceramic braces), and the ability to start as soon as you're ready. Our Specialist Orthodontist will discuss all available options with you and help you make the best decision for your child's smile.

Get NHS Orthodontic Care in Barnstaple

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