I can't get braces on the NHS!?

Question

I went to my orthadontist today and was told that although my bite is severe and needs sorting out urgently I'm not eligible for treatment on the NHS! I'm really annoyed as if I do not get treatment my front two teeth are likely to snap off or fall out within a few years, through no fault of my own, and still I have to pay over 4 grand to have braces done privately because the NHS cant do them. Can someone explain to me why this is? A lot of my friends have had braces and their cases are a lot less urgent than mine, I dont understand why the NHS cannot sort this out.

Answer 1

national honors society??? what?

Answer 2

The NHS orthodontic system changed a few years ago, whereas it used to be every child who was deemed to need a level of Orthodontic treatment would get the treatment, it has now become that you have to have a certain grade of bite, occlusion and severity before the NHS will carry out orthodontics.

I would visit the dentist again, explaining what the orthodontist has said, there are usually quite a few orthodontists in an area and it would be worth gaining a second opinion to see if they grade your mouth at a different level and therefore can get the treatment.

There is obviously a reason why your dentist referred you for orthodontics and I would certainly get a second opinion. I would wait however, for the orthodontist to write to your dentist to outline the reason why you have been refused treatment with them, so the dentist knows the problem before asking for another opinion.

Your Dad's healthcare cover might cover you for seeking a second opinion.

Answer 3

Get some dental insurance ASAP.

I have bupa (my mum gets it cheap through her work) for dental and opticians. The level of the scheme i'm on means i get half the money back again.