Would i be eligible for braces?

Question

ok,i live in the UK and am nearly 30.I have very squint teeth,top and bottom set, they're starting to get worse and am very unhappy with them.I was given the chance to have braces as a child,but turned it down due to the fact i was getting badly bullied at school and braces would only make things worse.Would i be able to get my teeth straightened now with braces and would i be able to get them from my NHS registered dentist?

Answer 1

you can get your teeth straightened on the NHS if the authodontist feels it is for medical reasons not for cosmetic reasons. If for example you have an over-bite over 10mm i think then he may think your teeth are a hinderance to your mouth, though if you have no overbite and you simply want them straightened for cosmetic reasons, the full treatment costs £1500.

Answer 2

i dont know, the waiting lists are usually long and people are admitted at school age, you could always ring and ask

Answer 3

You are able to get this treatment on the NHS if your dentist refers you to an orthodontist and they feel there is a dental problem that can be solved.. From what you are saying the over bite and over crowding could be seen as this.  The crutial bit is you need to get your NHS dentist to agree to refer you. The referal process can take from 6 months to 2 years just to see an orthodontist.

Not all health boards will cover orthodontics.  I had braces put on when I was 40 and the orthodotistst I dealt with only worked NHS which was great  total cost for 2 1/2  years treatment £378..

As long as you are aware there is no quick fix  it is a lot of alteration in your dental hygiene routine approx 15 minutes to fully clean between braced 3-4 times a day.. Change in diet no apples crusty bread or sweets.. no diet or normal soft drinks, no sneaky fruit juices.  water only which after a while is more habit than forced. You'll be ok..

Good luck and don't be put off it does make a difference to you confidence without a doubt.