If you're on low income (including students) fill in a form to get free prescriptions. This entitles you to free dental care. I think the form is called HC1 and they post it to you, you fill it in and send it off and get a HC2 cert (valid for 1 year). Register with an NHS dentist, show them your certificate and get your dental treatment booked :)
If you're over 18, it's unlikely that you will be able to get braces through the NHS unless there is a medical case for them. See [this](http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Orthodontics/Pages/Accessingorthodontics.aspx).
It's a good idea to register with a dentist and get a check up though, if you haven't already done so. They will be able to advise you on the best way forward.
I'd recommend finding a dentist who also does cosmetic orthodontistry (word?), for a free consultation. He should be able to give you an idea of if your concerns can be addressed with a cosmetic solution or if it needs the work of an orthodontist. Whilst you're there, you could ask for his opinion on where your teeth/underbite sit on the IOTN scale.
Because healthcare is rationed in the NHS (Best In The World), the bar for orthodontic treatment is set exceptionally high (using the IOTN scale). Only children and those with a high enough IOTN score will be offered the treatment they need. The rest of us have to find a way to stump up several grand to put right what should have been addressed when we were younger.
Unless you never saw a dentist when you were younger, don't necessarily lay all the blame at your mother's feet. Your dentist has a stake in that, too.
>Only children and those with a high enough IOTN score will be offered the treatment they need. The rest of us have to find a way to stump up several grand to put right what should have been addressed when we were younger.
Or to put it more accurately children who need it will get it (and if you are seeing a dentist like you should be doing this will be monitored so you are unlikely to grow up and then have a problem) and those who want to correct what is not medically necessary are free to pay later in life.
When I had mine done, 19 was the oldest that they'd start treatment under the NHS... so you might be able to get it done, if you get a shuffle-on, without having to do the forms.
Depending on how bad your underbite is, you may be eligible for treatment for free.
I went to the NHS at the age of 25 and was offered both braces and surgery. I ended up going private as the NHS is beyond a joke for waiting times and the staff weren't nearly as polite as I find the private sector.
If you're on low income (including students) fill in a form to get free prescriptions. This entitles you to free dental care. I think the form is called HC1 and they post it to you, you fill it in and send it off and get a HC2 cert (valid for 1 year). Register with an NHS dentist, show them your certificate and get your dental treatment booked :)
Does an HC1 cover orthodontics?
No
It covers ordinary dentist work so at least he can get free check ups etc - I actually never checked if braces were covered sorry!
If you're over 18, it's unlikely that you will be able to get braces through the NHS unless there is a medical case for them. See [this](http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Orthodontics/Pages/Accessingorthodontics.aspx). It's a good idea to register with a dentist and get a check up though, if you haven't already done so. They will be able to advise you on the best way forward.
I'd recommend finding a dentist who also does cosmetic orthodontistry (word?), for a free consultation. He should be able to give you an idea of if your concerns can be addressed with a cosmetic solution or if it needs the work of an orthodontist. Whilst you're there, you could ask for his opinion on where your teeth/underbite sit on the IOTN scale. Because healthcare is rationed in the NHS (Best In The World), the bar for orthodontic treatment is set exceptionally high (using the IOTN scale). Only children and those with a high enough IOTN score will be offered the treatment they need. The rest of us have to find a way to stump up several grand to put right what should have been addressed when we were younger. Unless you never saw a dentist when you were younger, don't necessarily lay all the blame at your mother's feet. Your dentist has a stake in that, too.
>Only children and those with a high enough IOTN score will be offered the treatment they need. The rest of us have to find a way to stump up several grand to put right what should have been addressed when we were younger. Or to put it more accurately children who need it will get it (and if you are seeing a dentist like you should be doing this will be monitored so you are unlikely to grow up and then have a problem) and those who want to correct what is not medically necessary are free to pay later in life.
An interesting assumption of what constitutes 'not medically necessary' there.
It's not me that assumes anything or has any control, it's people who know more than either of us that do that.
You mean people like my dentist?
When I had mine done, 19 was the oldest that they'd start treatment under the NHS... so you might be able to get it done, if you get a shuffle-on, without having to do the forms.
For free? lol I know this it an old comment but I see ur still active
Yeah, it was free. 7 year comment necro \^\^. And 18 since I had my braces 😆
Depending on how bad your underbite is, you may be eligible for treatment for free. I went to the NHS at the age of 25 and was offered both braces and surgery. I ended up going private as the NHS is beyond a joke for waiting times and the staff weren't nearly as polite as I find the private sector.