Treatment
Orthodontic treatment is usually only started after most adult teeth have started to come through. This is usually at around 12 years old.
Orthodontic treatment for adults can begin at any age, but treatment options are more limited.
Treatment will not begin unless you have a good standard of oral hygiene as treatment can increase the risk of tooth decay and gum problems.
When treatment finishes, you will need to wear a retainer. Your orthodontist will advise you on the type you need and for how long you must wear it. Sometimes a thin wire may be permanently fixed behind your teeth to keep them in place.
How to get orthodontic treatment
Your dentist can refer you to an orthodontist, although you may sometimes be able to get treatment directly from your dentist.
If orthodontic treatment is recommended, you may have to decide whether to have treatment privately or on the NHS.
You can find a list of all specialist orthodontists registered in the UK on the General Dental Council (GDC) website.
NHS treatment
NHS orthodontic treatment is free for people under the age of 18 with a clear health need for treatment. Due to high demand, there is a long waiting list.
NHS orthodontic care is not usually available for adults. In some circumstances, it may be approved on a case-by-case basis if it's needed for health reasons.
A rating system called Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN) assesses your eligibility for NHS treatment.
Private treatment
If you do not qualify for free NHS treatment or you do not want to wait for treatment to start, you may choose to have private treatment.
Private orthodontic treatment is widely available. The fees will depend on the complexity of the treatment and the type of appliances used.
After an initial assessment, a private orthodontist will talk to you about a possible treatment plan, how much it will cost and any alternative options.
Types of orthodontic treatment
There are different types of orthodontic treatment using different ‘appliances’. The best treatment for you depends on the exact problem you have.
The first stage of treatment is to assess the current position of your teeth and how they're likely to change over time.
This often involves taking X-rays, making plaster models, and taking photographs of your teeth.
You will then be given a treatment plan. This may suggest more than one type of treatment. In some cases, it may be recommended to remove one or more of your teeth.
Talk to your orthodontist about your options.
See the British Orthodontic Society website for more information on the different types of braces.
Retainers
Retainers are used near the end of a course of treatment. They hold straightened teeth in place while the surrounding gum and bone adjusts to their new position. They can either be removable or fixed.
Under the NHS, your orthodontist is responsible for your care for 12 months after usual treatment ends. After this, you will have to pay privately for continuing care. This includes any repeated treatment or replacement/repair of retainers.
It's likely there will be some tooth movement if you stop wearing your retainer. Changes in the position of your teeth can continue throughout life. The only way to have permanently straight teeth is to wear a retainer as advised.