In principle adult orthodontic treatment can be provided under the terms of the NHS provided the need for treatment is sufficient. Howevere, as a general rule the NHS contracts held by most orthodontists do not include adult patients.
In some areas there are no orthodontists at all with NHS contracts to treat adults. An enquiry to your local PCT or Health Board may be useful. Adult treatment under NHS contract incurs the standard NHS charge for complex dental treatments which is currently around £250.
For the most severe problems, notably those requiring jaw surgery, treatment for adults may be provided by the NHS through the hospital service. A referral from your dentist or orthodontist is needed to access these services. Hospitals do not however normally accept routine orthodontic cases for treatment and in the majority of cases adult orthodontics is carried out under private contract.
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