Understanding how NHS orthodontic treatment is assessed can feel confusing, particularly when some people qualify for free braces and others do not. The answer usually comes down to the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN), a system used throughout the UK to determine who has the greatest clinical need for orthodontic treatment.

Many parents think of braces as a treatment for crooked teeth, but could orthodontic treatment actually do something much bigger? Could early treatment help guide a child’s jaw growth and potentially reduce the need for jaw surgery later in life? The answer is: in some cases, yes. Children’s jaws are still developing, and that growth window creates opportunities that simply do not exist in adulthood. Orthodontists can sometimes use braces and other orthodontic appliances to influence the way the teeth and jaws develop, helping create a healthier bite and more balanced facial growth.

One of the most common concerns patients have before starting orthodontic treatment is whether wearing elastics (often called “bands”) will affect their facial profile. At Aligned Orthodontics Specialist Practice, we understand that appearance is just as important as function when it comes to your smile, and we want to reassure you with clear, honest information.