“Are there any NHS dentists currently accepting new patients?”
🦷 Why Is It So Hard to Find an NHS Dentist?
Unfortunately, due to increased demand, staff shortages, and funding pressures, many NHS dental practices across the UK have limited capacity and are not currently accepting new adult patients, and in some areas, even children are being placed on waiting lists.
This can be incredibly frustrating, especially if you’re trying to maintain your oral health or begin orthodontic treatment.
❗ What If I Need a Dentist Before Braces?
At Aligned Orthodontics, we specialise in private orthodontic care, so you don’t need to be registered with a dentist to book a consultation with us. However, we do recommend:
Seeing a dentist for a check-up and clean beforestarting braces
Ensuring your teeth and gums are in good health beforetreatment begins
If you’re struggling to find an NHS dentist, you havetwo main options:
Join a waiting list at local NHS practices (keepchecking the NHS website for updates)
Consider private dental care, some patients choose to pay privately for a one-off check-up and clean to get started
💡 Can I Still Start Braces Without a Dentist?
Yes! You can start your orthodontic journey with us even if you're not currently registered with a dentist. However, we may ask you to arrange a scale and polish before fitting your braces to make sure your oral health is in the best condition.
We also encourage you to brush 3 times per day, especially along the gumline, to keep your teeth clean and your treatment on track.
