NHS-funded orthodontic treatment is only available to patients with a definite clinical need for treatment who are under 18 years of age at the time of referral.
A patient would have to be assessed to determine eligibility for NHS-funded orthodontic treatment. This is done using the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Needed (IOTN).
NHS orthodontic treatment is not usually available for patients over 18 years old, but may be approved by local NHS Commissioners, on a case-by-case basis if the functional needs are great.