should i try the NHS ? .......

[missoverjet]

Hi im new to all this , i believe i have overjet teeth im 25 i never had braces in my teens and now i really want nice teeth ! its the first thing i think about every morning i have no confidence because of my smile

So my question is should i try and see if the NHS would do it ? i have a major overjet ?.....i hope thats the right phrase i look majorly goofy ,and over crowding ,there starting to rot between the overcrowding and i have had enough ! i was quoted between 2000 _ 4000 pounds to go private ...

Any advice ,an help would be great many thanks

[Loztredders]

Hi, I can totally empathise with how you feel about your smile. My teeth are the first thing I think about when I wake up too, as well as constantly throughout the day, like if I'm talking to someone I'll be thinking constantly in my head that they're staring at my crooked teeth, wether they actually are or not, I don't know!! But it bothers me constantly.
In answer to your question, the nhs does have pretty specific guidelines for adults as to what the severity of the problem is to qualify for Nhs treatment. But by all means, you should make some enquiries, ask your dentist to refer you to an nhs ortho and go from there would probably be your best bet.
However, be prepared to not be accepted for free treatment and also that if you do qualify you could be in for a rather lengthy wait. I think the general wait appears to be between one and a half to three years

[BraceFace2o1o]

Hi missoverjet,

Loztredders is right, a new rating system came in for NHS braces a while back, called the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN).

You can find more info about it here: http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Orthodonti ... ction.aspx
This website lists what Grades (1-5) typically get accepted for NHS treatment, but in most cases it does have to be a severe case (like a large overjet 6mm+). Although, I do think it depends on whether your Dentist is willing to refer a patient with a less overjet, some might.

You will need to speak to your Dentist about this, as they are the one who will need to refer you.

Good luck

[Larah]

Hi there,

I have a severe overjet problem and am currently receiving orthadontic treatment on the NHS. I started the process by speaking to my dentist about my concerns which are very much the same as yours and he referred me to the orthadontic department. At my consult it was agreed that my problem was very severe and so I qualified for NHS treatment, I then had to pass an oral hygiene test and have 4 teeth removed by my dentist before work could commence. My wait from my original consultation to actually having braces fitted was 3 years...I hope yours is a lot less as I know how frustrating it can be!

Just go and see what can be done.

Good luck!