Imagine waiting years for orthodontic treatment while dealing with discomfort or a lack of confidence in your smile. For many patients relying on the NHS, this is the reality. With NHS dentist waiting lists stretching over three years in some areas, private orthodontics offers an attractive alternative for those seeking timely, effective solutions.
Here’s why patients are increasingly turning to private orthodontic care and how you can find the best treatment for your needs.
- The NHS Orthodontics Crisis
- Why choose private orthodontic care?
- Clear Aligners vs. Fixed Braces: Which is right for you?
- An investment in your smile
- Nigel’s smile journey
The NHS Orthodontics Crisis: Long waits and limited options
The demand for NHS orthodontic treatment is overwhelming. In some areas like Devon and Cornwall, patients face average waits of 1,441 days just to register with a dentist. For children, waiting times can extend to nearly four years.
This backlog is driven by underfunding, limited resources, and the lingering impact of COVID-19, which disrupted an already strained system. While NHS orthodontic treatment can be free for children under 18 who qualify, many parents are opting for private care to avoid the long delays.
For adults, NHS orthodontic options are even more limited, often restricted to severe medical needs, leaving many with no choice but to wait or seek private alternatives.
Why choose private orthodontic care?
While NHS orthodontics provide valuable services, private orthodontic care offers additional benefits, including accessibility, personalised treatment options, and enhanced convenience, catering to individuals who may not be eligible for NHS treatment, or are unable to get an appointment:
- Reduced waiting times for consultations and treatment plans
One of the standout benefits of private orthodontic care is the significantly reduced waiting time for consultations and treatments. While NHS orthodontics currently have waiting lists of up to three to four years due to high demand and limited availability, at Space Dental we can arrange consultations within three to four weeks. This expedited access allows patients to address orthodontic concerns promptly, avoiding prolonged delays that may worsen dental issues or cause undue stress and discomfort. - Bespoke treatment plans tailored to your needs
Private orthodontics moves beyond the standardised approach often necessary in NHS care by offering highly personalised treatment plans. At Space Dental, patients can choose from a range of advanced options tailored to their specific needs, preferences, and lifestyles. Whether opting for discreet clear aligners like Straights or more traditional fixed braces for teeth with optional cosmetic enhancements, we focus on delivering solutions that align with the your individual goals. This flexibility ensures a more comfortable, effective, and satisfying orthodontic experience. - Advanced technology and innovative techniques
From 3D imaging and digital impressions that enhance precision to advanced systems and accelerated orthodontic methods, we leverage the latest innovations to optimise your smile outcome. These advancements not only reduce treatment plan durations but also minimise the number of appointments required, making private orthodontics a convenient and appealing choice.
Clear Aligners vs. Fixed Braces: Which is right for you?
When it comes to orthodontic treatments, the choice between clear aligners and fixed braces for teeth depends on your specific needs, lifestyle, and personal preferences. At Space Dental, we provide both options to cater to a variety of cases, ensuring that every patient receives the care and results they desire.
Precision for complex cases
Fixed braces are great for addressing more complex orthodontic issues such as severe crowding, large gaps, or significant misalignments. These braces deliver reliable and precise results, making them an excellent choice for even the most challenging cases. Space Dental offers a range of options, including traditional metal braces for durability and affordability, as well as more discreet ceramic braces and lingual braces, which are fitted behind the teeth. Because fixed braces remain in place throughout the treatment, you won’t need to worry about compliance or remembering to wear them—they’re working 24/7 to perfect your smile.
Discreet and convenient
For those seeking a more subtle approach to orthodontic care, clear teeth aligners are an ideal solution. Perfect for mild to moderate alignment issues, these removable aligners offer a nearly invisible alternative to traditional braces. At Space Dental, we custom-fit each aligner using Straights’ advanced 3D scanning technology to ensure a precise, tailored treatment plan. The ability to remove aligners for eating, brushing, and flossing not only makes them highly convenient but also helps maintain excellent oral hygiene throughout the treatment process.
Choosing between fixed braces and clear aligners often comes down to your specific orthodontic needs and lifestyle considerations. While fixed braces are unmatched in their ability to handle complex cases, clear aligners offer a discreet and flexible option for those with less severe issues. During your consultation at Space Dental, our expert orthodontic team will assess and guide you toward a bespoke treatment that aligns with your goals, ensuring a beautiful, healthy smile.
An investment in your smile
One of the biggest concerns about private orthodontic care is cost. NHS orthodontic treatment is free for children under 18 who meet strict criteria, however, options are limited to basic metal braces, and waiting lists can span several years. For adults, orthodontic treatments are not available on the NHS, regardless of the severity of the issue. Similarly, cosmetic procedures such as teeth whitening and clear teeth aligners are excluded from NHS coverage, meaning they are only accessible through private dental care.
While NHS care is cost-effective for those who qualify, private options offer flexibility, advanced technology, and optional cosmetic choices tailored to your needs. Private treatment costs can start at around £3,500, however at Space Dental we offer flexible financing plans that allow patients to spread the cost over time, making a confident smile more accessible than ever.
Take the first step toward the smile you’ve always wanted and book your consultation with Space Dental today.
Nigel’s smile journey
Nigel visited Space Dental to address the crowding in his upper and lower teeth causing abrasions and chips.
After a thorough examination, we created a bespoke treatment plan, including clear aligners, whitening, and composite bonding. Nigel’s journey began with a one-hour tooth and gum conditioning appointment to ensure his oral health was in optimal condition before starting treatment.
Over 15 weeks, clear aligners corrected the crowding and alignment, followed by a four-week custom whitening plan. Finally, a 1.5-hour appointment with our cosmetic dentist transformed his smile with minimal composite edge bonding, leaving Nigel with a beautiful, straight and healthy smile.
