Orthodontics

We accept patients for orthodontic treatment depending on the complexity of the treatment needed. 

Patients must be under the age of 18 years with Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN) Dental Health Component 4 and 5.

This includes patients having ‘great’ or ‘very great’ need for treatment. Patients will not automatically be accepted by IOTN score and the complexity will first be assessed. For example, with severe crowding only, or hypodontia with only one missing tooth per quadrant, we may discharge them for onward referral to a specialist orthodontic practice. These patients will most likely be eligible for NHS treatment but not in the hospital setting.

Other conditions that we often manage include:

• Significant jaw discrepancy eligible for combined orthodontic-surgical (orthognathic) care.
• Developmental absence of teeth (hypodontia) meeting specific acceptance criteria regarding the complexity of the proposed treatment.
• Cleft lip and palate according to our eligibility criteria.

Our acceptance criteria provides more information on referring to the orthodontic service. 

Our orthodontic service is mostly for patients under the age of 18 who require complex orthodontic treatment. We treat some adult patients in our department who:

• Require corrective jaw surgery in conjunction with brace treatment.
• Suffer obstructive sleep apnoea.

No other patients over 18 can be treated for orthodontic problems.

In order to be considered for treatment you will need to be referred. The referral may come from your dentist or from a specialist orthodontist who feels your treatment may need to be carried out in the Dental Hospital.

Orthodontic treatment at Barts Health NHS Trust is offered at The Royal London Dental Hospital and also at Whipps Cross University Hospital.

Find out more on the British Orthodontic Society Website

What are the risks?

Looking after your teeth and brace

Advice about your twin block

Your orthodontic retainers

Where to go 

Your appointment letter or appointment card should tell you where to go when you arrive.

If not, please call the number on your appointment letter or appointment card to find out where you should go. If you misplace your appointment letter or card, please contact central appointments.

Please arrive 10 minutes before your appointment. Every missed appointment costs the NHS £160. If you are 20 mins late for your appointment we may not be able to accommodate you and your appointment may need to be re-booked.

When you arrive at the clinic

On arrival, please speak to the clinic receptionist, who will explain what you need to do next.

Most orthodontic patients are seen on the 1^st floor of The Royal London Dental Hospital or in Junction 2 of Whipps Cross Hospital.