Private braces for under-18s
Did not qualify for health service (NHS) braces? Private braces or Smartee aligners for £2,900 with our under-18s offer.
IOTN score too low?
Health service (NHS) braces are only paid for when teeth have a higher need for treatment. The orthodontist checks this using a scoring system called IOTN (Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need). IOTN has five grades, from 1 (little or no need) to 5 (very great need), and in general only the higher grades qualify.
A lower score does not mean treatment would not help. Braces or aligners can still improve how the teeth line up and look, and a mild problem can still affect how confident a teenager feels. We will explain your score and why it did not qualify.
Private treatment is an option, and it has no waiting list.
Our offer
Private treatment usually costs £3,900. While the patient is younger than 18, we can apply our maximum discount, so our under-18s offer price is £2,900 – for metal braces or Smartee clear aligners.
Private treatment usually takes 2–24 months, depending on complexity. Mild cases can often be quite straightforward to fix.
Spread the cost over 12 months
Pay a deposit of £900, then the rest in 12 monthly payments. A £150 plan fee is added to the balance and spread across your monthly payments, so you pay 12 payments of £179.17 (£3,050 in total). See all our costs, or read the braces cost guide.
Good to know
- The best time to start is usually between 12 and 14 years old, when most adult teeth have come through.
- Starting in the early teens makes it more likely that treatment is finished before important exams in school.
- After treatment, you will need to wear retainers every night (8 to 10 hours), for life.
- At your appointments you will be seen by members of our orthodontic team, including orthodontic therapists, our dentist with enhanced skills in orthodontics, Dr Méabh Maguire, and our specialist orthodontist.
- If you repeatedly miss appointments, we may have to stop treatment early, as brace treatment needs to be monitored closely.
Treatment depends on a satisfactory assessment. Not everyone is suitable for orthodontic treatment. Read more about braces for children and teenagers and health service or private treatment.
How to get started
Private patients can refer themselves – you do not need a dentist referral. Or call reception on 028 9045 1303. If you are already a patient, ask your clinician during your appointment.
Would you like to see your possible result?
If you have already attended an appointment with us, we can usually provide a simulation showing the expected outcome of treatment. Just get in touch using the email address you were given at your appointment, or call the practice on 028 9045 1303 for more information.
Frequently asked questions
My child did not qualify for health service braces. What can we do?
Health service (NHS) braces are only funded when the IOTN score shows a higher need. If the score is too low, private treatment is an option. While your child is under 18, private braces or Smartee clear aligners cost £2,900 with our under-18s offer (usually £3,900).
What is IOTN?
IOTN (Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need) is the scoring system used to decide who qualifies for health service braces. It has five grades, from 1 (little or no need) to 5 (very great need).
Does a low IOTN score mean braces will not help?
No. A low score only means the health service will not pay. Treatment can still improve how the teeth line up and look.
How much are private braces for teenagers in Belfast?
Our under-18s offer: £2,900 for metal braces or Smartee clear aligners while the patient is younger than 18. The usual price is £3,900.
Can we pay monthly?
Yes. Pay a £900 deposit, then 12 monthly payments of £179.17. A £150 plan fee is added to the balance and spread across your monthly payments, so the total is £3,050.
Do we need a referral?
No. Private patients can refer themselves using our self-referral form, or call 028 9045 1303.
Questions about your treatment?
Our friendly team is happy to help. Call us on 028 9045 1303 or send us an email.