What sets an orthodontist apart from a regular dentist — and when should you actually see one? Orthodontists complete an additional three years of specialist training after dental school, focusing exclusively on diagnosing and correcting misaligned teeth and jaws. In the UK, roughly 200,000 people begin orthodontic treatment each year, according to the British Orthodontic Society. Whether you're considering braces for your child or exploring options like clear aligners as an adult, this guide answers the most common questions about orthodontic care.
What Exactly Does an Orthodontist Do?
An orthodontist is a dental specialist registered with the General Dental Council (GDC) who diagnoses, prevents, and treats irregularities of the teeth and jaw. Their scope goes well beyond straightening teeth. Orthodontists assess bite problems — known clinically as malocclusions — that can cause difficulty chewing, speech issues, and long-term jaw pain.
Treatment typically begins with a detailed assessment including X-rays, photographs, and dental impressions or digital scans. From this, the orthodontist develops a personalised treatment plan. Common conditions they treat include overcrowding, overbites, underbites, crossbites, and gaps between teeth.
"Orthodontic treatment isn't purely cosmetic. A correctly aligned bite reduces the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and temporomandibular joint disorders later in life." — British Orthodontic Society guidance, 2024
Unlike general dentists, orthodontists spend their entire clinical practice focused on tooth and jaw alignment. The Specialist Advisory Committee in Orthodontics requires a minimum of three years of full-time postgraduate training beyond the five-year dental degree [GDC, 2024].
How Much Does Orthodontic Treatment Cost in the UK?
Orthodontic fees vary significantly depending on the type of appliance, treatment complexity, and whether you qualify for NHS funding. The table below summarises typical costs for private treatment in 2025.
NHS orthodontic treatment is available free for under-18s whose case scores 3.6 or above on the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN). Adults rarely qualify for NHS funding unless the condition significantly affects dental health or function. Most adults pay privately, with many practices offering interest-free payment plans over 12–24 months.
When Should You See an Orthodontist?
The British Orthodontic Society recommends a first orthodontic assessment by age seven, even if teeth appear straight. Early evaluation can detect developing problems with jaw growth or emerging teeth that benefit from timely intervention.
Signs that warrant a referral at any age include:
- Visible crowding or overlapping teeth — making brushing and flossing difficult
- Difficulty biting or chewing — suggesting a misaligned bite
- Mouth breathing or jaw clicking — which may indicate skeletal issues
- Protruding front teeth — increasing the risk of dental injury
- Gaps that aren't closing naturally — common after losing baby teeth
For adults, there is no upper age limit. An increasing number of patients in their 30s, 40s, and beyond seek orthodontic treatment. According to the BOS, adult orthodontic referrals rose by 60% between 2015 and 2023.
How to Choose the Right Orthodontist
Selecting a qualified orthodontist requires checking a few critical credentials. Follow these steps to find the right specialist for your needs.
- Verify GDC registration — Search the General Dental Council register and confirm the practitioner holds a specialist listing in orthodontics.
- Check professional membership — Members of the British Orthodontic Society adhere to additional clinical standards and continuing education requirements.
- Request a treatment plan in writing — A reputable orthodontist provides a detailed plan with estimated timeline, total cost, and expected outcomes before you commit.
- Compare consultation options — Many practices offer free initial consultations. Use this to assess the orthodontist's communication style and the clinic environment.
- Ask about retention — Post-treatment retainers are essential. Clarify whether retainer costs are included in the quoted fee.
Avoid providers who pressure you into immediate decisions or skip the diagnostic stage. A thorough assessment — including X-rays and dental records — is the standard of care before any orthodontic treatment begins.
What Happens During Orthodontic Treatment?
Orthodontic treatment follows a structured process, typically lasting 12 to 24 months for standard cases. Here is what to expect at each stage.
Initial consultation and records: The orthodontist takes X-rays, photographs, and impressions (or digital scans). These records allow precise measurement of tooth positions and jaw relationships.
Fitting the appliance: Whether fixed braces or removable aligners, the fitting appointment usually takes 60–90 minutes. Fixed braces involve bonding brackets to each tooth and threading an archwire through them. Aligners are custom-moulded trays replaced every one to two weeks.
Adjustment appointments: For fixed braces, adjustments happen every 6–8 weeks. The orthodontist tightens or replaces the archwire to maintain pressure on the teeth. Aligner patients attend check-ups every 8–12 weeks to monitor progress and receive new trays.
Retention phase: After the active treatment phase, retainers maintain the new tooth positions. Fixed retainers — a thin wire bonded behind the front teeth — are increasingly common alongside removable night-time retainers. Skipping retainers is the most common cause of relapse, with teeth shifting back within months [BOS, 2024].
Key takeaway: The retention phase is just as important as the active treatment. Budget for retainer costs and commit to wearing them as directed — most orthodontists recommend lifelong night-time use to maintain results.
NHS Orthodontic Treatment vs Private Care
The NHS provides orthodontic treatment to children and young people whose dental health would benefit from correction. Eligibility is assessed using the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN), a standardised scoring system. Grades 4 and 5 qualify automatically, while Grade 3 cases are assessed individually by the orthodontist.
NHS waiting times vary by region. According to the NHS Business Services Authority, the average wait for NHS orthodontic treatment in England is 12–18 months from referral to appliance fitting. In some areas, waits exceed two years.
Private treatment offers faster access, a wider range of appliance options — including ceramic braces and clear aligners — and typically more flexible appointment scheduling. The trade-off is cost, which ranges from £1,500 to £6,000 depending on the appliance and treatment complexity.
Frequently Asked Questions About Orthodontists
Can a general dentist do orthodontic work? General dentists can perform basic orthodontics, but complex cases require a specialist. The GDC distinguishes between dentists with a general interest in orthodontics and those on the specialist register who have completed accredited postgraduate training.
Is orthodontic treatment painful? Discomfort is common during the first 3–5 days after fitting or adjustments. Over-the-counter painkillers and soft foods ease the transition. Most patients report that discomfort decreases significantly after the first week.
Do clear aligners work as well as traditional braces? For mild to moderate cases, clear aligners achieve comparable results to fixed braces [Cochrane Review, 2023]. Severe malocclusions or complex tooth movements often still require fixed appliances for optimal control.
How long does orthodontic treatment take? The average treatment duration in the UK is 18–24 months for fixed braces and 12–18 months for aligners, depending on case complexity [NHS England, 2024]. Some minor alignment issues can be corrected in as few as 6 months with short-term orthodontic systems.
Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or dental advice. Consult a qualified orthodontist for guidance specific to your situation.
