My orthodontist said i need a brace but I would have to pay for it?!

My orthodontist said i need a brace but I would have to pay for it?

how do you get a brace under the NHS ?
what criteria do you have to meet?

Hi,
First of all most orthodontists will treat you on the nhs up to the age of 16yrs, after this most will only treat you privately. If you have a particularly complex or extreme case you may be accepted for NHS treatment but they wont accept you if its just a cosmetic problem. The reason I know this is because I have been trying to get a brace for 3yrs and can't afford to go private, luckily I worked as a dental nurse and my boss referred me to an nhs dental hospital, I have been for an exam and due to go for follow up to see if I have been accepted for treatment. Basically you have to say its really affecting your confidence and you dont want to go out and its depressing you and things like that to even get them to consider treating you, its worth talking to your dentist and explain your situation and ask if they would refer to your local dental hospital. good luck!