The Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN) is a scoring system that orthodontists use to decide who is eligible for NHS treatment.
In the UK NHS orthodontic care is available to individuals who need treatment to improve their dental health – not just the appearance of their smile. This infographic helps to explain the IOTN and how patients are assessed to determine whether they qualify for NHS treatment.
Your orthodontist will start by looking at your teeth and how they affect the health of your smile. You’ll be given a score of between 1 and 5. If you score a 1 or 2 you won’t qualify for NHS treatment for dental health reasons. If you score a 3 you ‘might’ qualify for treatment (your orthodontist will need to take into account the appearance of your teeth). If you score a 4 or 5 you will qualify for NHS treatment.
If you are suitable for NHS care you may need to join a waiting list before you can start your treatment. This is because NHS funding for orthodontic care is limited and in some areas it can’t keep up with demand.
If you don’t qualify for NHS orthodontic treatment most orthodontists will be able to provide orthodontic treatment on a self-funded private basis.
Source: Brightside Marketing
