NHS braces for teens and adults
Learn all about braces and orthodontic treatment offered under the NHS for teens and adults at Inchvannie House Dental Practice in Dingwall.
Orthodontic treatment is used to improve the appearance, position, and function of crooked or abnormally arranged teeth. Orthodontic treatment can straighten the teeth and move them into a better position. Inchvannie House is proud to offer reliable NHS braces for teens and adults in the Highlands.

Free NHS orthodontic treatment
NHS orthodontic treatment is free for people under the age of 18 with a clear clinical need for treatment and for some adults who have severe bite-related issues impacting their quality of life. However, due to high demand, there can be a long waiting list for NHS orthodontic treatment.
To ensure that dentists can prioritise the children who need treatment the most, there are strict rules about who qualifies for orthodontics on the NHS. The criteria for orthodontic treatment under the NHS are determined by the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN). This index is used to assess the severity of dental irregularities and to decide whether patients qualify for NHS-funded orthodontic treatment.
The IOTN has two components: the Dental Health Component (DHC) and the Aesthetic Component (AC). Our dentist will determine whether you qualify for orthodontic treatment and make a formal request for approval with the NHS.
NHS qualifying criteria
To apply for free NHS orthodontic dental care, you should have one or more of the following conditions. We request our patients to conduct a self-assessment to improve their chances of being approved for free NHS orthodontics:
Treatment process
Initial consultation and treatment planning
Fitting the braces
Regular adjustments and progress monitoring
Completion and retention
Orthodontics with Des O'Hanlon
Des O’Hanlon is an accomplished dentist with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery from Dundee University. He has been honing his skills in dentistry since 1991. He joined Inchvannie House in 2017 and is recognised for his special interest in orthodontics. As one of the few dentists in the Highlands offering orthodontic braces under the NHS, he continually engages in professional development to stay at the forefront of this specialised area.
Des’s passion for dentistry drives him to achieve the best possible outcomes for his patients, always prioritising their health, well-being, and smiles. Originally from the Manchester area, Des’s career has taken him across various locations, including six years in Nottingham, nearly two decades in Edinburgh, and now serving the community in Dingwall since 2018.
Outside of his professional life, Des enjoys dog walking and spending quality time with his three teenagers. These activities provide a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle, contributing to his overall well-being and enabling him to maintain a high level of performance at work.
Des is dedicated to improving patients’ health and enhancing their smiles. His commitment to providing excellent patient care drives him, and he finds immense satisfaction in the positive feedback he receives. By combining his scientific passion, initially sparked by an interest in veterinary science, with his expertise in dentistry, Des has created a rewarding career where he makes a tangible difference in people’s lives.
If you don’t qualify for free NHS orthodontic treatment or if you don’t want to wait for the treatment to start, you may choose independent care. Treatment fees can range from £1800 to £2500. You can learn more about our private prices here.
To help you budget for your dental care, we now offer flexible payment options. You can choose 0% APR plan for up to 12 months for high-value NHS or private treatments over £1000. Alternatively, you can reduce your monthly costs by spreading the payments over 24 to 60 months with APRs ranging from 9.9% to 12.9%. You can learn more about our payment plans here.
Your dentist will be able to advise you on current waiting list times and give you an idea of how likely you are to be able to secure NHS treatment.