I'm Dr Nick Dhaliwal, Practice Principal at The Dental Surgery Burnham. My direct answer for parents short on time: most children under 18 are entitled to free NHS dental care in the UK, including check-ups and, where clinically necessary, orthodontic treatment such as braces. Here's what I actually tell parents in my chair about getting this right from the start.
Is My Child Entitled to Free NHS Dental Care?
Yes, in almost every case. NHS dental care is free for all children under 18, and for those aged 18 who are in full-time education. This covers routine check-ups, X-rays, fillings, extractions, and preventative treatments like fluoride varnish. I see far too many parents assume there's a catch, and there isn't, this is standard NHS entitlement, not a special scheme.
Where it gets more specific is orthodontics. Free NHS braces are available to under-18s, but only when a clinical assessment shows genuine need, typically measured against the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need. Mild cosmetic misalignment usually doesn't meet that threshold, in which case private options, including invisalign attachments for more complex teen cases, become relevant. Full details on child dental care burnham eligibility are worth checking before assuming you'll need to go private.
In short: routine NHS dental care is free for every child under 18. NHS braces are also free, but only for those who meet the clinical need threshold, not for mild cosmetic cases.
When Should I Bring My Child In for Their First Check-Up?
I recommend bringing children in as soon as their first teeth appear, usually around 6 months, and definitely by their first birthday. This isn't about treatment at that stage, it's about my team getting your child comfortable with the environment early, so a dental visit feels normal rather than intimidating by the time they actually need work done.
What I check at early appointments
- Tooth eruption pattern and spacing
- Early signs of decay, particularly around the back molars
- Diet and brushing habits at home
- Whether fluoride varnish or preventative sealants would help
In short: earlier visits build comfort and catch problems before they become bigger, not just check for cavities once they're already causing pain.
How Do I Know if My Child Needs Orthodontic Treatment?
This is one of the most common questions I get from parents at The Dental Surgery Burnham. Here's how I actually assess it.
Step 1: I watch how permanent teeth come through
Most orthodontic assessments happen once most adult teeth have erupted, typically age 10 to 14, because jaw growth and tooth position are clearer by that stage.
Step 2: I check against clinical need criteria
For NHS funding, I assess your child against the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need. Significant crowding, notable overbites or underbites, and impacted teeth generally qualify. Mild spacing or minor rotation usually doesn't.
Step 3: I discuss options honestly
If your child doesn't meet NHS criteria but you'd still like treatment for confidence or aesthetic reasons, I explain private routes, including Invisalign Teen, without pressuring you either way.
In short: clinical need, not parental preference, determines NHS eligibility, and I'll tell you clearly which category your child falls into rather than leaving you to guess.
What Does Private Orthodontic Treatment Cost for Teens?
If your child doesn't qualify for free NHS braces and you're considering a private route, Invisalign Teen is worth understanding properly before committing. Full invisalign cost uk pricing applies here too, and the short version is that Invisalign Teen packages at my practice start from £3,750, with interest-free finance available to spread the cost.
Compared against invisalign vs braces for a teenager specifically, I usually flag one extra consideration parents don't always think of: compliance. Aligners only work if they're actually worn 20-22 hours a day, and not every teenager manages that reliably. I have an honest conversation with both parent and child about this before recommending aligners over fixed braces for a younger patient.
In short: private teen orthodontics is a real option when NHS criteria aren't met, but compliance with removable aligners is a genuine factor to weigh for younger patients, not just cost.
How Do I Keep My Child's Teeth Healthy Between Visits?
I give parents the same practical guidance repeatedly, because it's what actually prevents problems rather than just treating them later.
- Brush twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste appropriate for their age, supervised until around age 7
- Limit sugary snacks and drinks between meals, not just at mealtimes, since frequency matters more than total amount
- Use a fluoride mouthwash once they're old enough not to swallow it, usually from around age 6 or 7
- Book six-monthly check-ups, or more frequently if I flag a higher decay risk
In short: consistent brushing, limiting snack frequency rather than just quantity, and regular six-monthly check-ups prevent the vast majority of the childhood dental issues I see.
What Happens If My Child Needs Treatment Beyond a Check-Up?
If I find decay, crowding, or another issue during a check-up, I explain exactly what's needed and why, in plain language, before doing anything. For straightforward NHS-covered treatment like fillings, this happens at the same or a follow-up appointment. For orthodontic cases needing a specialist opinion, I'll talk you through both the NHS and private pathways so you can make an informed decision without pressure.
If you're also considering your own dental treatment while you're bringing the kids in, many parents combine visits, whether that's an assessment for dental implants windsor if they're missing teeth, or simply registering as a family. It's genuinely easier to manage when everyone's registered at burnham dental surgery together, and I see plenty of families travelling in from further out too, including parents searching for a dentist in maidenhead who want their children seen at the same practice.
In short: I explain findings clearly, cover NHS and private routes honestly where relevant, and make it easy for parents to combine their own appointments with their children's.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age should my child have their first dental appointment?
By their first birthday, ideally as soon as their first tooth appears around 6 months. I had a mum bring her son in at 8 months last year purely so he'd associate the chair with something normal, and by the time he needed his first filling at age 6, he sat through it without any fuss at all.
Are braces really free on the NHS for children?
Yes, but only when a clinical assessment confirms genuine need against the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need. Mild cosmetic misalignment typically doesn't qualify, which is where private options like Invisalign Teen become relevant.
How often should my child see the dentist?
Every six months as standard, though I sometimes recommend more frequent visits for children with higher decay risk, ongoing orthodontic monitoring, or a history of dental anxiety who need extra reassurance visits.
Is Invisalign suitable for teenagers?
Yes, when compliance isn't a concern. Invisalign Teen works the same way as adult Invisalign, but I always have a frank conversation with parents about whether their teenager will reliably wear aligners 20-22 hours a day, since inconsistent wear extends treatment significantly.
What if my child is anxious about the dentist?
I take this seriously and slow the pace right down, sometimes over several short visits just building familiarity before any actual treatment. Starting early, ideally before your child has had a bad experience elsewhere, makes an enormous difference to how they respond long-term.
Does the NHS cover emergency dental care for children?
Yes, emergency NHS dental care for children is also free, covering issues like dental trauma, severe pain, or infection. I'd always recommend calling promptly rather than waiting, since some issues, like a knocked-out permanent tooth, are genuinely time-sensitive.
Ready to register your family? Book a free consultation at The Dental Surgery Burnham for your child's first check-up, or your own.
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