Salford - 0161 720 7612 Ashton - 0161 330 4124

Assessing your smile

We welcome referrals for NHS treatment for patients aged 17 or under. This must come via your general dentist, who will monitor your teeth and be able to advise you on the most appropriate time for an assessment with an orthodontist. We are unable to accept self-referrals for NHS treatment.

Once we have received your referral, we arrange your free NHS assessment appointment to check if you are eligible for NHS treatment. You are warmly welcomed to Links Orthodontics and seen by one of our specialist orthodontists. In a 15-30 minute consultation, we will examine your teeth and assess the suitability for treatment against the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN).

Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need

Like all other orthodontists, we use the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN) to assess if you qualify for NHS treatment. The IOTN scale is split into two areas, dental health and aesthetic, each represented by a number.

You will be given a dental health grade from 1-5 and an aesthetic score from 1-10. You will be eligible for free NHS treatment if the overall score is determined to be 3.6 or higher.

Grade 1 - treatment not needed. Teeth are near perfect and braces are not needed for health reasons.

Grade 2 - treatment not needed. Minor irregularities present, such as slightly protruding upper front teeth, and braces are not needed for health reasons.

Grade 3 - borderline. Greater irregularities present. Grade 3 is considered borderline, so you will only be eligible for NHS treatment if your aesthetic score is deemed 6 or higher.

Grade 4 - treatment needed. More extensive irregularities, and treatment is needed for health reasons. Issues include upper front teeth that protrude by more than 6mm, lower front teeth that protrude more than 3.5mm and open bits greater than 4mm.

Grade 5 - treatment needed. Severe irregularities, with treatment needed for dental health reasons. Issues include missing teeth, protruding upper front teeth by more than 9mm and cleft lip and palate.

IOTN Score

A score of 4 or 5 means you are immediately eligible for NHS orthodontic treatment.

At your consultation appointment, we let you know your IOTN score. If you are not eligible for NHS treatment, we immediately offer you the chance to look at private treatments, including Invisalign if suitable. Our treatment coordinator will discuss all the options to help you make the best choice for you and your child.

Frequently Asked Questions

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I had my top and bottom teeth straightened at this orthodontist. I found the whole process a good one from start to finish. The staff are all lovely and the receptionists are very helpful. I would recommend this Orthodontic practice. My teeth are lovely now and I do get comments about them.

K Ann

Absolutely thrilled!!! My son age 12 started here one year ago and I cannot believe the difference. Easily accessible, wonderful friendly staff who are always there if you need any help. The orthodontist made him feel very relaxed and would not hesitate to recommend this surgery to anyone.

K Hasid

I have always been nervous visiting dentists and in the past have often cancelled appointments, however with the reassurance given from the friendly staff at links I haven’t felt the need to cancel. The staff are also very accommodating with my appointments. I love my new smile and the confidence it has given me.

E Gray

We could not be happier with my daughter’s smile after her treatment. Appointments were easily made and consideration was always taken to make sure that my daughter didn’t always miss school. Friendly staff, appointments always on time and not once cancelled in two years! Amazing service.

T Copestake

I have always been nervous visiting dentists and in the past have often cancelled appointments, however with the reassurance given from the friendly staff at links I haven’t felt the need to cancel. The staff are also very accommodating with my appointments. I love my new smile and the confidence it has given me.

E Gray
Salford

141 Leicester Road,
Salford,
M7 4HJ

0161 720 7612 info@linksorthodontics.co.uk

Directions and opening times
Ashton-Under-Lyne

Glebe Street,
Pennymeadow,
OL6 6HD

0161 330 4124 info@linksorthodontics.co.uk

Directions and opening times