The Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need

What is the IOTN ? The Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN) is a rating system that's used to determine whether under 18s qualify for NHS orthodontic treatment. During your NHS assessment, your IOTN certified orthodontist will look at two aspects of your teeth: your dental health and the appearance of your smile. dental health appearance The dental health component NHS orthodontic treatment is designed to help patients who need treatment to improve their dental health. To find out if you're eligible, your orthodontist will use a set of measurements to give your smile a grade of between 1 and 5. do not qualify for NHS treatment borderline do qualify for NHS treatment 1 4 5 If your teeth are borderline your orthodontist will assess the appearance of your smile to decide whether you are eligible for NHS treatment. NOT ELIGIBLE GRADE 1 Good news! Your teeth are practically perfect. NOT ELIGIBLE GRADE 2 You have a minor irregularity and you won't be eligible for NHS orthodontic treatment. Examples include: Mild to moderate Mildly crooked or crowded teeth Mild open bite prominence (overjet) BORDERLINE GRADE 3 You have a moderate irregularity, which may require treatment for dental health reasons. Examples include: Moderately crooked or crowded teeth Moderate open bite Moderate prominence and lips that don't rest together ELIGIBLE GRADE 4 You have a more severe irregularity and are entitled to NHS orthodontic treatment. Examples include: Severe prominence of between 6 and 9mm Moderately to severely Missing teeth that require pre-restorative orthodontics or space closure crooked or crowded teeth ELIGIBLE GRADE 5 You have a serious irregularity, which requires NHS orthodontic treatment for dental health reasons. Examples include: Teeth that don't have space to erupt naturally due to crowding (not including wisdom teeth) Extensive missing teeth, i.e. more than one tooth missing in any quadrant Severe prominence of more than 9mm The aesthetic component If you receive a dental health grade of 3, your orthodontist will then look at the appearance of your smile and give you a second score of between 1 and 10. This is done using a set of ten images as a reference point for 'attractiveness'. If you are given an aesthetic score of 6 or above, combined with a dental health score of 3, you will be eligible for NHS treatment. 4 9. 10 If you are eligible for NHS care, you might need to join a waiting list before you can start your treatment. This is because orthodontists are only given a limited amount of NHS funding each year. If you don't qualify for NHS treatment, your orthodontist will be able to discuss self-funded private options with you. www.totalorthodontics.co.uk/IOTN total orthodontics Your time to shine LO