Four year wait for brace

Children face long waits for a brace

Children are having to wait up to four years to get braces for their teeth because of a shortage of NHS dentists.

Many children are being forced to go private at a cost of £2,000 or risk ruining their teeth.

In the east Midlands town of Northampton 2000 children are waiting for treatment as there are only four dentists who specialise in fitting braces. Not all dentists have the necessary skills to be able to treat cases satisfactorily.

Demand for orthodontic treatment has increased across the UK in recent years.

The UK currently has one orthodontist for every 100,000 people.

In Norway and Sweden the figure is one orthodontist per 25,000 people.

Not cosmetic

Crooked teeth can present many problems

Contrary to popular opinion, braces are not fitted solely for cosmetic reasons.

In fact, the aim of orthodontic treatment is to produce a healthy bite and a straight teeth as well as an attractive smile.

As well as improving a person's confidence, straight teeth make cleaning easier which helps to prevent tooth decay and gum disease.

People with protruding risk are at increased risk of fracturing them in accidents.

Dental problems requiring orthodontic treatment are common among children.

One in four nine-year-olds have crowded teeth, and one in four have protruding upper teeth.

The British Orthodontic Society has called for an increase in the number of training places for dentists wanting to specialise in the discipline.

Jonathan Sandler, a spokesman for the society, said there was no shortage of people wanting to study orthodontics, the problem was that there were limited training places available.

He told BBC News Online: "It is regrettable that children in Northampton have to wait four years.

"Waiting lists do vary enormously throughout the country. The average wait for treatment at an NHS orthodontic clinic is probably about one to two years."

Dr Sandler said it was important that people received treatment for psychological, as well as health reasons.

He said: "There is an enormous amount of negative social stereotyping of people with protruding teeth, and that can lead to a lack of confidence and morale."