Orthodontic treatment means moving your teeth using braces.
You might need braces to:
- straighten crooked, crowded or teeth that stick out
- close gaps between teeth
- correct your bite so the top and bottom teeth meet properly when you close your mouth
Orthodontic treatment can take up to 2 years. After treatment, you'll usually get retainers to keep teeth in their new position.
Getting treatment for children
Around a third of children need orthodontic treatment.
Orthodontic treatment is available for free from the HSE for children who have a severe problem with their bite.
Referrals to the service need to be made before your child is 16 years of age.
Referrals through 6th class dental check-up
Your child will usually get an appointment for a free dental check-up when they are in 6th class. This is done through the HSE dental service.
The dentist will refer your child for an orthodontic assessment if they need it.
If your child has orthodontic problems that meet our eligibility guidelines, they will be referred to the HSE Orthodontic Services.
If you're worried your child needs braces, ask your dentist.
If your child cannot get HSE treatment
About two-thirds of children don't need orthodontic treatment.
If you think the decision by the HSE to not give your child braces is unfair, talk to your dentist first.
Adults cannot get HSE treatment
HSE orthodontic treatment is only available to children who have been assessed before they are age 16.
Adults who want to have orthodontic treatment should talk to their dentist. Orthodontic treatment is not covered by the medical card.
Some children may be older than age 16 by the time they start treatment. Once they are on the waiting list before age 16, they will get treatment when it's their turn.
Private treatment
Private treatment is widely available. The cost of private orthodontic treatment will vary. It depends on the teeth to be moved and how complex the treatment needed is.
Tax relief on dental treatment is available though the Med2 Scheme. Patients or parents can claim back 20% of the private treatment cost against their income tax.
Tax relief on dental treatment
Orthodontic treatment abroad
You can choose to get orthodontic treatment abroad under the Cross Border Directive (CBD).
The CBD scheme allows you to get the same orthodontic treatment you can get in Ireland, in another EU or EEA country.
You have to pay for any treatment you get abroad. But you can then claim back repayment towards the cost of the healthcare.
Read more about getting orthodontic treatment under the Cross Border Directive
