Orthodontic treatment in the UK is certainly not cheap – the British Orthodontics Society (BOS) estimates that the cost of treating an adult can range from £2,000 to £6,000, depending on the complexity of the treatment.
The first thing to do is to go along to your own dentist – or register with a dentist if you haven’t already done so (
http://www.nhs.uk/servicedirectories...T.mc_id=030901
) and get his or her advice. Your dentist could advise on what treatment you need and possibly make the necessary arrangements for such treatment - perhaps following consultation with an orthodontic specialist ( NHS or private ).
It is possible to have orthodontic treatment under the National Health Service or as a private patient. NHS treatment is free for children up to the age of 18 and students up to the age of 19 if there is a clinical need. Other people entitled to free treatment are patients on a low income, pregnant women and nursing mothers. Everyone else has to pay the NHS charges. There is no charge for treatment in hospital departments if it’s required.
You will only be entitled to treatment under the NHS if your condition is serious. “ Minor problems “ – even if not appearing so to you - may be classed as cosmetic and would therefore be charged privately.
If you decide to have treatment privately, the orthodontist will be able to estimate the cost of your treatment and give you details. It is always a good idea to discuss the cost fully before treatment and, if necessary, have the cost confirmed in writing to avoid any confusion.
Read more here :-
http://www.dentalhealth.org/tell-me-...eatment-braces
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Orthodo...roduction.aspx
The alternative is, as you suggest, to consider treatment in the Philippines. Dentists are reputed to be good, and relatively cheap, there.
As with “ health tourism “ – treatment of medical / surgical conditions – there are precautions to consider, depending on the treatment being considered :-
• Do your research into the clinic / hospital, including language used / communication / costs.
• Have a full consultation with the doctor or dentist.
• Consider aftercare such as corrective treatment. How long could you stay in the Philippines ? It could be awkward and expensive if further treatment was needed in the UK at a later date.
• Consider travel risks such as air travel after surgery.
• Insurers may not cover planned treatment abroad.
• Of course the UK has reciprocal healthcare agreements with a few non-EEA countries, but not the Philippines. Travel insurance is vital for short visits ( and local health insurance, such as “ PhilHealth “ , desirable for living there permanently ).
A Happy Christmas and good New Year also to you !