For Chichester & West Sussex families
NHS Braces & The Alternatives
Not sure if your child qualifies, facing a long waiting list, or simply want to understand their options before a referral is made? Our specialist team is here to help you find out - starting with a free online screening, no referral needed, and a reply from a Specialist Orthodontist within one working day.
- Specialist Orthodontist-led
- No waiting list - start now
- Answers within a day
Just so you know: Pallant Advanced Dentistry is a private specialist practice, so we don’t provide NHS orthodontic treatment ourselves. What we offer is a free screening to help you find out whether your child is likely to qualify for NHS treatment - and the specialist options open to you either way. It means you can make an informed decision now, rather than waiting months on a list only to find your child doesn’t qualify or the NHS options aren’t right for them.
Where Are You Right Now?
NHS orthodontic treatment is limited, and not every child qualifies - so families reach us at very different stages. Some are only just starting to look into braces, some are waiting to hear back from a referral, and some have already been told their child isn’t eligible. Tell us which sounds most like you, and we’ll point you to the right next step.
The Honest Picture On NHS Braces
There’s a lot of confusion - and a few myths - about who NHS braces are for and how long they take. Here’s what’s actually true for families in Chichester and West Sussex, so you can make an informed decision for your child.
It’s based on need, not choice
NHS braces are funded strictly by clinical need, scored on a scale called the IOTN. Only children whose teeth score highly enough qualify - so many with milder crowding, spacing or bite issues miss out, even when treatment would still make a real difference.
The wait can be long
Across Chichester and West Sussex, NHS orthodontic waiting lists commonly run well over a year - and often two or more - before treatment even begins. For a growing child, that delay can matter.
You can find out now
You don’t need to wait for a dentist’s referral, or for a place on a list, to understand your options. A free online screening gives you a Specialist Orthodontist’s honest read - within one working day.
The honest answer might be that the NHS is right for your child - or that starting specialist treatment now is the better path. Either way, you’ll know where you stand.
Before & after
Real Smiles, Real Results
A few of the transformations our Specialist Orthodontists have created for young patients here in Chichester. Drag the slider to see the difference.
Why it matters
Why Acting Early Matters
Our Specialist Orthodontists explain why the best time to look at your child’s teeth is often sooner than parents expect – and why a long NHS wait can mean missing the ideal window for treatment.
The free IOTN screening
Find Out If Your Child Would Qualify For NHS Treatment
Our free online screening is an IOTN assessment - the same scale the NHS uses to decide who qualifies. Send a few photos, answer a few quick questions, and one of our Specialist Orthodontists gives you an early read on your child’s likely IOTN score: whether they’re likely to be eligible for NHS treatment, and what your options are either way.
Tell us about your child
Upload a few photos and answer a few quick questions. About two minutes on your phone - no appointment, no cost.
A Specialist Orthodontist reviews it
Dr Alastair or Dr Megan assess the photos, estimate your child’s likely IOTN score, and check whether NHS treatment is likely.
A clear answer, fast
We come back within one working day with an honest indication of whether your child would qualify - and the best options for them either way.
Accessible specialist care
Your Options, Made Accessible
You don’t have to wait for NHS braces, or spend years on a waiting list. And your child doesn’t have to have fixed metal braces if they’d rather not - there are discreet and removable options too, all with no waiting list. Here’s what’s included, and how families spread the cost.
Everything your child needs for a healthy, confident smile - led by a Specialist Orthodontist, with none of the NHS wait.
- No waiting list - treatment can start straight away
- A choice of fixed, clear or removable options
- Everything included - no hidden extras
What’s included in your child’s treatment
- Specialist assessment, diagnosis and treatment, overseen by a Specialist Orthodontist and their team
- Digital iTero scan and a free 3D smile simulation - no moulds or messy impressions
- Dental Monitoring for remote check-ins between visits
- All X-rays, laboratory fees and digital clinical photographs
- Fixed and removable retainers, a year of aftercare, then our Retainer Club (worth £795)
- Orthodontic care pack and step-by-step care tutorials (worth £35)
- A guaranteed smile transformation, backed by our patient results
Flexible Ways To Pay
Pay in full
Settle in a single payment and receive £250 off your child’s treatment.
Deposit + interest-free finance
From an £800 deposit, spread the rest over up to 24 months, interest-free, by Direct Debit.
Tabeo finance
Spread the full cost over up to 5 years at 9.9% APR. A soft credit check only - nothing shows on your credit history.
Prices are a guide for specialist treatment; your child’s exact plan and cost are confirmed at their consultation.
The Pallant experience
Specialist-Led Care, The Modern Way
Digital iTero scans (no messy impressions), remote monitoring between visits, and a plan built around your child - all with no NHS wait.
Start your child’s free screening →Video stories
Hear It From Our Families
Children and parents from around Chichester share what treatment at Pallant was really like – in their own words.
In their own words
Loved By Local Families
Most families come to us through a personal recommendation - from a friend who’s been through it, or a referral from their own dentist. Here’s what parents across Chichester and West Sussex say about their children’s treatment.
“We were highly recommended to Pallant when my daughter needed braces. She was a little anxious at first, as her teeth were quite misaligned, but she was quickly put at ease - she actually ended up looking forward to her appointments. The transformation has been incredible and she's so happy with her new smile. We'd highly recommend Dr Alastair Smith and his amazing team.”
“From the moment we walked in, my son felt comfortable and excited about his treatment. It only took a year to get the desired results - a very quick process considering how much the teeth had to move. He's gone from shying away from the camera to front and centre in every photo. I'd highly recommend Pallant.”
“Our 11-year-old daughter needed her front teeth straightened, and thanks to Dr Alastair and the team they were beautifully aligned in just 9 months. From the first consultation we felt reassured and supported, and Dr Alastair was gentle, encouraging and very skilled. We couldn't be happier with the confidence it's given her.”
“Both my daughters have just completed their treatment and now have the most beautiful smiles. The friendly staff supported us over the past couple of years - always informative and approachable. Alastair and his team make sure every part of the journey is explained along the way. Highly recommend.”
Real smiles
Happy Patients At Pallant
A few of the young smiles we’ve helped transform here in Chichester.
Good to know
Your Questions, Answered
The things parents most often ask us about NHS eligibility, waiting lists and going private for their child.
How do I know if my child qualifies for NHS braces?
Do you provide NHS treatment yourselves?
What happens if my child doesn't qualify for NHS treatment?
Does my child need a referral to come to you?
How long are NHS orthodontic waiting lists?
At what age should my child see an orthodontist?
What types of braces do you offer for children and teens?
How much does private treatment cost?
Can we still come to you if we're already on an NHS waiting list?
What happens after the free screening?
