What is an IOTN Score?

The IOTN Score, or Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need, is the standard system used by the NHS in the UK to determine whether a patient qualifies for free orthodontic treatment. It measures the severity of malocclusion (misaligned teeth) and assigns a score that decides clinical need versus cosmetic concerns. Key takeaway An IOTN Score of 4 or 5 usually qualifies you for NHS braces treatment in the UK. Scores 1-3 are generally considered cosmetic and fall outside NHS funding, though private treatment remains an option. The score combines dental health need and aesthetic impact. What Does IOTN Stand For and Why Was It Created? IOTN stands for Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need. Developed in the 1980s by orthodontists in the UK, it provides an objective way to prioritise NHS resources for p...