Free Braces for Children & Teens: Eligibility & Options

It depends on the country and the specific healthcare system. In some countries, such as the United Kingdom, basic orthodontic treatment is available for free under the National Health Service (NHS) to children and young people under the age of 18 who meet certain criteria, such as having severe crowding or misalignment of the teeth. In other countries, such as the United States, braces are typically not covered by public health insurance and families must pay for treatment out-of-pocket or through private dental insurance.