Transferring orthodontic treatment started abroad

Katerina Galkina · EN · 07/10/2026

Find a receiving clinician early

Continuing braces or aligners requires a new clinician's agreement after assessment. Do not assume every practice supports your system or original plan. Arrange the transfer before moving or running out of aligners where possible.

The British Orthodontic Society ↗ recommends transferring the treatment history and records; changing clinician may affect progress and duration.

Gather the records

Request the diagnosis, original plan, completed stages, radiographs, photographs and models or digital scans. For braces, provide the appliance system. For aligners, include the brand, completed and remaining tray numbers, attachments and procedures already performed.

Ask whether the manufacturer can transfer the digital case. The previous practice's details and an English clinical summary help the new clinician obtain missing information with your permission.

Agree a new plan and costs

The receiving orthodontist may recommend further assessment or changes. Ask why and obtain a written plan covering timing, visits, risks and completion.

Check assessment, transfer, new-appliance, refinement and retainer fees separately. A package paid for overseas does not bind a British practice. NHS access requires its own assessment; overseas private treatment does not automatically qualify for free continuation.

Avoid an unsupervised gap

Establish who is responsible until the first substantive appointment and what to do with the current tray or a damaged appliance. Do not progress stages or adjust components on generic internet advice.

If the appointment is delayed, request individual interim instructions. Continue general dental examinations: orthodontic reviews do not replace checks for decay and gum disease. Keep confirmation that records were transferred and the date the new clinician assumes responsibility.