"They've left so many people without a dentist and without any care," says Jacob, 16, who hoped his braces would be coming off his teeth this summer.
He is among more than 700 former patients, both NHS and private, of River Practice, an orthodontist in Cornwall that closed suddenly in April 2026 after the regional health body NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Integrated Care Board (ICB) found it was "no longer meeting the standards required" and terminated its contract. Many patients, like Jacob, have been left with braces but no treatment plan. Some fear the devices could be damaging their teeth and mouths.
The practice owners have not responded to the BBC's requests for comment. A BBC investigation found that former members of staff raised concerns with NHS bodies, including unpaid debts, missing equipment and the future of patient care, up to six months before the contract was terminated.
The NHS says it had boosted oversight of the practice before its closure. NHS patients are now in the process of being transferred to a new provider based on "clinical priority". Several patients have told the BBC their braces have not been checked for months. Others say they have been left thousands of pounds out of pocket and cannot afford more treatment.
Jacob says his brace was fitted 18 months ago at River Practice with a chain pulling down one tooth from his gum. As an NHS patient, he will be allocated a new provider but in the meantime he feels stranded in what he describes as a "ridiculous" situation. Having not been seen for four months aside from NHS emergency appointments, his mother Amy agrees: "We don't know how long we're going to have to wait. My biggest fear is that the brace is doing more harm than good at this point."
NHS fixed metal braces are generally used where children and teenagers have a clinical need, such as overcrowding, bite problems or teeth that make eating or cleaning difficult. They are meant to be adjusted regularly over many months. Delays can prolong treatment or have oral health implications.
Niamh, 14, was referred as an NHS patient but after being assessed at River Practice her father Simon says he was told she did not qualify for free care. As a result he paid a £2,650 deposit of the total £3,650 cost, using cash from the sale of a family heirloom. "My mum had to sell her gold sovereigns that her grandma collected."
Although the bank has now refunded the cash, the sovereigns are gone and Simon says he has been quoted £3,600 by another private dentist for ongoing treatment. Niamh had her brace fitted in October 2025. The family say it cannot be unhooked as it is glued to her teeth. She says the practice adjusted it only once in eight months. "They're pointless, they're not doing anything. I'd happily have it off tomorrow but you need someone to remove it," adds Niamh.
The General Dental Council (GDC), which regulates individual dental professionals, advises affected private patients to get in touch with the Dental Complaints Service. It says where practice owners do not respond, patients can contact their debit or credit card provider.
Teens With Braces Left Without Care After Cornwall Orthodontist Shuts