Every year more and more families are being forced to seek private orthodontic help for their children because they have been refused NHS funding. They are being told that because their needs are classed as purely cosmetic then they don't matter. Our children are not being treated like human beings, but profit margins. They are being denied help that in reality is about more than just their physical appearance- it is also about their mental well-being. The world is already telling our children that unless they look a certain way then they won't be accepted by society and by denying them basic orthodontic care they are being made to feel worthless. The application process for orthodontic care isn't straightforward and it can actually take years for an application to be refused and during this time it means that a child's dental needs can become progressively worse and end up costing already financially stretched families even more. Jokes are made about UK people having the worst looking teeth but is it any wonder when those in need are being denied help. There are finance payment plans for orthodontic care, but if it can't be paid off in a short space of time then it incurs interest thus adding more financial strain to families. All I am asking is that the appliaction process be made easier and that for the 5 Grade system used to assess orthodontic needs be less stringent. Stop treating our children like products that can be used to make a profit.