How much do braces cost

TL;DR All types of braces work by gradually moving misaligned teeth into alignment. Your choice of braces are dependent on your budget, aesthetic, and how confident you are in self managing your treatment. Below we have broken down the average cost of different braces to help you find a budget friendly treatment that matches your needs.

Find our more about Smile White clear aligners

Potential additional costs

Braces are most effective when applied to healthy teeth. Dentist and orthodontist lead treatments may incur additional costs to treat issues including cavities and gum disease before braces can be effective. Please check your oral health with your dentist before considering braces.

In this guide:

• Types of braces
• Braces on finance
• How braces work
• How long will i need to wear braces
• What impacts the cost of braces
• Benefits of braces
• Making an informed decision

Types of braces

When you think of braces, most people visualise a metal train track running across teeth. There are actually many different types of braces including aligners that offer the same results as metal braces but without the inconvenience and with a much improved aesthetic.

Lingual Braces

Lingual braces are the most expensive type of orthodontics, costing between £3,000 and £7,000 at your private dentist. Lingual braces are attached to the inside of your teeth (tongue side) and are the most outwardly aesthetically pleasing choice.

Clear Aligners

Clear aligners cost between £1,200 and £5,500 and offer relatively rapid teeth straightening without wires. Available from brands including Smile White and Invisalign, your local dentist will create a 3D scan of your mouth and fit your clear aligners once they are manufactured. Swap aligners to the next set every 2 weeks at home to progress your treatment.

Self Ligating Braces

Self ligating braces cost between £2,000 and £6,000 and offer a more streamlined experience compared to standard metal or ceramic braces. These braces are less pronounced and use self-tightening gates that rescue your need to visit the dentist.

Ceramic Braces

Ceramic braces cost between £2,000 and £4,500 and are a more aesthetically pleasing alternative to basic metal braces. These braces use coloured ceramic instead of metal to reduce any attention being drawn to your mouth.

Metal Braces - The NHS’s choice for under 18’s

Metal braces cost between £1,500 and £3,000 from a private dentist. This makes them a low cost teeth straightening technique that is the default choice of NHS dentists. Metal braces are the least aesthetically pleasing type of orthodontic.

Braces on finance

Getting braces can mean a significant investment in cash and time. To help spread the cost many orthodontists offer finance packages.

Finance free NHS braces for under 18’s

The NHS provides orthodontic care for children under 18 years of age. This is assessed based on the IOTN (Index of orthodontic treatment) rating system. This provides treatment for major overcrowding and jaw problems that affect speech and your ability to eat.

Braces on a dental plan

If you subscribe to a dental plan you may be eligible for braces within the plan. Please check with your dentist to see if you qualify.

Buy braces with a loans

You may be able to finance your braces by getting a loan. Many orthodontists partner with finance providers to help you spread the cost. Loan amounts, APR and duration can all affect the final cost.

Buy braces on a credit card

Many people opt to spread the cost of their braces by paying on a credit card. This typically has the highest interest rates and would potentially cost the most of any of the finance packages here and is only recommended if you intend to pay off the debt quickly.

Braces on dental insurance

If you have private health insurance or health insurance as a work perk then you may be eligible to get braces on partial payments or finance.

How braces work

All types of braces work by gradually moving teeth into alignment. This helps to correct a wide range of issues including cross bite, overbite, underbite, crowding, twisted teeth, malocclusions, open bite and can help lengthen short teeth and reduce long teeth.

The teeth straightening process

For metal braces, ceramic, lingual and self ligating braces teeth straightening is achieved by manipulating the tension in a wire which is fixed to your teeth. This applies gentle pressure to each tooth, pushing and pulling teeth into new positions over time.

For clear aligners, the wires, hooks, springs and bands are replaced with a plastic retainer that is modelled on your teeth's current position with slight modifications. This helps move your teeth into a more optimal alignment. Replace your aligners every 2 weeks with the next in your set to progress your treatment. Repeat until you have straight teeth.

How long will i need to wear braces

The length of your treatment and associate costs is directly related to the severity of your alignment issues. This is typically placed into 3 categories of treatment.

Minor alignment: 4 - 6 months

Minor alignment issues are classified as a small number of upper or lower teeth are slightly out of alignment. You will need to wear braces for between 4 and 6 months to achieve straight teeth.

Moderate alignment: 6 - 12 months

Moderate alignment issues cover a greater number of teeth, or teeth that have a higher degree of misalignment.You will need to wear braces for between 6 and 12 months to achieve straight teeth.

Severe alignment: 12+ months

Severe misalignment typically covers high degrees of cross bite, overbite, underbite, crowding, twisted teeth, malocclusions and open bite across both upper and lower teeth.You will need to wear braces for over 12 months, potentially several years, to achieve straight teeth.

What impacts the cost of braces

There are many factors that can impact the cost of braces. These include:

Type of brace

Cheapest braces

Clear Aligners are the cheapest type of braces. They are also the most convenient and aesthetically pleasing type of braces available on the market today. This is mainly due to the pay monthly and DIY treatment model used.

Medium priced braces

Metal, ceramic and self ligating braces occupy the middle ground. These require a dentist or orthodontist to apply them, followed by regular visits to make adjustments.

Most expensive braces

Clear aligners and lingual braces are the most expensive types of braces. Again these require a dentist or orthodontist to apply them. Lingual braces are more challenging to fit and maintain. Clear aligners are the latest innovation and have a higher cost as a result.

Complexity/length of treatment

The more complex your alignment issues, the more labour intensive your treatment, the more expensive your braces will become.

Metal, ceramic, lingual and self ligating braces all require multiple visits to the dentist. This will increase your costs over time.

The cost of clear aligners are only affected the severity of your case. This makes them the cheapest teeth straightening treatment available today.

Location of your dentist or orthodontist

Inner city dental clinics will be more expensive compared to out of town or rural dental practices. This may mean it is more cost effective to travel out of the city to get a cheaper treatment.

Medical fees

Fees can vary between dental practices. Please take the time to find a provider that meets your budget.

Benefits of braces

Using braces to straighten your teeth can have a profound effect on your life. We have listed just a few of these benefits below.

Improve your dental health

Straightening your teeth provides many benefits. Teeth are easier to clean and floss, gum health improves, and teeth get fewer cavities. Your bite improves, teeth wear more evenly, and jaw pain caused by misalignment can potentially be improved.

Eat what you like

Enjoying a good meal is one of life's many pleasures. You may find that you are able to not only enjoy a more varied diet but also enjoy social situations more with straighter teeth.

Enhanced appearance and confidence

Braces can change your face shape and improve your jawline. Many of our customers comment on how having straight teeth has improved their self confidence in social situations. Having a bright welcoming smile can leave a great first impression and help you live your best life.

Long-term cost savings

Compared to an aligned smile, misaligned teeth can cause more enamel wear, tooth decay and gum disease amongst other problems. This can lead to more frequent visits to your dentist and increased dental bills over time.

Long-term benefits from a short-term investment

The question asked by many customers is how much would having straight teeth impact my life. If you feel that this impact is worth the cost then getting braces is a great investment.

Making an Informed Decision

Speak to your dentist or orthodontist

It is important that you only undergo treatment that has been advised by an orthodontic professional. This will help you to better understand your treatment options, risks, manage your expectations of the final result and on-going after care requirements.

Questions to ask during your consultation

1. What types of braces would best help treat my condition and why?
2. How long will I need to wear braces?
3. What are the short and long term costs associated with my treatment?
4. Are there any risks associated with my treatment?
5. How frequently will I need to visit my orthodontist to progress my treatment?
6. When can I start and what do you need from me?

Final Thoughts

With so many treatment options and costs available it is important that you find a treatment that best suits your circumstances. Consider your personal needs, financial situation and long term health goals before making any decisions.

Balance cost, benefits, and needs

While cost will always be a major factor in your choice of orthodontic braces, you should also consider the reputation of your supplier, view case studies and read reviews to help you make an informed decision. Remember you can always ask for a second opinion and check any recommended treatments.

If your main concern is aesthetics then lingual braces, clear aligners could be on your shortlist. These braces offer an almost invisible type of treatment, helping you to remain confident.

If you are concerned about braces restricting your lifestyle then clear aligners offer the most flexibility. Remove your aligners to eat your favourite foods, when playing sport and in social situations giving you the ultimate flexibility.